40 Under 40: Shannon Buford, Show Me Center marketing director

Shannon Buford

AGE: 32

FAMILY: Wife Julie, daughter Elise.

EMPLOYER: Show Me Center

POSITION: Marketing director

COMMUNITY AND PROFESSIONAL INVOLVEMENT: United Way marketing committee, New Beginnings, Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce member, and always looking for more.

HIS TYPICAL DAY:

I usually sneak in early and begin revisions on all of the online offerings the Show Me Center has out there and write down what I need to accomplish that day. I coordinate upcoming event information with the rest of the fantastic Show Me Center staff and our hardworking operations crew. During that time we typically address how we can best serve our customers and fans. I also meet with the best in media and creative personnel and discuss how to get the word out for upcoming shows while working with national and regional promoters of events. Our sponsors are another great piece of my day, working with great businesses seeking to advertise during our events and more. I also like to stay up-to-date on news and events in the entertainment industry as a whole. One of the best things is that no day is ever like the day before; each provides its own set of challenges and opportunities.

MOST SATISFYING PART OF HIS WORK:

Each event day, bar none. It is very fulfilling to see all of the planning, work, long hours, sweat and effort truly pay off as the fans from all over the tri-state area leave the Show Me Center with BIG smiles on their faces. You get to think, "I helped with that."

HIS WORST HAIRCUT:

Had the reverse mullet ... long bangs in the front, coupled with the remainder of my head shaved close. What was I thinking?

HIS FAVORITE SONG FROM THE '80s:

"Safety Dance" by Men Without Hats still gets me to smile even today; put it on the iPod for just that reason. I assure you that you can't listen to that song and not crack a smile.

BIGGEST FIRST-DAY BLOOPER:

Showing up to work on a holiday, all the lights were off, no one was here and I kept thinking, "Where is everyone?" Yeah, it hit me at about 3 p.m., it's a day off, doofus.

MOST EMBARASSING WORK MOMENT:

Sitting in catering during a show, grabbing a quick bite and talking about wives, kids and general goings-on with who I thought at the time was a roadie for the concert. Later on that "roadie" took the stage as the opening act, D'oh!