EXPO: Looking back over the past year, Cygnus Business Media has undergone a number of senior staff changes, including the departure of Paul Mackler and Jeff Price. From your vantage point, how have these changes affected Cygnus and its strategic plans for the future? How will those plans affect the ongoing work of the exhibition division?

Thompson: Change provides new opportunity to evolve. Over the last year or so, we’ve worked to further develop our integrated platform to benefit our customers. The expo division is working more closely with each of our sister divisions to identify and implement new programs that will give our attendees the practical training they need, as well as give our exhibitors the increased exposure. I don’t want to reveal just yet what some of those programs are.

EXPO: How would you characterize your leadership style?

Thompson: I believe it’s important to work closely as a team, to identify clear goals, and to provide the coaching and support needed to help people achieve those goals. Tracking progress is important, working together to determine what additional resources are needed, and finding them. I want people to feel motivated and empowered to achieve great things.

EXPO: There are a lot of women who organize exhibitions, but there are few women in senior management at these companies. Why do you think that is? What personal traits or skills do you believe have helped you develop your career?

Thompson: I think that this is a matter of natural progression. More and more women are becoming involved with organizing shows and, as that number increases and their careers develop, more and more of these women will take on senior-level positions. As for me, having a positive attitude is perhaps my best career-development asset. That combined with the ability to listen and really hear what someone is saying, and then to be able to take that information and put ideas into action.

EXPO: Is there a particular marketing campaign or initiative that stands out in your mind?

Thompson: We’ve had several award-winning campaigns, so to choose a favorite one is tough. In my mind, the best campaigns are those that are creative and consistent — that deliver a clear message to a key audience. We’ve been able to do some very creative, cost-effective marketing through partnerships we have with our sister publications and Web sites. Promotions like glue-on covers, belly bands, tip-ins, targeted e-mail blasts and
editorial sections that highlight our events have been very effective for us.

EXPO: As you take over leadership of Cygnus Expositions, what’s on the horizon that you’re most excited about?

Thompson: We’re working on programs that will allow us to elevate the importance of our events for our customers and help them to meet their ever-expanding marketing objectives. At the forefront are cutting-edge interactive programs that will extend the life of our events and increase the number of people we reach. A lot of these programs are in the development and testing stages right now, so I can’t get into any more detail than that. There’s so much potential from a marketing standpoint, I can’t help but be excited about it.