CHICAGO — Next week in Baltimore, the 2026 Trade Show Executive (TSE) Trailblazers will be recognized for their achievements at the TSE Fastest 50 Awards & Summit.
We connected with these distinguished up-and-comers to get their advice for young professionals.
Rebecca Burns, Conference Content Manager, Informa Markets
Focus on building your confidence and faith in yourself every single day. Strengthen it to the point where you end each day knowing that everything will work out.
You are more than capable and deserving, and let that be the foundation you build your career on.
Elyse Cyr, Director of Event Operations, Messe Stuttgart, Inc.
Stay curious and take every opportunity to learn. The events industry touches everything from logistics and technology to marketing and strategy, and understanding those different pieces will make you a stronger professional.
And, don’t shy away from challenges — some of the most valuable lessons in this industry happen in real time on the show floor.
Vanessa Dang, Audience Development Manager, CloserStill Media
Embrace the curiosity of a million questions. When you enter, the scale of your first event can feel overwhelming, but that pressure is actually where the best learning happens.
Don’t rush past it! The events industry is unique because it’s a constant evolution.
That can feel daunting, especially when you’re navigating what I think of as the “big three”: maintaining audience engagement, ensuring sponsor retention and fostering a year-round community.
My advice is to stay anchored in your audience and keep an open mind. If you take the time to truly understand the people in your community, the answers start to reveal themselves.
At the end of the day, we aren’t just managing logistics. We’re managing human experiences. Keep the people at the center, and the rest will follow.
Courtney Ford, Director, Digital Engagement, Consumer Technology Association (CTA)®
Early in your career, don’t feel pressured to pick a specialty too quickly. The more exposure you have to different areas, the stronger and more versatile you’ll become.
I’ve found that asking questions and seeking out new experiences can open doors you didn’t even know existed. This is an industry where things are constantly evolving, so continuing to learn is crucial.
Above all, remain curious — that mindset will carry you far.
Maeghan Horvath, Senior Conference Manager at Emerald
Trust your gut. If you have an idea worth sharing, share it.
If a job doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. If something doesn’t look right, say something.
This industry will throw a lot at you and there won’t always be time to overthink it. The people who thrive are the ones who learn to trust themselves and their teams.
And find a mentor – someone you trust and can look up to – and stay connected with them. The value goes beyond what you learn from them.
Those relationships open doors you didn’t even know existed. And when you find yourself in a position to open a door for someone else, do it.
Oh, and find a really good pair of show-site shoes!
Kelley McCarthy, Senior Conference Producer – Beauty & Wellness Group, Questex
Remember that strong events are built on relationships. Be reliable, communicate clearly and approach every experience as an opportunity to learn.
Over time, those habits earn trust — and trust is what allows you to grow your responsibilities and your impact.
Andrew Olson, Senior Director, Customer Operations, RX
Take every opportunity to learn and get involved.
Make a strong effort to understand how different parts of the business work, not just your own role.
The more you know, the more effective you’ll be.
If you can, get onsite at events as much as possible — that’s where everything really comes to life.
And don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Take on new challenges, raise your hand for stretch assignments/projects and make yourself visible.
That’s how you grow in this industry.
Paola Payano, Marketing Manager, Informa Markets
The trade show industry has many facets, so it’s important to learn about all of them — operations, marketing, sales and more.
Even if you start in one area, be open to exploring others. There’s a lot of room for growth and working in different areas helps you understand what it takes to put an event together.
Also, customer service is key. No matter your role, you need to provide excellent service onsite because you only have a few days to make a lasting impression.
Stay open-minded, be ready to learn and enjoy the process of bringing people together.
Parker Swenson, Operations Manager, Diversified
Observe and absorb from anyone and everyone. Say yes to opportunities when you can, and don’t be afraid to speak up if you see something that could be improved.
Lean on others and never hesitate to ask questions. Collaboration and communication are two of the biggest drivers of success, in my opinion.
Above all, have fun and try to keep a sense of humor along the way.
Shannon Twombly, Senior Event Coordinator, Diversified
Be bold about saying yes to opportunities. Attending industry events, volunteering at other shows and networking with others will put you miles ahead in your career.
There are constant new technologies, practices and resources evolving and improving, and immersing yourself in these opportunities allows you to experience them in real time.
Just be mindful of your capacity so you can fully show up for each experience.
To get an in-depth article about the 2026 TSE Trailblazers in June, subscribe to TSE Magazine.
