Gail Anderson
Minnesota State Fair
What were you doing in 1979?
I was working at a multipurpose arena in St Paul, Minn., as the ticket office supervisor.
What drew you to INTIX?
The building manager suggested Intix to my supervisor as a training and networking association she had received information about. My organization joined and sent our manager to conferences for a few years. I was sent in 1987 for the first time and was hooked.
Talk about a mentor you met through INTIX and how that person helped better you personally and professionally.
This question is impossible for me to narrow down to just one. I could probably name at least 35 members in the course of 5 minutes that fit the above description. However, I will self-limit to three, and strangely enough all three have been women and a president of INTIX.
Patricia Spira, Intix’s founder and first president, taught me that being a professional and a woman in business was acceptable and knowledge was the key to success.
Jena Hoffman’s lessons were about following your dreams, laugh with gusto when you can and be graceful under pressure.
What I learned from Maureen Andersen: Be who you are without fear, with amazing friends you never walk alone, and if you can’t hide it, decorate it.
What’s an INTIX membership benefit that has been especially helpful to you?
Meeting other people who do what I do and are always willing to share what they know. I have friends that I count on for help, get advice and most importantly a good laugh (or cry) as needed.
What business challenge has kept you awake at night the most over the course of your career?
It’s a tossup between keeping up with technology and anything to do with hiring and managing people.
Given the constant advancements in technology, what’s the best way to maintain the human touch and personal service in ticketing?
Get out of my office and away from the technology. Spending time with over-the-counter customers, walking the fairgrounds during events, working the will call window and talking to our guests, is an amazing way to connect and ask what are we doing right and what needs work.
How do you see INTIX leading the way into the future of ticketing?
I would love to see a certification program similar to what IAFE has developed and continue to bring the best speakers in technology fields to us.
What’s your favorite INTIX memory?
My favorite memory happens every year, when INTIX give out its awards. Seeing all of the amazing and inspiring professionals each year energizes me for my work and makes me proud to be a member.