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IAEE Awards Spotlight on B.Murphy: 2017 Volunteer of the Year Award Winner

Congratulations B. Murphy from Fern on earning the 2017 Volunteer of the Year Award! Read how B got the IAEE DC chapter more involved with local charities and making an impact with the community.

By Mary Tucker, Sr. PR/Communications Manager

b-murphy-2015-299x299B. Murphy, CEM, National Sales Manager for Fern, has more than 20 years of experience in the industry and nearly a decade as an IAEE member during which he has been very active on both local and national levels, such as serving on the CEM Commission and Chapter Leaders Council. B. has proven himself to be a motivated and inspirational leader who has broken down barriers, engaged the industry, and has strived to be, and do, his very best in any situation. He has built a reputation for volunteering without hesitation and as a friendly face at numerous industry functions and events.

B.’s community outreach on behalf of his local chapter includes coordinating two volunteer opportunities per year at the Capital Area Food Bank, in which he is quite successful at engaging members to volunteer on behalf of the chapter. As Chapter Chairperson for the D.C. Chapter in 2017, he aligned the chapter with Friends of Guest House, a 501(c)(3) charity that helps Northern Virginia women successfully re-enter the community after incarceration.

These examples of B.’s commitment to the industry, as well as involving the industry in contributing to the development of his local community, earned him the 2017 Volunteer of the Year Award. He was honored for his achievements during Expo! Expo! IAEE’s Annual Meeting & Exhibition 2017 this past November in San Antonio, Texas. Here, B. shares with IAEE readers his approach to industry and community involvement, and his passion for “giving back.”

Murphy_B at Expo Expo
B. Murphy, CEM (left) and IAEE President & CEO David DuBois, CMP, CAE, FASAE, CTA (right) at the Annual Networking Luncheon & Awards Presentation during Expo! Expo! IAEE’s Annual Meeting & Exhibition held 28-30 November 2017 in San Antonio, Texas.

IAEE: Your background prior to entering the industry includes diverse experiences such as working as a musical performer and a radio deejay. What have you found useful from those careers that you apply today to your exhibitions and events career? 

B.: “Know Your Audience” and always strive to give them MORE than they expect!

IAEE: As Chapter Chairperson in 2017, what was your vision for the chapter and what are you most proud of during your term?

B.: My vision for the chapter in 2017 was “Transparency, Engagement and Inclusion,” starting with the activities of the Board of Directors and permeating throughout the membership. By doing this, we get more people involved with the chapter on many levels. I am most proud of how the members of the D.C. Chapter rallied around and supported all of the “NEW” – and in some cases, unexpected – activities that came up during 2017. 

IAEE: You have been commended on your ability to motivate people to participate in the chapter’s various community works. What do you find compels folks to give back to the community, and what is your approach to volunteerism?

B.: I believe in leading by example. I am quick to remind our people how BLESSED we are to be working in this industry, which is often misunderstood. I am passionate about “giving back” to the communities in which we live and work. I find that our people are equally as passionate. All I had to do was harness the passion!

IAEE: You have been very active in IAEE throughout various committees/task forces/councils. Which has been your favorite and why?

B.: I have thoroughly enjoyed EVERY committee/task force/council that I have had the good fortune to work with. I am so totally vested in IAEE that any opportunity to serve is an honor for me. Having said that, I would say that my favorite was when I worked with Karen Miller on her Special Events Committee. She must have recognized something in me, because when she became chair of the chapter she made me the chair of the committee. The rest is HISTORY!  Whenever I see Karen I remind her that “it’s all her fault!”

IAEE: In addition to your chapter’s activities, you are very active in IAEE’s CEM Commission. Why do you consider the CEM designation beneficial, and what would you tell someone considering earning his or her CEM?

B.: I tell people who are just starting their CEM journey that they are embarking on obtaining an Industry designation that is recognized all over the world, and yet we are a very small (and select) group of people when you consider the number of CEMs worldwide. I believe the CEM designation is a testament of one’s dedication to our industry. I intend for my tombstone to read:  B. Murphy, CEM.

IAEE: You have also contributed to future generations of the industry through mentorship. Why do you feel it is important to serve as a mentor? And, what are the lasting lessons you hope to impart on your protégés?

B.: I believe in being a mentor because throughout my life I have had mentors!  People who would take the time to guide and advise me, not just in the Industry – but through life!  The most lasting lesson I can impart on any of my protégés is: “Believe in yourself – nobody else has to; and know that, in this industry, you are only limited by your own doubts!”

IAEE is now accepting nominations for the 2018 IAEE Awards! Get complete details, including award criteria and deadline information here!

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