Our series aims to highlight the exceptional employees in the events industry. Each Beyond the Booth feature will be a mixture of professional and personal questions illustrating their unique personality. Carol Hall provides a glimpse into her life. Carol is the Event Sales Manager, at the American Psychological Association.

Question: What initially got you interested in your current field of work?
Answer: My original 1980s role in advertising sales was expanded to include exhibit space and, eventually, sponsorship sales. And I quickly developed an interest in the events industry..

Question: What energizes you about your career in events?
Answer: People! Our exhibitors, our sponsors, and industry connections — I am always learning from them and I enjoy the relationships.

Question: What’s the best career advice you’ve ever heard?
Answer: Keep the “can’t do this” jar on a shelf. Focus your attention on what can be done, and what might be possible.

Question: What’s your favorite conference/tradeshow/event to attend?
Answer: The one that I plan! : ) There is no greater professional reward than seeing your year-long efforts come to life.

Question: Do you have a professional mentor?
Answer: My boss, who I have known since 1982 when she hired me to fill an advertising sales role. We quickly developed a strong professional relationship that over the years also grew into an amazing friendship, which we have maintained throughout the years — even when I was working for other organizations. In 2016 when my current role at APA needed to be filled, we both knew it was the perfect fit. We have mutual respect for each other, and our varying perspectives make collaboration and forward-thinking easy and effective.

Question: What’s your favorite way to spend a day off?
Answer: Escape from technology and get outside, read a book, cook, do a puzzle, etc.

Question: What was the last TV show you binge-watched?
Answer: Alone. I am wowed by people who are so incredibly fearless!

Question: What song always gets you out on the dance floor?
Answer: Enigma by Lady Gaga

Question: What’s the phone app you use most?
Answer: Spotify

Thanks so much, Carol for participating in Beyond the Booth!