Boyd Puffer is an Assistant Event Services Manager at the Phoenix Convention Center & Venues! He’s an integral member of the team ensuring that our building is in excellent shape, and making magic happen by transforming spaces from empty rooms to the backdrop for hundreds of meetings and events each year. Boyd has dedicated over 30 years with the department, beginning his career as a part-time employee in 1993 and has seen the Phoenix Convention Center evolve over the years. In his free time, you can find him outdoors hiking, biking, or camping and spending time with family.
Q: What do you enjoy most about your role at the Phoenix Convention Center?
I enjoy interacting with all my team members and the various teams we get to work with in Event Services. We have people in our venues 24/7 and there’s always something going on. That’s what has kept me here for so long, I like that every day is different. It’s the organized chaos of the event industry and it’s fun to be a part of it!
Q: What is a favorite memory you have of your time at the Phoenix Convention Center?
I have lots of great memories at the Convention Center! I’ve seen presidents, professional athletes, and famous singers to name a few. However, one of the best was an encounter with an actor from one of my favorite tv show shows and movies. I’m a trekkie and one time in the 90s the actor DeForest Kelley (who played Dr. Leonard “Bones” McCoy) was here giving a talk and I happened upon him on the loading dock. I got to say hello and shake his hand. I’ll never forget that experience!
Q: What is a skill you’ve had to sharpen in your role at the Phoenix Convention Center?
I’ve had to work on my communication in this role for sure. My job is to communicate with many different team members, and everyone communicates a little differently. It also varies situation to situation and working across a lot of different personalities can be challenging. But it’s rewarding and it’s what keeps the team running!
Q: What’s your favorite feature of the PCC?
The two things I like the best are the Sky Bridge and the artwork “Art is a Guarantee of Sanity” in the West Building. I’ve seen these buildings literally come from the ground up and it has been cool to watch the spaces over time and how people appreciate them and react to them.
Q: What’s something you are looking forward to?
Honestly, I look forward to the conclusion of a successful event. Making sure we’ve done our part and getting through it successfully. Things don’t always go right but we adjust and make it right. People think it’s magic that happens overnight that the buildings are clean and everything is in place, but it’s just what we do every day, my teams perform the impossible. I am still amazed at what they are able to accomplish every day, and I am always thankful for their hard work and dedication. Event Services is one part of a bigger picture, the PCC is one big team, everyone has an important role to play and I am glad to be a part of it.