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 Name:
Shura Lindgren
Title: General manager
Facility/Company: ESt. Charles
Convention
Center/Global Spectrum
City-State-Country: St. Charles, Mo.
Year CFE obtained: 2000
Email:
slindgren@stcharlesconventioncenter.com
In what facilities have you worked?
I started this career as a coordinator at the Amarillo, Texas
Convention Center in 1987. David Dewald was the general manager, and his
training style was a series of mini tests. He would call me into the office
and say, “There’s a problem on the Ex Hall floor; why don’t you go take a
look and come tell me what you see?”
I might go back and forth between the Hall and his office two or three times
before I got it right. One time he asked, “Any idea what you would do if we
got a bomb threat on the phone?” I tried to fake my way through it, and
finally he said, “You know, there used to be a book around here somewhere on
bomb threat procedures. Maybe you should find it and see what it says.” I
found the book, studied it and reported the next day. I think we both found
it to be almost like a game between us and somewhat fun. He came to me a few
months later and suggested I consider an open position in Midland, Texas.
I took the position of director at the Midland Center in 1988. It was a
small building and because of that I learned of and worked in every
department. The good thing about a small building is that you never have
time to get bored. Another good thing about going to Midland is that it gave
me the opportunity to get involved in IAAM, and that was one of the last
directives that David had given me.
In 1993 I took over management of the adjacent park and began to utilize it
as rentable space. The park gave us the opportunity to host much larger
events such as summer concerts and the President’s departure ceremony. In
1996 I was promoted to vice president of visitor development for the Midland
Chamber and took over the CVB as part of my responsibilities. This is where
I learned about the valuable and intricate relationship between a building
and bureau, and how to navigate the needs of both while putting the city’s
best interest first.
In 2003 I was approached at the IAAM Annual Conference and asked if I was
interested in opening/managing a new project for Global Spectrum that was
getting ready to break ground in St. Charles, Mo. I accepted that position
and remain there today. Talk about an experience. I learned that I did know
nearly as much as I thought I did. About half way through the construction
phase I swore I would never open another building; but on opening day I was
so jazzed up I couldn’t wait to use the things I had learned, to open
another one.
One year later, with a building that beat budget by 24 percent in our
inaugural partial year, I can honestly say that this experience has been a
privilege.
What is your favorite food or restaurant?
Carrumbas Mexican Restaurant in Midland, for their beef fajitas. When I
first moved to St. Charles I would get them shipped to me frozen in
individual servings.
What book are you currently reading (or what is
your favorite book)?
The first is The Giving Tree. It is a story that shows the progression of a
child, maturity, needs and love. I used to read it to my daughter Tiffany
when she was little. The book is now displayed on my bookshelf and I still
read it now and then. For Christmas, I sent Tiffany a copy in hopes she
would read it to my grandson as he grows up. The second book is The
Alchemist. It spoke to me at a time in my life when I was in turmoil and
uncertain that I was hearing God.
What CD or cassette is in your car right now?
Well, James Blunt is in my CD player but my case has everything from Michael
W. Smith, Usher and Memoirs of a Geisha to Rascal Flatts. I love musical
variety.
What is a motto, inspiration or quote by which
you try to live?
Two things really guide me in most of what I do
professionally. First, I never ask my staff to do anything I have not or
would not do myself. I tell my executive staff that I expect them to lead by
example, and I really try to do the same thing. I will get right in the
trenches with them whenever necessary. This past year I have slung chairs,
plated desserts, flipped burgers and acted as box office manager on more
than one occasion. My time in Midland taught me the power of creating value
in people and the importance of fairness.
The second thing — and really the most important one — is my faith. It has
been the cornerstone of my career and ultimately led me here to St. Charles.
I have learned through the years that if you just do the right thing, listen
to the voice that guides you and step out in faith, all ends well.
Why did you choose to pursue the CFE?
There was never a time I did not want it! I can remember
sitting in district meetings every year and listening to discussion about
the CFE, requirements for achieving it and updates from the certification
board. At that time I didn’t have the combination of experience, education
or industry participation that would allow me to apply, and it felt like a
moving target that I just could not reach.
There were so many role models I looked up to that had their CFE, and I
wanted to pattern my professional and volunteer career after theirs. I think
I always thought it would bring me credibility in the industry. I was in a
small building in Midland and I wanted acknowledgement that regardless of
the size of my facility, my knowledge was what I would be judged on.
What has been a benefit or is a benefit of
having a CFE?
I gained the credibility that I sought and the personal satisfaction of
perseverance and hard work rewarded. Knowing that I can successfully manage
a building regardless of the size or type of venue is a huge source of pride
to me. I believe it is one of the reasons I hold my position in St. Charles,
and it has contributed to my involvement in IAAM.
Would you recommend attaining CFE to other
international colleagues?
Absolutely. I believe everyone should work to attain their CFE. It is the
highest pinnacle to anyone’s career in this industry. The CFE is a statement
of experience, involvement, knowledge and expertise, and it is recognized by
the most important people in this industry: our peers. It is a process that
is rewarding and eye-opening as you sort through the paperwork that
represents your career (and, for those workaholics like me, your life).
What couldn't you live without?
Forgiveness. What a sad place this earth would be without it.
What's your most prized possession?
My photographs. I got my first camera when I was about 10 years old and have
had one ever since.
What's your favorite place on earth?
I am an avid scuba diver, and the ocean is the place I feel closest to God.
When I am diving, there is nothing that creates stress, distraction or havoc
in my mind. The only sounds I hear are those of my bubbles, and I see colors
and images most people will only imagine in a lifetime.
What's your favorite moment in history —
national, international, sports or any type?
That would have to be the day that President and Mrs. George W. Bush left
Midland for the White House on the way to his inauguration for his first
term. Five short days before that, I learned I would be hosting this
celebration on the outside grounds of the park that I managed. His advance
team was there coordinating with our local host committee. We had snipers on
the rooftops, magnetometers at each entrance, 30,000 people and temperatures
in the 30s. It was a rush.
What's the one thing most people would be
surprised to learn about you?
I am a new grandmother.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Get involved in IAAM and give back to this industry. It is one of the most
rewarding things I have had the privilege to be a part of and has brought me
some of my dearest friends. Go through the process of applying for your CFE.
You deserve it.
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