In the fast-paced world of event technology, few individuals possess the blend of creativity, technical expertise, and leadership like Mark Ledbetter, Senior Manager of Engineering. Mark’s technical leadership has helped propel CDS towards the forefront of event technology. We asked him some questions to learn more about his insights and experiences.
Q. Mark, you joined CDS in 2023. Could you tell us about your journey in the events industry leading up to this point?
Mark: In 2017, I joined Freeman as a Full Stack Web Developer building custom web apps, websites, chatbots, and Alexa Skills for events. I spent six years at Freeman, and over those years developed two very successful products that helped to keep events going during the pandemic. The first was Fluent, which was Freeman’s Virtual Assistant Chatbot solution, and then Online Event Pro [when COVID happened], Freeman’s virtual events platform. In addition to those two products, I led teams that developed dozens of websites, web apps, games, touch screen experiences, and more.
Q. What did you do prior to working in the events industry?
Mark: My background is a unique one to say the least. My chapter one was working as an actor, singer, and dancer on Broadway. For 15 years I had the good fortune of performing in quite a few shows on The Great White Way and across the country, sharing the stage with some truly legendary people. I had the opportunity to work in TV and film and am so grateful for all the experiences and people I worked with over those years. That career ingrained in me the “yes and. . .” can–do collaborative approach to solving problems, which has served me well in my career in tech leading teams from all backgrounds developing new, innovative products.
Mark as Phil Davis in Irving Berlin’s White Christmas
Casey McMullen, CDS Vice President of Technology and Innovation, has spent a good deal of time getting to know Mark—they previously worked together in the Freeman Digital group, running small development teams focused on digital products and services for live events. He confirms Mark’s “yes and. . .” approach during his tenure so far at CDS.
Casey: As client requests and business requirements came flying in at us, Mark immediately shined as a leader who could not only translate those requests into developer action items, but also help direct technology selections and designs. His strong technical leadership has helped us push the roadmap forward, and also helps us down the road in creating some of the best event technology products in the industry.
Q. How do you define success in your role, and what drives your passion for it?
Mark: Collaboration! I love people and finding ways to work together. Success is delivering a product or experience that wows both the client and the attendee that our entire team can feel proud of. And to laugh a lot while we’re making it happen!
Q. Reflecting on your time at CDS so far, what has been the most surprising aspect for you?
Mark: Joining CDS has been eye-opening in many ways. The sheer breadth of innovative technology and solutions they offer is astounding. From my first on-site event experience to witnessing the dedication of the CDS teams, I’ve been consistently inspired. The commitment to excellence and the relentless pursuit of pushing boundaries are values deeply ingrained in the company culture, and I’m proud to be a part of it.