IAEE sat down with Bob Morgan, General Manager of the Dulles Expo Center to learn more about his industry experience and his unique perspective of the Public Events/Consumer Shows segment of the exhibition industry. Bob has been a member of IAEE for 17 years and is heavily involved with the association serving on the National Board of Directors, Public Events Council as the Chair and an Advocacy Committee member.
How did you get your start in the exhibitions industry?
I started as a convention sales manager at the Valley Forge Convention Center in Philadelphia.
What advice would you give a new IAEE member or person joining the exhibitions community?
Become engaged in the industry by volunteering for a committee or council in the association. I have found this very rewarding and it has given me the opportunity to make industry friendships that have benefited me both professionally and personally.
What is the biggest challenge in running your facility?
Managing the exhibitors (vendors) is without a doubt the biggest challenge and most of my clients (the show producers) will agree. From trying to get them to follow facility rules, not causing damage to the facility, to paying for their facility services, they are our biggest challenge.
Tell us a fun fact or story that most people would not know about you.
Prior to entering the exhibition facility industry I was a sales representative in fine wine (domestic and imported).
Any final words for our readers?
Having the opportunity to meet, interact and learn from leading members of the exhibitions industry at Expo! Expo! each year along with the education IAEE makes available, has provided learning experiences I have found invaluable for both my industry related and individual development.
