25 Things to Know About Dave Weil, SmithBucklin

Dave Weil has served the events and trade show industry for more than 25 years, contributing his leadership in analyzing and shaping the industry and its future. He serves as vice president of event services for association management and services company SmithBucklin, where he has worked since 1992. In his role, Weil oversees all aspects of events and trade shows for SmithBucklin’s client organizations. Here’s what you don’t know about him.

1. My favorite movie is “Apollo 13.”
2. I never leave the house without my phone.
3. If I had to eat one food for the rest of my life, it would be Chicago deep-dish pizza, specifically Lou Malnati’s.
4. Growing up, I was sure I would be second baseman for the Chicago Cubs.
5. I know every word to the song “Wild Thing.”
6. The best gifts I’ve ever received were the handmade gifts my daughter made in school.
7. My nickname in high school was “Training Wheel.”(My older brother was “The Wheel.”)
8. If you find me in the kitchen, I’m typically whipping up omelets.
9. At an industry conference or event, you can typically find me on the show floor.
10. I felt most proud in my career when I gave a keynote speech in China.
11. The hardest part about working in the hotel industry is the hours.
12. I believe the single most important quality in a leader is vision.
13. Theo Epstein is a leader I truly admire.
14. My go-to in-flight beverage choice is Diet Coke.
15. The destination at the top of my travel bucket list is New Zealand.
16. My favorite part of my job is working with the people in my company.
17. The last book I read was “Hillbilly Elegy” by J.D. Vance.
18. I think the biggest challenge to hosting a meeting/conference/event is keeping it relevant and fresh.
19. My least favorite part about social media is all the political posts.
20. In 10 years, I’m betting the hospitality industry will be very personalized.
21. My first job was a banquet waiter at a wedding banquet hall.
22. The last item of clothing I bought was a pair of boots.
23. The celebrity I’d most like to spend a day with is George Clooney.
24. If I could move anywhere in the entire world, I’d live in the Amalfi Coast, Italy.
25. My dream event to attend is the Olympics.