5 Things We Can Learn from the Pinball Career

April 10, 2018

Mandy Cuckler

Mandy Cuckler is the Senior Event Manager at Teamwork Events, a full-service trade show, event, exposition and exhibit services company. 

Career paths are not always linear. Sometimes they zigzag every which way, from different departments to new destinations. Exciting things can happen when your career path takes an unexpected turn.

It’s rare to find someone who sought out a career in the events industry. Like so many event professionals, I fell into it, in a sense. After “falling into it,” I was promoted from one department to another, meeting people from all facets of the industry and continuously learning and growing along the way. My pinball career was self-made. I worked hard to create my own opportunities, as well as opportunities for Teamwork. If it was in line with the Teamwork mission, it was a success for all – and I saw this process elevate both the company and my role within it. 

It’s not all that uncommon to witness or experience the “pinball career.” And yet, there’s a notion in our society that a successful career path follows one, straight staircase. Growing up, we’re encouraged to seek opportunities that are “stepping-stones” or will help you “climb the professional ladder.” However, my journey proves that “moving up” does not necessarily mean moving in a straight line. Following a career path with twists and turns leads to growth in a wide variety of areas. After all, switchbacks get you up the mountain and you win pinball by hitting as much as you can! 

Professionals with pinball careers have valuable insight that individuals at all stages in their careers can benefit from. These five tips will help you thrive along the pinball-career-path.

1. Be with a company that pushes you

I know from experience that it’s important to be with a company that challenges its employees. From being onsite everyday with one of Teamwork’s largest clients, to creating processes from scratch in newly formed departments, having a company behind me that encourages ingenuity in its team and in me makes all the difference. 

2. Growth is always possible

Despite the longevity of one’s career, it’s crucial to seek out opportunities that will elevate your skills and expand your toolbox. Don’t be scared to try something new! Everything you learn will be helpful at some point in your career, whether or not you realize it in that particular moment.

3. Mistakes will happen

No matter how much you’ve prepped, mistakes are inevitable. Event professionals have learned to expect the unexpected. Make sure you’re paying attention and give yourself a moment to reflect. That’s how you avoid making the same mistake twice. This approach will make you more self-aware and lead to fewer mishaps in the future. 

4. Processes are transferable through time

Honestly, planning events is the same as it was nine years ago when I began with Teamwork. It’s the individual parts within the whole that have changed. The ideal result is – and has always been – the attendees’ happiness. In today’s world, that often means interactive technology and creating “Instagrammable moments.” The strategies may be different than they were in the past, but the focus is still on engaging attendees in a way that’s fun and memorable. Same destination…different journey!

5. The “make it work” attitude goes a long way

Attitude is everything. This holds true for responding to challenges with clients. Avoid saying ‘No’ when possible and think of alternative options you can present. I am looked at as the expert of what works and what doesn’t, so my options and solutions should reflect my expertise while also keeping in line with the vision of the client. If a client’s request cannot be completed in the way they originally imagined, approaching the situation with this advice in mind (and a positive attitude!) will ensure that the client feels heard and taken care of. 

Now let’s be clear, there’s nothing wrong with having a more, straightforward career path. Ultimately, everyone’s journey will be different – even if they’re in the same department at the same company. Embrace change along the way. Do you have a similar experience? What lessons would you add to my list?

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Overview: The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality. In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way. “We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.” Amenities: The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.  The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need. Gold Key Members The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events. OCCC Events: This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.  The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:  AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023 200,000 Attendees $257 Million in Economic Impact MEGACON 2023 160,000 Attendees $205 Million in Economic Impact Open Championship Series 2023 69,500 Attendees $89 Million in Economic Impact Sunshine Classic 2023 42,000 Attendees $54 Million in Economic Impact Premiere Orlando 2023 42,000 Attendees $108 Million in Economic Impact