12 Days of JR Global Events Team

12-29-2022 / Priscilla Blevins

Team (8)

How did you get started in the events industry?

I had started my path to be an Insurance Agent and became certified then realized this was not what I really wanted to do with my life. So I started temping and working for various companies in different roles to see what I liked and didn’t like, when I did a job for Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) and they were coming up on their big conference and one of their exhibitors needed help in their booth and asked if I would be willing to help out. As I worked the booth and walked around looking at all the various things happening throughout the week and the vast undertaking to put on an event like this for 25K+ people, I wanted to learn more on how this was done and now here I am today still learning and having fun in the events industry.

What was it like over the past 2 years during covid for you personally and professionally?

It was hard in the beginning, being laid off made me feel not good enough, even though I knew it was a business decision not personal. Then I realized it’s not just me who this affected. As I settled into our industry being desecrated, I used the time to get certified in several new areas, COVID Compliance, Digital Event Strategist and several other digital and av courses. Then after taking 6 months to just breathe again, I reached out to several third-party companies and started contracting and loved it as this allowed me to take work on my schedule and also to handle personal changes, like moving from Texas to Michigan.

What did you learn about yourself and the industry?

I learned what my experience is worth and to not be afraid to charge for it, and that no matter what our industry will survive because people always want to get together to strategize, network and just be with each other.

What would you do if you were NOT in the events industry?

Not sure, but I know it would involve helping others in some capacity.

What do you do in your spare time?

I love to spend time with my family and friends, reading every chance I get, trying new craft beers/breweries, and just recently started going to the gym again.