DALLAS – The exhibitions and events industry is at the forefront of encouraging women to grow and achieve in their careers by offering learning opportunities to increase their unique leadership skills. For the ninth year, The International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) hosted its signature Women’s Leadership Forum September 22-23 in Baltimore, and awarded Rachel Wimberly, Executive Vice President of Business Development, Tarsus U.S., as the recipient of the 2021 IAEE Woman of Achievement Award.
“The IAEE Awards Committee unanimously agreed that Rachel embodies the spirit of the IAEE Woman of Achievement Award. She serves as a role model to all developing professionals in how to grow one’s success through hard work, perseverance,” IAEE Awards Committee Chairperson Kellie Shevlin, CEM, Executive Director, Craft Beverage Expo, said. “Rachel is exactly what this award recognizes – a Woman of Achievement – and she joins the ranks of impressive women who have made their mark on our industry, as well as inspiring future female leaders to do the same.”
Since 2013, the IAEE Women’s Leadership Forum has been providing women in the industry with a trusted network to develop their careers and leadership skills, engage in mentorship and find solutions to challenges such as maintaining a healthy work-life balance. “The diversity in our guest speakers allows us to make sure we are presenting information that is relevant to attendees who are at different phases of their careers and/or have a wide variety of professional and personal goals they want to achieve,” IAEE Executive Vice President and COO Cathy Breden, CMP, CAE, CEM, said. “The sense of community that has evolved from the IAEE Women’s Leadership Forum has been tremendous, as you see profound connections made that enable women to lift each other toward the level of success that has been lacking for women in the workplace for decades.”
In fact, the drive to keep those connections going has led to other initiatives such as a monthly meetup. “Our Women’s Buzz Hours allow women to touch base regularly to share ideas and challenges in a less formal yet equally supportive environment,” Breden said.
Related. Past recipients of the IAEE Woman of Achievement Award.
“IAEE has been at the forefront of supporting women in the trade show industry, especially with the launch of the Women’s Leadership Forum nine years ago,” Wimberly said. “Being named the 2021 IAEE Woman of Achievement at this year’s WLF, recently held in Baltimore, makes this honor even more special. Thank you IAEE for the award and for everything the organization does for the advancement of women in our industry.”
Reach Cathy Breden at (972) 687-9201 or cbreden@iaee.com; Kellie Shevlin at (202) 288-8898 or kellie@craftbeverageexpo.com; or Rachel Wimberly at rwimberly@tarsus.com.
