By Mary Tucker | Senior Communications and Content Manager | IAEE
Josie Z. Caldwell, CEM-AP, DES, has an inspiring story of transformation: she turned her deep-seated apprehension of public speaking into one of her most powerful assets through a relentless pursuit of education and self-improvement. Today, she is a charismatic educator who not only excels in her role but inspires others to conquer their own fears. Her teaching methods are infused with enthusiasm and a vibrant personality, creating an engaging environment that encourages students to embrace challenges with courage and creativity.
Gamifying the classroom has become a key foundation in Josie’s teaching methods when facilitating CEM Learning Program courses such as Floorplan Development and Strategic Planning and Management. Some examples of her innovative techniques include bingo, flash cards, word find and word scramble. She does admit to competing with her other faculty colleagues to see which Bingo card is the most creative. These informal, yet effective practices create both a sense of fun and encourages students to step outside their comfort zone to expand their knowledge base. Josie earned the “High Achiever Award” in her first year of teaching students and was praised for her thorough and fun teaching style.
Josie continues to earn high marks on her teaching evaluations as she presents classes both domestically and internationally. She has skillfully adapted her teaching methods to suit diverse audiences across various locations, including Thailand and South Korea. Her international teaching experiences highlight her versatility and commitment to education. In South Korea, she delivered comprehensive three-day courses. While in Thailand in 2023, she taught Facility and Site Selection to more than 50 eager young professionals, enhancing their knowledge and skills.
In her role with the CEM Commission, Josie has been instrumental in refining and evolving the CEM curriculum. She actively participated in reviewing and updating course materials, collaborating with other commission members to improve the program. Her dedication extends beyond teaching as she mentors new industry professionals, guiding them with her expertise and experience.
Josie’s passion and enthusiasm for teaching earned her the 2024 IAEE Bob Dallmeyer Educator of the Year Award, which was presented to her this past December at Expo! Expo! IAEE’s Annual Meeting & Exhibition in Los Angeles, California.
Here, she shares her transformative journey to becoming an award-winning educator, her innovative teaching methods, international impact, and continuing efforts to shape the future of exhibitions and events industry education.
You transformed your fear of public speaking into one of your greatest strengths. Could you walk us through that journey and share how this personal experience influences your teaching approach today?
Josie: I have spent my entire life in front of people. As an athlete, I competed in front of large crowds and always felt comfortable in the spotlight. But standing up to speak in front of a group – whether it was 5 or 900 people – unexpectedly filled me with panic when it first happened. I brushed it off as a one-time situation, but when it happened again, I realized I had a real challenge to face.
I started observing others speak and present, searching for ways to overcome the fear. Interestingly, I discovered that I’m not afraid when someone else is up there with me. My struggle is being in front of a group where I’m expected to be serious. That just doesn’t feel like me – I love having fun!
So, I decided to tackle my fear head-on. What better way to overcome it than to teach?
I still remember my first class vividly. I arrived early, filled with nerves, and confided in Jennifer Potter [IAEE Senior CEM Program Manager] about how petrified I was. She calmed me down and gave me the courage to go through with it. I kicked off the class with a little humor – I started singing Adele’s “Hello,” pretending I was a pop star. The class burst out laughing, and in that moment, everything changed.
I realized that making people laugh and having fun in the classroom is my way of overcoming the fear. It allows me to stay authentic and connect with others while keeping the nerves at bay. From that moment on, I’ve embraced teaching as an opportunity to grow, learn, and, most importantly, enjoy myself!
Your gamification techniques have become a signature part of your teaching style. What inspired you to incorporate these elements into CEM courses and what impact have you seen on student engagement and learning outcomes?
Josie: I’ve always believed that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. When I was taking CEM classes, I paid close attention to what worked in the classroom and what didn’t. I quickly realized I enjoyed group activities and competitions the most – after all, I love winning!
Incorporating games into my teaching not only makes learning more enjoyable but also energizes the students. It’s amazing to see how competitive they get, especially after the first winner receives a prize (usually a Starbucks gift card). Once that happens, the excitement in the room is contagious!
Understanding “Key Words” is essential in class, so I’ve turned learning them into an interactive game. For example, using a format like Jeopardy makes it both educational and fun. Students are engaged, motivated, and by the end of the activity, they’ve absorbed critical information without even realizing it.
Having taught in diverse international settings, how do you adapt your teaching methods to bridge cultural differences while maintaining the effectiveness of your curriculum?
Josie: I absolutely love teaching in an international setting. I’ll admit, though, that I was nervous the first time I flew to Thailand. The thought of being on a 12- to 14-hour flight, followed by a 6-hour second leg, was overwhelming. Thankfully, I’ve learned that I can handle it as long as I have sufficient legroom (being 6 feet tall, that’s a must!).
One of the most striking things I’ve noticed about international students is how seriously they take their classes. I’ll never forget a student in South Korea telling me, “I take tests very well,” with complete confidence. Their dedication to learning is truly inspiring.
That said, I’ve had to make some adjustments in how I teach. For example, I learned to slow down when I speak, as my normal pace can be too fast. This small change has made a big difference in helping students understand and engage.
As a member of the CEM Commission, what key changes or improvements have you helped implement in the curriculum, and how do these updates reflect the evolving needs of today’s exhibitions and events industry?
Josie: I served on the commission for two years and will miss being part of the group. Fresh perspectives are important for generating new ideas in the industry. I helped review Key Words to ensure consistency across workbooks and assisted with the Fellowship designation process, including being a part of a group interviewing a prospective fellow.
The ongoing changes and improvements will positively impact our industry. New ideas and refining existing ones will inspire future progress.
Looking back at your journey to becoming the 2024 IAEE Bob Dallmeyer Educator of the Year, what advice would you give to industry professionals considering stepping into teaching and/or leadership roles?
Josie: I am incredibly honored to have received this award! Having been in this industry for many years, I’ve always been deeply dedicated to its growth and success. Sharing my knowledge has always been a priority for me, and it’s something I continue to feel passionate about.
I consider myself fortunate to work in an industry I care so deeply about, alongside others who are equally committed to the success of face-to-face events. My goal is to pass along both my passion and the knowledge I’ve gained to those who share the same enthusiasm for this field.
