I’ve had the privilege of meeting many talented and successful women in the event industry, but at the very top of that list is always powerhouse Pauline Hoogmoed, the CEO of Event Solutions & Catersource. (That’s Pauline above!) She’s a true visionary, and her international story is so inspiring:
Pauline was born in Korea but grew up in both Hong Kong and New York City. She spent many years working in the food and catering business in San Francisco, Amsterdam, and Tokyo. (I told you – she’s a real globetrotter!) I also love that she attended the Event Solutions/CaterSource conferences for years before becoming the CEO in 2009.
It doesn’t surprise me that in the years she was a conference attendee, she kept a list of the things she would do to make the experience even better; she believed strongly that Event Solutions/CaterSource had the potential to be THE networking and education destination for our industry’s professionals. In other words, she had the insight of a natural CEO long before she became one.
Today, her vision and success are obvious: six years ago, Event Solutions/CaterSource had only 800 attendees. Next week, the Event Solutions’ Idea Factory conference and tradeshow in Las Vegas will welcome more than 11,000 folks!
Are you coming? I’ll be there!
I’m giving a talk on Monday and will be doing a floral demonstration on Tuesday. It’s an honor to be attending again this year, and I know that the conference — in Pauline’s capable hands — is going to be fantastic. Thanks for including me, Pauline. You’re my idol! Keep up your amazing work.
Dear Readers, who’s your idol in the event industry? Please write them a little note of hello and appreciation in the comments on this post!
P.S. If you are coming, I hope you’ll consider signing up for The Wedding Planning Institute’s Preston Bailey One-Day Signature Wedding and Event Design Certification Seminar and Internship, which is scheduled for February 25th and 26th (second day optional) at Caesar’s Palace.
I won’t be there, unfortunately, but this seminar is a wonderful way to learn all of my wedding and event design lessons in a single day! Click here for more information and to sign up.
Check Out My Facebook Fan Page
Categories: Blog, Event Solutions CEO, Event Solutions Idea Factory, Las Vegas 2012, Pauline Hoogmoed, Preston Bailey, wedding and event industry