Smart Meetings September 2022 Digital Issue - 11

Nanci " Plan B! " Parks Gage MBA
Director of Marketing and Patient Programs, Proton Therapy
Partners and Executive Director, The Changing Lives Foundation
Motivation
Because of the industry I'm in, radiation therapy, ultimately everything I do, even if it needs to be extrapolated a
bit, is for patients. That is, quite simply, the best and biggest motivator. Unfortunately, everyone has a " connection "
with cancer and I feel like everything I do is for everyone in one way or another. Given that ultimate servant
leadership as my base, there are still the mundane and menacing things that must be addressed, but I take pride
in rising to the challenge, presenting a solution and executing at the best-of-the-best level. The reason behind
every meeting, every event, is more fulfilling to the participants than we realize. They want this too! Everyone
wants connection and recognition and what I do allows others to get that! Experiences make the best memories
and the best experiences elevate memories exponentially!
Nanci Gage
Brandon " DJ Next Slide " Paski PMP, CCO
Sr Digital Event Producer, Alation
Motivation
For in-person events, it was always being able to give people an experience, a memory, and see and
hear their reactions. The same holds true for online events; it's just slightly different. Seeing the chat light
up when a production idea or a session just works and resonates with the audience is just as much of a
rush as hearing a crowd cheer. It takes more effort for someone to type their praise in the chat than clap,
so I always keep that in mind while producing.
Brandon Paski
Maribel " Relationship Builder " Ramirez Bowles
Events & Meetings Director, Texas CASA, Inc.
Motivation
Helping children and families. I work for an organization whose local programs serve children and families
experiencing the foster care system. These families have a lot to say and teach us, but not a lot of places
where that can happen. I am changing that at our meetings and events by bringing them to the planning table.
With their guidance, we are designing programming that goes beyond their stories. The goal is to feature their
successes, elevate their voices and learn how we can better advocate for them, from them. If something does
not go as planned, I ask myself, " Will this make or break the program? " Ninety percent of the time it will not, so I
adjust and move forward, always relying on my industry partners to help me resolve the issue.
Maribel Bowles
Keshena " Strategizer " Patterson CFMP
Manager of Global Accounts, HelmsBriscoe
Motivation
I am an ambitious person. I strive to be better each day to help clients efficiently and
continue to perfect my skills and communications. That way, the work I am putting in
will speak for itself and my business will naturally expand.
Keshena Paterson
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Smart Meetings September 2022 Digital Issue

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Smart Meetings September 2022 Digital Issue