Fairs connect people of all ages, but bridging generational divides can be challenging. This session provides tools to foster respect, understanding, and collaboration among volunteers, participants, and guests of every age.

Gillian Palmer Biography
Dr. Gillian Palmer is an events and business consultant with deep roots in the fair, entertainment,
hospitality, insurance, and academic industries and has a passion for providing
community-centered experiences. She spent many years at Eastern States Exposition, home of
The Big E, where she held a variety of roles spanning business development, event coordination,
food concessions management, group sales, and corporate/social hospitality. Her work supported
both large-scale fair operations and year-round events, giving her a well-rounded, hands-on
understanding of what makes fairs successful from both an operational and guest-experience
perspective.
In addition to her industry career, Gillian is the founder of Events by Gillian, where she provides
event management, consulting, and coaching services. She also serves as an Assistant Professor
of Management, bringing real-world fair and event experience into the classroom. Gillian holds a
Doctorate of Business Administration, with research focused on mindfulness and consumer
behavior in the events industry—work that reflects her interest in creating meaningful, engaging
experiences for attendees, exhibitors, and communities.
A Western Massachusetts native, Gillian is deeply committed to giving back. She serves on
several boards, remains an active consultant for The Big E, and is a proud graduate of the
Institute of Fair Management. At her core, she is driven by community, connection, and helping
businesses and individuals continue to thrive for generations to come.