The Team
Irmgard Lafrentz
President
irmgard@globalpresspr.com
Irmgard Lafrentz founded Globalpress Connection under the name of Europress Connection in 1986. When it became apparent that the APAC market would outpace Europe, she renamed and incorporated the agency as “Globalpress Connection, Inc.”, in 1998. She has become “The Global Matchmaker” between the electronics industry and worldwide media. Irmgard brings key editors delegations from overseas to the US.
How did it happen?
After launching numerous networking, telecom and semiconductor companies in Europe, traveling weeks on end with CEOs of those companies, she came up with a revolutionary business model to offer a turnkey service under the brand “Reverse Press Tours” and Globalpress Electronic Summits.
In the years since launching the firm, she has received premier recognition for connecting high-tech companies with targeted media and analysts worldwide. 70% of clients return for more services
Irmgard is the strategic and executive mind of the agency – always in search of new opportunities to benefit clients and editors. She has not lost her German accent, her drive for excellence and her direct communication style.
What happened before?
Irmgard began her communication career in the advertising department of “DIE ZEIT’ in Hamburg, studied in England and developed a sense for the greater world. Travels to Africa, the US and throughout Europe Gave her a global awareness. Moving to Munich she worked her way up to International Marketing Communications Manager at Optical Works Rodenstock, a leading optical manufacturer at the time.
Patricia Ritchie
Events Director
patricia@globalpresspr.com
Patricia Ritchie is the Events Director at Globalpress Connection. She is originally from Brazil, where obtained an Executive MBA in Sao Paulo. Before moving to the United States, Patricia was Events Director at Messe Frankfurt where she managed COMDEX Brazil and Events Director at Advanstar as manager of TELEXPO.
Patricia is tri-lingual: English, Portuguese, and Spanish and her international experience and exposure is a huge asset to her role at Globalpress Connection. At the agency, she is responsible for planning, booking, and managing all event logistics and will take on a larger role in the marketing and PR for the agency. Her previous supervisors point out her hard-wroking professional style and very friendly personality. She has continuously delivered well-organized successful events as well as established and maintained long-term professional relationships around the world.
