Lisa Behnke
Lisa Behnke – Communications manager
What are you most looking forward to in this position?
I’m looking forward to the reunion that is World Dairy Expo. It will never get old. There are many, many moving parts, but it’s a perfectly orchestrated dance every fall with the return of the commercial exhibitors, dairy cattle exhibitors, contest and youth participants, media, presenters, volunteers and the domestic and international attendees. It truly is a global celebration of the dairy industry and one of the best weeks of the year.
Please describe your agricultural background and education.
I grew up on my family’s 324-acre dairy farm, Hoesly’s Registered Holsteins, in south-central Wisconsin. After graduating from Juda High School with 12 other students, I attended the University of Wisconsin – Madison, where I obtained a bachelor’s degree in dairy science with a specialization in agricultural journalism. While there, I had a four-year run as a Badger Dairy Club member who learned to love working behind the scenes at World Dairy Expo.
What previous positions have you held?
I worked for the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, serving as the state’s 38th Alice in Dairyland; was the producer communications manager for the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board (now Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin); served as editor of the Cattle Connection; was the communications specialist at Gempler’s; the marketing and communications manager at World Dairy Expo; the marketing and communications manager at AgSource Cooperative Services; the marketing manager at Egg Innovations and have recently returned to serve as the communications manager at World Dairy Expo.
Why did you choose to return to work at World Dairy Expo?
Twelve years had passed since I was a member of the staff here, but I continued to volunteer during that time. As luck would have it, this position opened just as my job at Egg Innovations was eliminated. Working with and for people who I know and respect was one reason to return, and having the chance once again to play a role in hosting the world’s greatest dairy show definitely factored into the decision.
What are your new responsibilities?
Technology didn’t stand still during the dozen years I stepped away. Faxes have all but been eliminated, but the number of other vehicles and information channels we employ blows my mind. In addition to answering landline phone calls, cell calls, emails, texts and messages on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, WhatsApp, Skype and through our website, we’re pushing out information through these same channels and more, while still working with traditional print, TV and radio networks. World Dairy Expo is such a visual and information-rich environment. We use vlogs, YouTube and Expo TV to share the magic in motion. My predecessor, Katie Schmitt, started a podcast called The Dairy Show. The show airs on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month. I am now the host and producer of the show. I must admit, I’m stretching to find enough hours in each day to make sure we are effectively harnessing all these modes of communication, but I’m glad to share the responsibility with Jenna Langrehr, World Dairy Expo’s communications specialist.
What goals would you like to accomplish while in this position?
I hope that I’m able to add to the collective effort put forth by World Dairy Expo’s staff, board, committee members and volunteers to continue evolving and growing World Dairy Expo so it remains the epicenter of the global dairy industry.
Brian Paul
Brian Paul – Trade show manager
What are you most looking forward to in this position?
I have a passion for agriculture. As the trade show manager for World Dairy Expo, I get to help people from all over the world achieve their goals. By helping put together a great trade show, people in the global dairy industry have a place to come together. Farmers can improve their knowledge and grow their operations, while companies can build a larger customer base. The trade show at World Dairy Expo brings together potential employers and job seekers. It also reconnects friends, co-workers and acquaintances from everywhere in the dairy industry. I look forward to helping all those amazing connections take place.
Please describe your agricultural background and education.
I have been surrounded by agriculture my entire life. I grew up working on my family’s dairy farm and was very active in both 4-H and FFA. I graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Platteville with a degree in agribusiness and a minor in marketing. Life has come full circle, and now I am very involved with the local FFA and 4-H chapters both as a parent and a volunteer.
What previous positions have you held?
Prior to World Dairy Expo, I was the manager of the Rock County Fairgrounds, where I oversaw all maintenance and management of the facility. I worked with the leadership for hundreds of events to create better experiences. Previously, I also worked as the grounds manager for the Milton School District, overseeing numerous locations, athletic fields and parks.
Why did you choose to work at World Dairy Expo?
I am excited to work for World Dairy Expo because this position allows me to tie together my passion for agriculture and my mindset of helping people. I think it will be fascinating to work with some of the most innovative dairy companies in the world and build a relationship with each of them over the course of time.
What are your new responsibilities?
It is my responsibility to manage the trade show for World Dairy Expo. There are numerous pieces to organizing a trade show. Our trade show consists of around 650 companies from across the world. We are always looking for the newest and most innovative aspects of the dairy industry to help keep the trade show on the forefront of where people need to go to achieve their goals in the dairy industry. Some of the companies are large, established organizations that have participated in World Dairy Expo for over 50 years, and other companies are small upstarts participating for the first time. Each and every company and what they bring to the global dairy industry is important to the event. It is my responsibility to build those relationships as I pick which applicants are offered contracts, work with companies regarding booth placement and rules, connecting commercial exhibitors to vendors and many other intricacies concerning the trade show.
What are the connections you're hoping to strengthen between attendees and the industry booths?
As the trade show manager for World Dairy Expo, I want to amplify the bonds that make the dairy industry strong across the world. I want attendees to be able to access more and better information, while the industry suppliers build their global presence and create more connections.
Jennifer Dobbs. All photos courtesy of World Dairy Expo
Jennifer Dobbs – Sponsorship manager
What are you most looking forward to in this position?
I am really looking forward to being a part of the World Dairy Expo team and getting to see the show from another angle. The behind-the-scenes team of employees who work year-round to produce a successful show is a very hardworking dedicated crew, and I am honored to be a part of it.
Please describe your agricultural background and education.
My grandfather had a dairy farm in DeForest, Wisconsin. I have a horse and hobby farm in Oxford, Wisconsin. I was involved in 4-H and FFA as a youth, and now I am raising a family and intend for my children to be involved in these wonderful programs as well.
What previous positions have you held?
Prior to taking a position with World Dairy Expo, I was the director of festivals and events with the Wisconsin Dells Visitor & Convention Bureau.
Why did you choose to work at World Dairy Expo?
I wanted to work in the agriculture industry, and with my events background it was the perfect opportunity.
What are your new responsibilities?
I will be responsible for our sponsorship program and managing our meeting space reservations. Brian Paul, our trade show manager, and I will be working closely together as the new commercial exhibitor team. We have a lot to learn and some great ideas for the future.
What goals would you like to accomplish while in this position?
I would like to re-evaluate our sponsorship program. I want to create strong relationships with our sponsors and work with them to make certain they are finding value in their sponsorships and improving their brand recognition. Our sponsors choose to support World Dairy Expo because they truly care about the industry and our audience, the dairy farmer.
