CHICAGO — At last week’s Gold 100 Awards & Summit, the 2026 Trade Show Executive (TSE) Women to Watch were recognized for their stellar achievements.
TSE’s Young Professionals Corner connected with these distinguished leaders to get their advice for events industry up-and-comers.
Monique Abed, Senior Director of Operations, Ai4
Organization is everything. Find an organizational system that works for the way your mind works. Once you find something that works well, it creates a framework you can carry into all of your future events.
There are an incredible number of moving parts in this industry; multiple timelines, vendors, speakers, stakeholders and last-minute changes, and you cannot keep everything in your head.
For me, being organized is not about having everything under control at every moment; that is impossible. It’s about creating enough structure and reliable systems early on so that when something unexpected arises, which inevitably will in this industry, you have the bandwidth to respond without everything else falling through the cracks.
It’s also crucial to be flexible and even-keeled, because things in this industry are constantly changing, and one thing you can absolutely expect is the unexpected.
Part of being highly organized and adaptable is having an eagerness to learn not only the areas you’re responsible for, but all other aspects of the event, while staying abreast of new industry trends. This will take you far in the industry.
Lisha Baer, Associate Director of Operations, NAMM
Be curious, work hard, build relationships and learn as much as you can outside of your own job.
Ask to be in the meeting. Learn what other departments do and why they do it. Get to know your vendors and partners and understand their side of the business too. Some of the most valuable things I’ve learned over the years have simply come from paying attention, asking questions and being willing to jump in.
I’d also encourage people to think about the bigger picture when building a career in this industry. Build a career that gives you more than a paycheck.
Doing something you’re passionate about, having flexibility in your life, enjoying the people you work with and actually looking forward to what you do every day all have tremendous value. If you can look at those things as part of your “income,” it can change how you define success and the choices you make along the way.
And never underestimate relationships. There’s something really special about the relationships you build in this industry.
We travel together, share countless dinners, work long days and experience the highs and lows of producing shows side by side. Over the years, colleagues, vendors and partners can truly become like family. I think that’s something pretty unique to our industry, and definitely one of the reasons I’ve loved being part of it for so long.
Whitney Bell, Vice President of Marketing, NTP Events
Don’t be afraid to try new things. You never know what may spark a passion or open a door to an opportunity you never expected.
My own career started in PR, but getting involved in events led me to discover an industry I truly love. I’d also encourage people to stay curious, keep learning and volunteer for projects outside their comfort zone. Some of the most valuable career growth comes from experiences you didn’t originally plan for.
Amber Curtis, Sales Manager, RXUS/ReedPop
Show the character you want people remembering about you. Stand by what you believe in, but be willing to hear out other perspectives.
No matter where and when you are traveling, be ready to network. I’ve met a few of my clients on planes, sporting events and even nights out.
Linette Dao, Senior Marketing Director, Industrial Group, Forge
Raise your hand before you feel completely ready.
Some of the biggest opportunities in my career came because I said yes to something I hadn’t done before and then figured it out. You don’t have to check every box before taking the next step.
I’d also tell people to learn beyond their job description. If you’re in marketing, spend time with sales. Understand operations. Learn the P&L. Talk to customers. Ask exhibitors why they spend money with you and attendees why they’re willing to get on a plane to come see you.
And don’t be afraid to ask questions. You don’t have to be the smartest person in every room. Being curious, prepared and willing to learn will take you a very long way.
Nataly Laro, Group Media Marketing Director, Clarion Events North America
Stay curious. Be present and notice the people around you as there’s always so much to learn, and your next opportunity might come from unexpected places.
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Alexandra Lombardo, Events Operations Manager, Event Performance Group, Forge
Say YES to opportunities. This is the best way to learn and grow in your career. I think it’s important to attend industry events too. They provide you with access to information, new ideas, inspiration and the ability to network.
Natasha Miles, Event Manager, Informa Markets
Be fearless and curious. Learn everything you can about every aspect of large-scale event management. Understanding how all the pieces fit together — from operations to finance to content — makes you invaluable. Don’t limit yourself to your immediate role.
Trust your judgment. Develop confidence in your instincts while remaining open to guidance.
Your fresh perspective often brings insights that experienced professionals might miss.
Build genuine relationships. Be respectful and approachable with everyone. This industry thrives on relationships, and your reputation is built through countless small interactions. How you treat people matters enormously.
Cultivate self-awareness. Emotional intelligence — understanding how you come across and impact others — is as important as technical competence.
Success comes from combining technical excellence, strong relationships and thoughtful leadership. Stay curious, stay humble and never underestimate your impact on others.
Rachel Rodean, Director of Education & Events, Exhibition Services and Contractors Association
Say yes to new opportunities. You don’t need to have all of the answers before stepping into a new project, joining a committee or contributing to a conversation.
Those experiences are often where you learn and grow the most, and sometimes other people recognize your potential before you see it in yourself. At the same time, saying yes should not mean burning yourself out.
It is equally important to recognize when you need to say no or not right now based on your capacity.
Brianne Somers, Senior Director, Exhibitions Services and The Utility Expo Show Director, Association of Equipment Manufacturers
I’d encourage people to be curious and take the time to understand how the whole event comes together, not just the part that’s tied to their current role.
Spend time with operations, listen to sales and marketing, learn the business model, and talk directly with exhibitors and attendees. The people who can connect all of those perspectives become incredibly valuable.
I’d also encourage people to raise their hand for opportunities, even when they don’t feel 100% ready. Some of the best opportunities in my career were disguised as complicated problems that nobody else wanted to tackle.
And finally, build relationships before you need them. This is such a relationship-driven industry.
If you’re curious, accountable, willing to learn and willing to take on the messy assignments, good things tend to happen. You don’t need to know everything before stepping forward. You just need to be willing to grow.
Want to hear more from these stellar leaders? Subscribe to TSE Magazine to get their group profile in November: https://tsx.magserv.com/cgi-bin/subscribe?qt=new&Keyed_effort=W2025
