Stuart Ruff, International Trademark Association
Senior Planner, Meetings, Conventions and Events Strategy
New York, New York
Age: 35
Resume: Stuart Ruff’s first job as an international flight attendant whetted his appetite to see the world. He has since planned international meetings for the Air Line Pilots Association, the U.S. State Department and National Institutes of Health. Currently with the International Trademark Association, Ruff, CMP, oversees education and networking events globally for brand owners and trademark legal professionals.
Career Highlight: “My strength is branding. I work to make the brand strong, clear and consistent and to carry it through to all elements of the event.”
Inspiration: “My passion for what I do. I have an unquenchable thirst to continue to outdo myself. I’m always looking to improve.”
Advice: “Get involved and stay active. Be willing to suit up and show up and learn from other people.”
Awards: “Most industry awards seem to commemorate lifetime achievement, and I still have a long way to go!”
Industry Confession: “I’m obsessive compulsive. If something is even slightly wrong—a color a little off or a chair slightly out of place—I can feel it in my gut. I focus until everything is perfect.”
Hidden Talent: Wedding planner.
What Friends Say: “His sharp ideas and forward thinking allowed us to launch a new annual meeting brand that is meaningful and well-recognized by INTA members,” says Devin Matthew Toporek, manager, marketing and brand strategy, INTA. Toporek asked Ruff to plan his wedding.
Twitter: @stuartruff
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