Camille Stern, Sr. Vice President, Strategic Account Management, of Spargo, Inc.
Hometown: Annandale, Virginia
University of Education: Johnson & Wales University
How long have you been an IAEE member? 20+
IAEE Chapter: DC Chapter
How did you start your career in this industry?
I received my degree in Hotel, Tourism Management – back before it was popular (1986). Then I moved to DC and started in the Meetings Department at the Travel Industry Association (now US Travel) as a secretary (yes – dating myself!) , but progressed to Meetings Coordinator, then Manager. I stayed with the Association 5 years – and quickly knew this was an industry that would last my entire career
How has IAEE shaped your career?
IAEE has brought enhanced education – as well as amazing friendships – to my life and my career. I’ve been fortunate to be involved in MATSO, as well as the Education Chair for Expo! Expo! the past two years. (Does the COVID year even count?)
What advice would you give to a new member?
Get involved right away – and don’t be afraid to ask for help or advice. If there is one industry that is always willing to mentor – this is the industry!
Fun fact about you – What is one thing most people don’t know about you?
I wanted to be Julie McCoy on the Love Boat (I mean – who didn’t, right?) and planning Meetings was as close as I could get without living on a ship!
What do you like most about your chapter?
The comraderly. The Washington DC Chapter is just — HUGE! So many wonderful, like-minded people – who always put Customer Service first.
What community service projects do you like to be involved in? Why?
I’m very involved in my church, heading outreach projects that involve feeding students in lower income areas (having a child go to bed with a full stomach increases their learning capabilities), as well as regular volunteering at the Nursing Home down the street from our church.
What would you say is the #1 IAEE member benefit?
Wow – that is a tough one. There are so many benefits. But I guess the ability to learn from peers who are facing the same challenges in our industry. The network of people to draw experiences from is never-ending.
What do you like most about Expo! Expo!?
I like the fact that the IAEE team really focuses on education and how to bring a diverse agenda of information to those who are attending.
How do you use CEIR research, and what reports have you downloaded?
We provide quarterly reports to CEIR, given that we have so many shows in our portfolio. Then it is nice to see where we stand across the industry and how we can make improvements for our clients.
Without using a specific company name, what new technology on the market can you just not live without? Why?
Personally, or professionally? 🙂 My uber app. LOL! Works everywhere (worldwide!)
How do you currently use social media for your events?
We use social media in two ways – to push information on upcoming events, but we also use it as part of our Registration system to get attendees to also push information out. Increase the network – spread the wealth!
