Meet the APTA Staff: Julia Groene

Meetings Manager
Meetings and Membership Services Department

Q: What are your primary responsibilities at APTA?

A: I work in APTA’s Meetings and Membership Services Department, which is responsible for two core areas: the planning and execution of all APTA meetings and conferences and managing the association’s membership. My focus is on the meetings side, where I specialize in event logistics. In this role, I coordinate key elements such as food and beverage services, audiovisual production for general and concurrent sessions, reception planning, and managing logistical arrangements with hotels and convention centers.

Q: How do the initiatives and programs you work on contribute to APTA’s strategic goals and APTA in general?

A: APTA’s meetings create an opportunity for attendees to attend programming that focuses on the assessment and management of the changes most likely to impact public transportation customers and agencies. My work helps to create that environment for attendees to not only meet the strategic goals of their organization and APTA but also provide an environment that cultivates networking and connection with peers.

Q: To what extent do you have direct contact with APTA members?

A: Although much of my work happens behind the scenes, I really enjoy the times when I get to work at registration at events. It gives me the chance to welcome attendees, answer their questions about schedules and logistics, and see firsthand the energy and excitement they bring to our events.

Q: Please describe the type of guidance that APTA members can turn to you for.

A: The main goal of my role is to ensure that every event attendee has positive and memorable experiences. I want them to leave not only with valuable takeaways from our sessions, but also with meaningful opportunities to connect and network with one another. Whether it’s answering questions about registration, clarifying event details, or listening to suggestions on how we can make the attendee experience even better, I’m always happy to help and support our attendees in any way I can.

Q: How did you come to be at APTA? Please describe your professional background.

A: Throughout my career, I have specialized in managing logistics for association events. I have had the opportunity to work with a variety of organizations, including those representing gastroenterologists, the business aviation industry, and car and truck dealerships. I have been with APTA for just over a year, I started two weeks before the 2024 TRANSform event in Anaheim.

Q: Have you worked in or around public transportation besides APTA?

A: This is my first time working in -public transportation. Having lived in the DC area my whole life and relied often on public transit, it’s been exciting to gain a deeper understanding of how these systems operate behind the scenes.

Q: What interests you most about public transportation?

A: My background isn’t in public transportation, which is why I’ve found it so fascinating to learn about the inner workings of the industry during my time at APTA. It’s given me a whole new perspective and appreciation for what it takes to keep this industry running and communities moving every day.

Q: Are you a member of any professional associations or organizations?

A: I am a member of the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA), an organization for event managers and organizers. PCMA gives me opportunities to participate in professional development programs, connect with other event professionals, and gain insights into the latest innovations and best practices in the meetings industry.

Q: Could you tell us something about yourself that might surprise us?

A: I’ve always had a strong interest in aviation, and one year I was gifted flying lessons that gave me the chance to experience it firsthand. I learned to fly a small Cessna aircraft and, with my instructor’s guidance, completed a 300-mile round-trip flight. It was one of the most exhilarating (and terrifying) experiences of my life! I have a deep love and appreciation for all different types of transportation, and I am incredibly lucky to have worked for associations throughout my career that have a focus on all different types of transportation.