A Full Circle Moment – From Connections to Career

In today's world, the connections one makes are critical; fusing layers of experience and skills on top of another to build an intricate career. However, in a world where everyone is rapidly grasping to shape their career, it is sometimes the connections you make early on that are the most important for a successful build. That was exactly the case for Communications ADDvisor® Lexie Perham.

Lexie's career in advanced manufacturing began with an internship with Triad Production Group while attending Youngstown State University. The opportunity passed on to Lexie by a mutual connection outlined responsibilities, including social media, content creation, generating quarterly reports, and conducting market research. Although she had no prior experience in these areas, she was eager to learn and take on the challenge. Shortly after the initial interview, she received a call from her mentor (now TBGA colleague), Cynthia Rogers, offering her the internship. Not only did she secure the position, but she would also get paid! Talk about a college student's dream come true.

Flash forward to spring, Lexie and the Triad team traveled to Detroit, MI, to support America Makes at RAPID + TCT, and her passion for events sparked. During this trip, she was able to see the perfectly polished product (the "show floor") in person at her first tradeshow. Fresh, clean carpeting lined the aisles, the A/C was on full blast, and the lights beamed down on the floor, ready to greet eager exhibitors worldwide. After all, what isn't there to like about that?

Like most experiences in life, Lexie's year-long internship eventually concluded, signaling it was time to seek another opportunity. Armed with more experience under her belt and a few more connections, Lexie joined the TBGA team as an intern, paving the way for her college graduation.

. . .

Several years later, she received a call from an old connection, and a new opportunity at Nikon SLM Solutions was presented. As the Global Events Coordinator, Lexie had the chance to go further behind the scenes of event management. She fully embraced what it took to get to that perfectly polished product she vividly remembered at her first tradeshow years prior. The hustle and bustle of the show floor is one that most people run from - but it is one that Lexie looks forward to. Each year at RAPID + TCT, Lexie is reminded of her roots and where her advanced manufacturing journey started…a connection.

Today, at TBGA, Lexie provides event strategy and market research for advanced manufacturing customers. She notes:

“The event space is a busy one - often changing and constantly growing. With the constant growth, companies need to understand how these events align with company goals and initiatives. Anyone can participate in a show, but it comes down to participating with a purpose. Below are some things to consider when planning your event calendar:

Why are you there? Who is your target audience? What do you want to accomplish by being present? What outcomes do you hope to achieve at the show?”

Want to spruce up your event strategy and presence on the “show floor”? Next week, stop by the Neighborhood 91 booth (#2866) at RAPID + TCT in Anaheim, CA to connect with Lexie in person. She may or may not have had a connection to it!