IAEE Member Spotlight on Marie Browne

Hometown: Fairfield, CT

University of Education: University of CT / Baruch College

How long have you been an IAEE member? 20+ years

How did you start your career in this industry?

I began my career as Director of Membership at a non-profit in NYC that trained women to start and grow businesses. My job included running the National Conference for Women in Business with speakers such as Oprah and Martha Stewart. I then moved to CT and took a role leading marketing for a company that produced trade shows in Russia. A spin-off of that company was acquired by Reed and 20 years later, I'm still excited to be in the events industry (despite Covid).

 How has IAEE shaped your career?

I have only been actively involved in IAEE over the past several years, most recently as a Board member. I don't like to spend too much time regretting past mistakes, but I wish I would have been involved much earlier. Being a part of IAEE is a great way to learn about and network with the industry.

What advice would you give to a new member?

Don't be a passive member like the old me. Learn from my mistakes and take an active role.

What community service projects do you like to be involved in? Why?

During Covid-19, I have forced my family to join me in making 20 lunches per week for an organization that helps economically disadvantaged people in the area. It's a great organization and it's a very small thing we can do to help those who are struggling with hunger during the pandemic. It's taken us since March, but we finally mastered the home assembly line of lunch prep and bagging.

What would you say is the #1 IAEE member benefit?

Industry updates, education and networking. I guess that's three.

What do you like most about Expo! Expo!?

Networking F2F!

How do you use CEIR research, and what reports have you downloaded?

I constantly use the CEIR research. It helps with short and long-term strategic planning.

Fun fact about you - What is one thing most people don't know about you?

Sadly, not many fun facts to share but I will share one of my New Year's Resolutions - I am a runner but haven't cross-trained so I'm weak! My resolution is to go from 0-3 pull-ups in 2021. I am putting it out there so now I'm accountable.