Meet Jessica Sibila Executive Director, The Exhibitor Advocate
Collaboration allows us to know more than we can know by ourselves.
The name Jessica Sibila might be unfamiliar to some of you, but I have been a part of the exciting and often challenging event management industry for over twenty years.
Background
Like so many of you, I fell into the industry and then fell in love with the industry.
My career began when I interviewed for an operations role in a company that produced trade shows. Admittedly I knew very little about trade shows but three weeks after being hired, I was on a plane to my first event and I’ve never looked back.
The opportunity to lead and grow The Exhibitor Advocate fulfills my dream of giving exhibitors both a voice, and the tools, to advocate for themselves in this industry. One of the major goals of we have is offering support to one another as we navigate the challenges and intricacies of the events we manage.
Exhibit Managers wear multiple hats and are often the sole responsible individual and main source of information for events they manage. The wealth of experience embedded in The Exhibitor Advocate is a group of like-minded, seasoned experts in the field, that are passionately invested in sharing and building our knowledge base.
Common Ground
I’ve walked in your shoes…almost literally! I’ve been the exhibit manager on the show floor crawling through refrigerated trucks and hauling boxes to my booth. I’ve managed both large and small booths at trade showsand consumer shows. I’ve set a corporate event strategy with a $12+ Million budget and developed the strategy and execution plan for investor conferences that positioned our business as the darling of the industry.
I know the shock of receiving a $30K drayage invoice, when I only had a budget of $8K, stepping up and stepping in to negotiate a win-win resolution for my company.
I love the people I’ve worked with in this industry and have built lasting relationships. The Teamsters, Carpenters and Decorators taught me the complexities and rules that govern a trade show. I learned how to be safe and to channel my creativity to get things done. Those relationships I made at my very first show endure to this day.
Become an Agent for Change
We talk Internally about things we wish would change within our industry, but there is often no clear path or guidance on implementing change. The Exhibitor Advocate is that opportunity – offering solutions for event marketers and investing in your success. The resources and tools we provide offer a forum for exhibitors to collaborate and be agents of change within our industry.
What The Exhibitor Advocate Needs From You
We need you to make this industry successful! Exhibitors are a critical element of this ecosystem and your voice should be heard. There is no cost to become a member. I invite you to visit our website and join our LinkedIn group.
- Stay on top of industry news and access resources and tools to help you in your role.
- Tell us the short term and long-term resources you need to be successful.
- Share your challenges and success stories!
Amplify Your Voice
I believe in finding new paths for collaboration and resolution and I’m not afraid to try new things. These are traits that have positioned me well for this role, but I need your voice to make us all successful!
The Exhibitor Advocate focuses on amplifying the voice of the exhibitor and that requires all stakeholders to participate. We encourage show organizers, suppliers, associations, general service contractors to join us!