Chapter News

June Member Spotlight

Gary Schirmacher – Senior Vice President, Industry Presence & Strategic Development

Experient, A Maritz Global Events Company – RMPCMA Member since 1996

Why did you join RMPCMA?  In January of 1996 I took a job with Conferon and moved from Chicago to Denver. Having been a member of the Midwest Chapter for a few years, it was natural for me to start attending RMPCMA Events right away in order to get to know people locally.

Have you attended the National Convention?  If so, # of times and what did you enjoy most? I’ve attended Convening Leaders every year since 1997 except for the year it was held in Indianapolis. I worked operations on the 1993 Annual Meeting when I was Director of Guest Services at the Hyatt Regency Chicago.

What have you found to be most beneficial being a member of RMPCMA?  The relationships I’ve made over the years have been critical to my personal success and the success of our company in Denver

What advice would you give to a person just entering this profession?  Force yourself to find ways to get out of your comfort zone. Sit with and talk to people you don’t know as much as possible. Own your “stage” professionally and personally.

How did you get in this business and what attracted you to this business?  Back in the early 1980s I was planning formals for my Sigma Pi Fraternity Chapter at Arkansas State University which led to a job at the National Office where I planned the 1986 Convocation held at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City.

  What is your favorite book (business and/or pleasure)?  What did you love about it?   My favorite author is Lee Child who’s character is Jack Reacher. I have every hard cover edition of his 20 plus novels and have bought them the day they have come out. Having taken 2 years of speed reading in college, I usually finish the book in about four hours. What did you love about it? Reacher helps people out of tough situations and walks away without looking for any glory or recognition.

What is one thing about yourself that no one knows? I’m an Eagle Scout Bronze Palm and worked at a Scout Camp for two summers. I’m also a Professional Auctioneer, having graduated from the Worldwide College of Auctioneering in 2016.

If you can meet face to face with one person (dead or alive), who would that be and why? I have met Michael Jordan before but would love to play a round of golf with him

 

 

Kelly KuceraJune Member Spotlight