We are excited to introduce a new series called “Beyond the Booth.” This series aims to highlight the exceptional employees in the events industry. This will be a mixture of professional and personal questions illustrating their unique personality. Cynthia Osepchuk has graciously agreed to be our first “Beyond the Booth” feature.

Question: What initially got you interested in your current field of work?
Answer: Planning dinner parties with my mom, then student council in high school, and working in restaurants and hospitality.

Question: What energizes you about your career in events?
Answer: Watching the faces of people light up when they make impactful connections. Seeing the awe and intrigue when you plan a creative or unique event.

Question: What’s the best career advice you’ve ever heard?
Answer: It is really about the people around you more than the work itself. A culture of collaboration and respect has been the most inspirational in my career.

Question: What’s your favorite conference/tradeshow/event to attend?
Answer: Any event that can surprise me with something I haven’t seen before…or a really amazing educational program where my notebook overfills with great ideas

Question: Do you have a professional mentor?
Answer: Yes! I think it is crucial for everyone progressing in their career to have a mentor. It doesn’t have to be formal – it can be someone you admire, someone you go to for advice, or just a really solid friend or colleague you know will guide you when you need it. My mentor probably wouldn’t consider herself my mentor – but I hold her in such high regard and I know I can reach out to her for guidance at any point – long walks with the dogs to talk through your problems have been the best mentoring that I have ever received.

Question: What’s your favorite way to spend a day off?
Answer: Outdoors with friends and my dog and then a good glass of wine and a movie.

Question: What was the last TV show you binge-watched?
Answer: Downton Abbey – for the third time!

Question: What song always gets you out on the dance floor?
Answer: Any good pop song from my teen years would do the trick!

Question: What’s the phone app you use most?
Answer: My email app – being in this events industry means you need to be on top of things all the time.

Thanks so much, Cynthia!