When the U.S. handed the Open Funds Regulation in 2010, the conferences business had but to completely grasp the extent to which it could impression the planning of medical occasions. Pat Schaumann, president and CEO of Schaumann Consulting Group, not solely understood the implications, however she created a playbook.
Schaumann, whose profession spans over 30 years within the hospitality and conferences business, has a easy method to management.
“Go away issues higher than I discovered them,” she stated. “It’s about making a significant distinction, whether or not for a crew, a company, or a larger trigger. True management goes past checking off duties; it’s about asking, ‘What legacy am I constructing?’ and making intentional selections that elevate folks, tradition, and outcomes alongside the best way.”
The founding father of Assembly Professionals Worldwide’s Healthcare Assembly Compliance Certificates (HMCC) and Medical Assembly Skilled (MMP) Certificates applications, Schaumann stated 1000’s of planners in 16 nations have accomplished these certifications.
She can also be the creator of eight books, together with “Breaking the Code to Healthcare Compliance,” a information for navigating the Sunshine Act, Open Funds reporting, and the complicated internet of worldwide laws affecting life sciences conferences.
She has acquired a number of honors, together with being named MPI’s Assembly Planner of the 12 months in 2000, Affiliation of Particular Occasion Professionals Occasion Skilled of the 12 months in 2002, and most not too long ago, a Lifetime Achievement Award from Pharma Discussion board/Informa in 2025.
How did you land on the earth of assembly planning?
Like many in my era, I didn’t got down to be a gathering planner, I fell into it. I used to be employed by a journey and exhibit firm to launch a conferences division, and what began as a brand new problem become a lifelong profession.
In 2010, when President Obama signed the Inexpensive Care Act, particularly the Open Funds Regulation, I instantly noticed the potential implications for medical conferences. That second sparked a deep dive into analysis, which led to the primary version of Breaking the Code to Healthcare Compliance. From there, I developed a curriculum and authored the Healthcare Assembly Compliance Certificates (HMCC) program for Saint Louis College, the place the certification formally launched.
Educating has all the time been a core ardour of mine. I began my profession within the classroom, so mixing schooling with planning felt like a pure path and in the end, my skilled calling.
What are the qualities that make an excellent chief?
Nice leaders aren’t outlined by title, they’re outlined by how they present up for others. Listed below are ten qualities I imagine are important for actually efficient management:
IntegrityA sturdy chief does the best factor, even when it’s tough. Honesty, ethics, and transparency are non-negotiable. When leaders stroll the discuss, they earn lasting belief.
EmpathyLeadership begins with caring. Understanding the views of purchasers and crew members helps construct deep, supportive relationships and stronger outcomes.
VisionLeaders have to see and talk the place they’re headed. A compelling, clear route conjures up folks to rally behind shared targets and push past the established order.
AdaptabilityChange is fixed. The most effective leaders embrace it, navigate uncertainty with confidence, and assist others do the identical.
DecisivenessTimely, knowledgeable choices are important, particularly below stress. Robust leaders know when to belief the info and when to belief their instinct, and so they take possession of the outcomes.
Communication
Nice leaders hear first and communicate with readability. They create an setting the place everybody feels heard and aligned.
Humility
It takes confidence to say, “I don’t know” or “I received it unsuitable.” Humble leaders welcome suggestions, admit errors, and share credit score generously.
ResilienceSetbacks are inevitable. Resilient leaders stay calm and centered, exemplifying perseverance and emotional energy throughout difficult occasions.
Empowerment
Management isn’t about management, it’s about improvement. By delegating with function and training others, leaders unlock potential throughout the crew.
AuthenticityPeople comply with folks, not personas. Genuine leaders convey self-awareness, function, and vulnerability to the desk, encouraging others to do the identical.
How does Schaumann outline her management fashion?
My management fashion is grounded in self-awareness, enabling me to grasp how I naturally lead, make choices, encourage others, and reply to challenges. It’s a mirrored image of my core values, persona, and the best way I construct relationships. I lead with function, hear with intention, and goal to create an setting the place folks really feel each supported and empowered to do their finest work.
As a pacesetter, what are the challenges that hold you up at evening?
I typically ask myself questions that transcend KPIs and challenge timelines. Management isn’t nearly retaining issues on observe, it’s about shaping tradition, nurturing folks, and leaving a significant impression. These are the questions that information me:
Am I giving my crew what they should develop, thrive, and really feel valued?
Am I offering stability and readability when every little thing round us is shifting?
Does each individual on my crew really feel seen, heard, and revered for who they’re?
Am I setting a tempo that’s each sustainable and productive?
Am I being clear sufficient, and am I listening simply as a lot as I communicate?
Past the day-to-day, am I making an actual distinction?
Am I actually the best individual to steer this?
These questions hold me grounded and remind me that nice management is a journey of fixed reflection, development, and humility.
Which feminine leaders have impressed you probably the most?
With out query, my first supervisor, Mimi Rosen at CMS, had the best impression on my profession. She was a exceptional mentor who taught me the basics, planning, consumer interplay, gross sales, and crew administration. I by no means had the prospect to thank her earlier than she handed, so I’m grateful for the chance to honor her now.
One other chief who left an enduring impression is Christine Duffy, now President of Carnival Cruise Strains. I first met her throughout her time main McGettigan. Her calm, regular management and considerate administration fashion earned my deep respect from the outset.
Mentorship formed my path on this business, and due to that, I’ve made it my mission to pay it ahead. To show, assist, and encourage the subsequent era of leaders each time I can.
How has Schaumann’s management fashion modified all through her profession?
Once I started my profession, there have been only a few ladies in management roles. We confronted the “double bind” of being anticipated to be sturdy but not too assertive, and likable but not too comfortable. It was a relentless balancing act. I shortly realized that the simplest and sustainable method was to steer as my genuine self. Staying true to my values and management fashion earned respect and constructed belief over time.
What’s modified most is the setting round us. Whereas there may be nonetheless progress to be made, we’re seeing constructive shifts, together with extra inclusive insurance policies, improved range coaching, versatile work choices, expanded parental go away, and stronger advocacy for each psychological and bodily well-being. These adjustments are serving to to reshape the management panorama for the higher.
