Leading in Action
IMEX AMERICA 2015 - FUTURE LEADERS FORUM
"Future Leaders"
I was one of 8 SDSU students selected to attend this event in Las Vegas last year. It is first and foremost a trade show for the incentive travel, meetings, and events industry. That said there is tons of tourism boards, exhibition services, vendors, and everything in between showcasing what they have to offer. Apart from the trade show is the Future Leaders Forum which is a two day workshop for students. Here we had speaker panels, interactive team building, round table sessions, and one on one time with industry professionals. The whole point was to pass on knowledge, answer questions, and inspire the next generation of future industry leaders: us!
I felt very fortunate to have been offered this opportunity to attend. I was able to make some great contacts and meet professionals that came from all walks of life. It was interesting to hear some peoples background story and how they got into the industry and became successful. I recall one lady in particular that had once been a teacher, an animal trainer, and a dancer before getting into event.s. She told us to make sure we did not compromise ourselves too much just to get a job. For example, If having a nose ring was very important to us, then we should seek out an organization that would allow it. It may not be easy, but in the end it would be worth it. She was very refreshing to listen to because most of our lives we are told to fit the mold. But to be a true leader we must actually walk to the beat of our own drum.