PAT SCHAUMANNEveryone in the Meetings and Events Industry has heard the name Pat Schaumann. While the name may be familiar, her background or significance with the ISES Missouri Chapter may not. She has a very impressive resume and has been an inspirational leader in the industry. Named one of the 25 Most Influential People in the Meetings Industry for two consecutive years by MeetingNews Magazine, Pat Schaumann has been recognized as the industry expert from Missouri. She has impacted and influenced the actions and perceptions of her peers across the hospitality industry. In 2000, the ISES Missouri chapter named her Event Professional of the Year at the Awards Gala based on her strong example and high degree of creativity and management. In addition, she is the Vice President of Kuoni Events. As we begin our eighth year of membership, it is vital that we remember our chapter’s roots and the legacy left to us by our founding members and first chapter president, Pat Schaumann. What led you to start the ISES Missouri Chapter?
There was a group of event planners who organized a needs assessment to see if there was enough interest for a chapter in Missouri. The results were very positive and our group of founding members spent about 2 years setting up the chapter. How has the organization changed since you founded it?
The number of members has grown and the 4 generations of members has been very impactful. The caliber of speakers has changed to reflect more professional speakers. How did you enter the special events industry?
By accident, like most planners of my generation. After teaching for 7 years, I actually went back to college to work on my Masters and discovered the hospitality industry and began to take courses in it. My first job enabled me to plan meetings, events and destination management. I still, to this day, teach at 4 different colleges and universities-events, meetings and destination management. What is your favorite aspect of the special events?
The excitement of building something from nothing, the interaction and relationship with clients and vendors, and the constant awareness of the change in trends. Explain your career pathway.
After teaching at Missouri School for the Blind, I went back to school to study hospitality. My first job was with Creative Management Services who purchased St. Louis Scene. Through mergers and acquisitions the company grew to MC2 and now, Kuoni Events. I was fortunate to serve as President of our MPI chapter in St. Louis, then helped found the ISES Missouri chapter where I served as the first President for 2 years. I currently serve as President of the International Association of Destination Management Executives and have written the first book even written on the topic of destination management, The Successful Guide to Destination Management, and I am a contributing author for the CIC Manual, 7th and 8th Edition on the chapters for events and destination management. What is the best advice that you were ever given?
The harder you work, the luckier you will be. Where do you foresee the special events industry going?
Continued growth. The media has brought special events to the forefront with movies and TV series depicting special event planners. And magazines sensationalize our industry. If you were an animal, what would you be? Why?
I would be a bear so that I could finally get some much needed R&R and hibernate for the winter. Where were you born and raised?
St. Louis, MO Where did you go to school and what was your degree?
Southeast Missouri University - Art History
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