Alexis Flores, CSSR II at the Los Angeles Convention Center, embodies the dynamic spirit of Smart City Networks, seamlessly blending customer service expertise with a fresh enthusiasm for the events industry. Since joining the team in July 2022 as a part-time Customer Service Representative, Alexis’s dedication and skill have led to a well-deserved promotion to a full-time CSSR II. Her passion for assisting exhibitors, coupled with her meticulous attention to detail when reviewing floor plans, ensures every event runs smoothly.
In our recent conversation, Alexis shared her journey, including her favorite aspects of the bustling Los Angeles Convention Center, how RuPaul’s DragCon became her standout event, and why patience is the key to success in her role. From her love of the center’s iconic architecture to her hobby of hitting the batting cages and gaming in her downtime, Alexis truly shines both in and out of the workplace. Don’t miss this insightful interview! Alexis Flores, this is your Spotlight!
Hi Alexis! Let’s start with your background. Have you always been passionate about the events industry?
A: I have a background in Sales and Customer Service. This is all new to me and so far, I love it. I love how every event caters to different audiences and backgrounds. I’ve learned so much in my 2 years here and I look forward to learning more about the event industry.
What does your job entail? How would you describe your day-to-day activities?
A: My day-to-day job entails reviewing orders and making sure they match the floor plan submitted, along with making sure the customer is ordering the correct service. I’m the only CSR at this Center which makes me every Exhibitor’s main contact. I assist them with whatever questions or requests they may have, whether it’s through a phone call or an email. Some days it feels like the work never ends but other days I’m wishing more work came in, it’s a good balance.
Do you have a favorite part of your job?
A: I’m constantly looking at complicated hardline floor plans and sometimes I can’t see the vision, so my favorite part of the job is seeing those booths come to life.
How would you describe your team culture in Los Angeles?
A: The LA Team is great! I know I can count on everyone to do their part and more. I appreciate everyone on the team. They’re the definition of Our Daily Basic #7 – TEAMS WORK.
Have you had a favorite event so far? What made it fun?
A: My favorite event so far has been RuPaul’s DragCon. I look forward to seeing the different outfits and looks that the Queens serve. They’re the reason that the event is so fun and alive.
What do you like most about your Convention Center?
A: What I like the most about this Convention Center is the architecture and how it’s built. I like when I get come into work earlier than usual because I love looking through the glass and seeing the Downtown buildings. I grew up in L.A and as a child I would always pass by this building and wonder what it was like inside. Every day I think of that when I come to work.
What advice would you give to new hires who are starting with Smart City?
A: I would say patience is key. When I first started here, I felt very overwhelmed with the all the steps I had to take to process and verify an order. You just have to be patient with yourself and eventually you will do the same thing so much it comes naturally.
To wrap things up, what is something fun that people don’t know about you?
A: Something people don’t know about me is that during my free time I like going to the batting cages and I enjoy playing games – from board games to online games. I love to play online on my Switch, iMac and PS5, whenever I need a break from real life.
Thank you to Alexis Flores for the interview! For more Smart City Spotlights, check out our blog!