Successful trade shows and events require strong leadership to align tactics with the strategic initiatives of marketing and sales teams—and that’s where Victoria Gutierrez, Senior Manager of Global Events, comes in. The Texas State University graduate and proud Bobcat joined Luminex in 2013 and has been bringing our event strategy to life ever since. She can be spotted on the trade show floor at major Luminex events and often sporting some of the best pairs of heels in the room!
Q: What are your responsibilities at Luminex?
A: I develop and execute our global brands and experiences, from trade shows and customer meetings to incentive programs and social functions that drive brand awareness. I work with various departments in the organization to cultivate a comprehensive marketing strategy, including brand messaging, design, product placement, and more to help craft exciting experiences that facilitate attendee engagement. It’s all in the details and having a plan for the failed backup plan!
Q: What did you do before this job?
A: Before joining Luminex, I worked at Freescale Semiconductor, where I started as a traffic coordinator and was promoted to a Creative Services Project Manager. One of my colleagues who focused on all event projects went out on vacation, and I took over in her absence. The events team saw how detail-oriented and customer service-oriented I was, and when an events position opened up a few weeks later, they encouraged me to go for it. I hadn’t planned an event in my entire life! However, they felt like I was a great fit, and I trusted the instinct. I’ve been managing events ever since.
Q: What drew you to Luminex?
A: There are many benefits to working at Luminex, but the reason I’ve been working so hard here for five years is the company’s commitment to diversity and family-first policies. Being a working mom is hard. Luminex understands that and believes in equal opportunities for all team members. If you work hard and you do what it takes to get your job done, you will be valued and rewarded.
Q: If you weren’t a senior manager at Luminex, where would you be?
A: Probably the production side of making creative music videos or movies. I like putting things together, organizing large-scale travel logistics, and making sure everyone has what they need. I love music and would enjoy doing all the hard work behind the scenes it to make it happen.
Q: If you could solve any clinical or genetic challenge, what would it be?
A: I would really appreciate a preventive approach for the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which is a common and relatively harmless cold for most people but can be deadly for infants. My son Logan almost lost his life at 5 weeks due to RSV. With no medications available, all we could do was hold a breathing machine on his face for him to get enough oxygen to breathe. Eventually, the doctors recommended putting him in a medically induced coma, but just before it came to that, Logan turned a corner and miraculously got better. We were lucky, to say the least, and I hope that no one else’s child has to go through what our baby went through.
Q: What is something about you that no one at Luminex knows?
A: This is a hard question because I’m such an open book. People may not know that I’m in love with music videos. I’ve been watching them since I was 4 years old on The Box. My favorite artist is Empire of the Sun, a very holistic band that drives positive energy into every song they write.
Q: What is your favorite thing to do in Austin on the weekend?
A: My favorite thing to do is to wine and dine. I love going to eat at unique restaurants and drinking craft cocktails. It’s a great part of the Austin experience.
