Tracie Zody
Owner
How long have you been with your Company? What other companies have you worked with in the past?
I started Design Exchange (event rentals) in 2012 and Z Creative (event planning/design) in 2018.
I have a long history in Event Planning! In 1996 I moved to Columbus and planned cheerleading (yes, cheerleading) competitions all over the country for AmeriCheer. What an experience – talk about trial by fire! Afterwards, I was an Event Planner for the Greater Columbus Convention Center, Muirfield Village Golf Club, Bliss Wedding & Event Design, and the Ohio Nursery & Landscape Association.
What does your job entail?
Details, details, details - putting out fires – solving problems – controlling budgets – developing timelines – creating design plans - communicating with EVERYONE on the event team – keeping everyone calm.
What do you like best about your position?
Definitely the variety of work with multiple different clients. I found myself switching employers between mostly corporate events to mostly social events about every 5 years. Owning my own company allows me to work with both, which is wonderful.
Why did you join ILEA?
The great support team that exists in the Columbus area. I’ve been in the event world for so long that I knew many of the members already. There are so many good professionals who are ILEA members and they are so helpful when I need to bounce ideas off of someone. ILEA Columbus really focuses on helping other members and I love that.
So far, what have you found most helpful being a member of ILEA?
The opportunities that have come my way through other ILEA members. I love the referral network that we have and I also love referring other members too!
When you're not working, how do you like to spend your time?
Well, I work a lot. I’d love to travel more and I also enjoy working in our yard and garden. In the summer, I like to take outdoor swim fitness classes. Anything outside, really!
Any hidden talents or a fun fact about yourself?
I can recite all 48 prepositions in alphabetical order (thank you, Mrs. Shilling, 8th Grade, Orrville Jr. High).
What’s the first career you dreamed of having as a kid?
I wanted to do anything that was different. I didn’t want to work at a bank or as a teacher (which was what most adult women I knew did for a living).
Favorite ILEA memory?
I really love venue tours with the ILEA group…and since there is always a new venue opening here, we’ve had plenty to see!
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Things come to you in life when you’re ready for them.
I am sometimes impatient and want things to happen right NOW. But, when I look back, I know that the timing wasn’t right. I’m learning to be more patient.