Employee Spotlight
Q&A with Dixie Burdon, Vice President of Corporate Event Services
by Julie Keaton, VP of Engagement
At SHW, our success is driven by passionate professionals who bring expertise, creativity, and dedication to every event. This month, we’re excited to spotlight Dixie Burdon, Vice President of Corporate Event Services. With a deep-rooted passion for events and a career spanning executive-level event management, Dixie has been instrumental in shaping our Corporate Event Services department. From fostering client relationships to mentoring her team, she thrives on delivering strategic, impactful experiences. Learn more about Dixie’s journey, her insights into corporate event planning, and what inspires her both inside and outside of work!
Q: What brought you to SHW, and how has your career evolved since you started?
A: I was drawn to SHW by its family-like environment, where the company truly values and cares about its people. Since joining, the supportive atmosphere has allowed me to become part of a bigger team, take on new challenges, and share my skills and experience while growing professionally myself.
Q: Can you share a bit about your background before joining SHW?
A: I have a lengthy tenure in this industry because I have such a passion for people and events. My career began early with a focus on executive level events. This led to me starting an event management company offering high-level event services with a focus on the executive audience. Our services started with logistics and quickly expanded into registration & guest services, speaker management, budget, data analysis, and more. This experience gave me a deep understanding of the industry and prepared me for the dynamic role I have today.
Q: What does your current role entail, and what do you enjoy most about it?
A: As Vice President of Corporate Event Services (CES), I have the privilege of leveraging my extensive industry experience across various programs while developing a team of industry experts. My role involves fostering client relations, managing the operations of the CES department, establishing processes and best practices, mentoring my team, analyzing data, driving corporate growth, and expanding both my own and my team’s expertise in the strategic aspects of corporate events. I particularly enjoy understanding audience behavior and its impact on planning and execution, which adds a fascinating layer to my work and mentoring my team.
Q: What’s the most exciting project you’ve worked on recently?
A: Recently, I stepped into the role of Executive Producer for one of our clients. This opportunity allowed me to utilize a compilation of skills and experience I’ve accumulated over the years. It was a challenging and exhilarating experience that allowed me to think more strategically and elevated my understanding of our client needs.
Q: What’s your favorite thing about working at SHW?
A: The people, flexibility, and growth opportunities are my favorite aspects of working at SHW. The company fosters an environment that encourages creativity and personal and professional development. They always inspire me to think outside the box and give me the freedom to innovate across the corporate event services department.
Q: What’s your #1 tip for corporate event planners?
A: My top tip is to think beyond your immediate role. It’s easy to get laser-focused on specific tasks, but it’s crucial to step back and see the bigger picture. This broader perspective can lead to more innovative and effective event planning.
Q: Any hobbies or interests outside of work that inspire you?
A: Outside of work, I have an adventurous husband and three teenagers that keep me quite busy! We love to watch anything our kids do (sports, band, etc.) and travel when time allows. I am also in women’s ministry leadership at my church and volunteer in the children’s ministry. These activities inspire me and provide a fulfilling balance to my professional life.
Dixie Burdon’s expertise and leadership are at the core of SHW’s Corporate Event Services, where strategy, innovation, and seamless execution come together to create impactful events. Her dedication to client success and team development helps drive the exceptional service SHW is known for.
Looking to elevate your next corporate event? Learn more about or corporate event management services!
