CHICAGO — Trade Show Executive (TSE) announced the 2026 TSE Trailblazers.
This group of 10 up-and-coming leaders in the trade show industry were selected based on five criteria points around years of industry experience, demonstrable excellence in trade show management, problem-solving skills, innovative contributions to their organizations and achievements in the last year.
This year’s TSE Trailblazers are:
- Rebecca Burns, Conference Content Manager, Informa
- Elyse Cyr, Director of Event Operations, Messe Stuttgart
- Vanessa Dang, Audience Development Manager, CommerceNext, CloserStill Media
- Courtney Ford, Director, Digital Engagement, Consumer Technology Association™
- Maeghan Horvath, Senior Conference Director, Emerald
- Kelley McCarthy, Senior Conference Producer, Beauty & Wellness Group, Questex
- Andrew Olson, Senior Director, Customer Operations, RX
- Paola Payano, Marketing Manager, Informa
- Parker Swenson, Operations Manager, Diversified
- Shannon Twombly, Senior Event Coordinator, Diversified
The TSE Trailblazers, and their nominators, are invited to attend the upcoming TSE Fastest 50 Awards & Summit, taking place April 22-24 at the Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor and Baltimore Convention Center.
While at the event, Trailblazers have the opportunity to connect with one another and top leaders from across the industry and the Fastest 50 rankings. They will also be invited to share in the spotlight on stage during the Awards Gala Dinner to receive their well-earned recognition.
This group of winners will also be featured in an upcoming edition of Trade Show Executive, so that the industry can learn more about their careers, contributions and ideas for the future of the trade show and live events sector.
