Ashley Patton, 39, is the *manager of event and trade show operations at tech solutions company Kastle Systems International. She’s based in Washington, D.C.
My career journey:
I kind of tripped and fell into the event production world after starting as a marketing intern with Ford Motor Company and MillerCoors. I transitioned into meeting planning for different industries like the Department of Defense and National Trade Associations, and went corporate in my previous role at Bloomberg Industry Group. I am currently still working in the corporate arena, but am soon to transition back to government. At the end of this month, I'll be turning a new page and serving as the associate director of advance for the executive office of the mayor of the District of Columbia.
My greatest career accomplishment:
Earning my master's degree while working full time.
What my day-to-day looks like:
I alternate mornings in the gym, but I never miss a cup of morning coffee! From there, it's a melting pot of team meetings, connecting with vendors, updating schedules and budgets, and executing on-site for company-sponsored events.
My leadership style:
My motto is “firm but kind.” The delivery is just as important as the message. I started in this business as an intern, and I try to align my leadership style with the experiences I'd wish I'd had on my journey.
What inspires me:
Creating experiences that transcend expectations.
My most memorable event:
My six-month externship with Ford Motor Company's Black College Road Tour.
The externship began with a national search for two “roadies” to represent Ford at every HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) homecoming for the football season of 2006. Each week, we traveled to a different city in a company-sponsored Ford Expedition, customized by Funkmaster Flex. While in each city, we would promote the tour and Ford’s diversity initiatives on morning radio shows as in-studio guests, visit elementary schools to speak to students about the importance of education, and spend a day delivering food to the elderly with the Meals on Wheels organization. We’d spend other days volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House charities, completing chores and cooking meals for families who were in need of assistance due to having an ill child.
On game days, we’d arrive super early to the venue and display Ford products in our exhibit booth, and use the tailgate as a way to interact with potential customers and market the Ford brand. Our last stop of the tour was at the annual Bayou Classic in New Orleans, where Southern University and A&M College met Grambling State University in an annual Thanksgiving weekend football game in the Superdome. This was one of the best experiences in my career for sure!
Patton held previous positions at Ford Motor Company and MillerCoors before transitioning into the government arena at the Department of Defense and National Trade Associations, and the corporate arena at Bloomberg Industry Group and Kastle.Photo: Courtesy of Ashley Patton
A time I averted a complete event disaster:
The pandemic threw us all for a loop to say the least. I am proud of a particular project where we pivoted from a live awards show to producing an inaugural virtual event in less than two months!
The advice I would give my younger self:
Inevitably, some function of your event will not go as planned, so learn to quickly pivot with ease and grace!
Some impressive stats I’m responsible for:
Producing the first virtual Product of the Year Awards for NAB, producing the Service to America Awards, and planning conferences for the National Defense University.
My ideal day OOO:
Sleeping in, unplugging, and getting in at least two beauty appointments—or an impromptu beach day always works!
*Patton has since switched roles and assumed the position of the associate director of advance for the executive office of the mayor of the District of Columbia.
BizBash's 2023 40 Under 40 list is sponsored by VDA, a Massachusetts-based experiential marketing and event design agency that specializes in custom live, hybrid, and virtual experiences designed to drive business growth through client collaboration and creative thinking.
