Yep, me again. I had so much fun taking over this space while editor Danica Tormohlen was on maternity leave that I’ve decided to take back the spot permanently. Danica has determined that two children under four require a little more flexibility than regular office hours afford, so she’s moving to a contributing editor position with hours she sets as needed. And I get to go back to sharing my many opinions and commentaries with you.

Updating my editorial skills isn’t the only old job I’ve taken on lately. I’m also revisiting my days as a show manager. EXPO’s Green Event Summit in June has me selling booth space, recruiting speakers, preparing content and booking hotel rooms. And you know what? I remember now how hard your job is — and how stressful! I’m having more sleepless nights now than I ever do as a publisher.

First, I worried about the booth sales. It’s a new event. Would people have faith we could get the right audience there? Would I hit my goal? (OK, so you’ll laugh hysterically when I tell you my goal was three booths, but I was nervous! I’m with a new company — I need to look good.)

Next came the program content. Greening your show is a complex topic with few industry experts. I spent weeks recruiting 17 speakers for various panels and presentations. And then more weeks working with each one to outline the sessions and prepare the Power Points. And again there’s the worry. Are we going in-depth enough to make people feel they got a return on their travel and time investment? Will they leave our event with bankable ideas?

Then, as if I hadn’t had enough, I started losing sleep over attendance. What if no one shows up? Are show organizers really ready to green their shows, or is it just a lot of talk? What if people think the registration price is too high, or they don’t want to travel to the West Coast? Were June dates really the best option?

Add to all this that we’re trying to produce this event in as green a way as possible – very little direct mail, green booth options, recyclable and compostable paper products on site, organic and locally grown food, etc.

I just don’t have the fortitude for this job. As much as I loved being a meeting planner and show manager, I have to tell you, it’s so much easier being a publisher. I know I’ve said it here before — if I make a mistake in the magazine, 30 days later I can correct it. If you make a mistake on a show — especially a new event — you might never get a second chance.

So, hats off to you all. You have my respect and admiration. It’s a nerve-racking job, and, frankly, I’m glad you’re all doing it and not me.

To close the loop, I exceeded my goal of three booths, we’re about as green an event as we can be, and as of press date we’ve already hit our projected attendance numbers. But what if there’s fog in San Francisco and a speaker doesn’t make it in….or…..