Stephanie Willes, CEM has been planning events on some level for more than six years and is also the owner of Kairos Events & Logistics, LLC. As the Deputy Director of the International Conference on Machine Learning and Logistics Specialist of NeurIPS, she works with a team that leads the organization and execution of some of the most influential and respected international conferences on artificial intelligence and machine learning.
Stephanie’s experience includes managing exhibits (EXPO), large scale catering, budgets, and the organization and production of conference elements, including DEIA. One of her passions is using skilled communication to develop strong working relationships with global partners to ensure a smooth and successful event.
In her academic career, she is a professor, side-hustling event planner and sometimes researcher. Most of Stephanie’s event planning comes from departmental and university recruitment, but also community engagement events. From food pantry volunteer outreach, hosting a field trip with a local high school, managing speaking engagements, giving talks to potential and incoming students, and helping out with the public speaking contest, she’s done it!
Stephanie considers herself fortunate to coach high school students, undergrads and grad students to present scientific research to the general public. She even starred in a commercial for the department (“you probably haven’t seen it”).
The lower and upper-division courses Stephanie teaches focus on public speaking, critical thinking, argumentation, persuasion, rhetorical theory and qualitative research methods. Her curriculum centers around experiential learning, so students develop the skills to take high-level theoretical ideas from the classroom and implement them in real-world scenarios. Additionally, she has published research in the areas of vaccine discourse, climate change and interpersonal communication.
Here, Stephanie shares how earning the CEM designation has enhanced her knowledge of exhibition and event management.
How has the CEM designation helped in your career?
The CEM Learning Program has elevated my knowledge of the industry and provided me with esteemed designation.
Why is it important to maintain the CEM designation?
To continue to understand the industry that is ever changing.
What made you want to obtain your CEM designation?
Industry folks highly recommended the certification.
What advice would you give to an aspiring individual who wants to apply for the CEM program?
Take the in-person classes. I have made a new cohort of lifelong friends!
How did you start your career in this industry?
I started with no experience and was lucky to find the job I did. The International Conference on Machine Learning is an academic conference with an expo and was a wonderful place to start.
How have you made a difference with your show or with working with a client by applying the knowledge you gained by obtaining your CEM designation?
After taking just a few classes, I was instantly able to apply the knowledge I learned in a practical and hands-on manner.
What did you like most about the CEM Learning Program?
The networking and connections with other industry professionals.
