LOS ANGELES — Nora Ellingwood joined CloserStill Media as Vice President of Operations, North America, a new position. Trade Show Executive (TSE) spoke with Ellingwood about her career, new role and keys to events industry success.
ANDREW: Could you describe your career journey?
NORA: My career journey began as a receptionist at MAGIC, where I quickly progressed into roles like Marketing Coordinator and Account Executive.
Through several acquisitions — first by Advanstar, then UBM, and eventually Informa Markets — I had the opportunity to grow alongside the business, gaining new experiences and responsibilities with each transition. These experiences shaped my ability to navigate change and helped me develop the skills needed to manage large-scale operations and complex events.
After nearly two decades in the fashion industry, I launched my own consulting firm. That chapter gave me the chance to broaden my expertise by working with clients in industries beyond fashion, gaining valuable insights and learning to approach challenges with fresh perspectives.
Now, as Vice President of Operations, North America, at CloserStill Media, I’ve stepped into a role that feels like the culmination of everything I’ve worked toward. From answering phones to leading operations for a global organization, each step has built on the last, teaching me to embrace change, think creatively and lead with purpose. It’s a journey I’m proud of and one that continues to challenge and inspire me every day.
ANDREW: What do you enjoy about the events industry?
NORA: What has kept me in the industry is the constant problem-solving and creativity it demands. Every show comes with its challenges, but I’ve always believed there’s never a problem — only a solution waiting to be discovered. I’ve learned to remain open to possibilities while not becoming overly attached to any single outcome, which has allowed me to adapt and deliver results in even the most complex situations.
ANDREW: What were some of your major early milestones or lessons?
NORA: One of my earliest milestones was navigating MAGIC’s first major acquisition by Advanstar. That experience taught me the importance of staying calm under pressure and embracing change as an opportunity rather than a challenge. I learned to focus on the bigger picture while remaining attentive to the details that build trust across teams.
Another key lesson was understanding the value of listening. Whether it’s a client, a colleague or a vendor, every perspective brings something valuable to the table.
Listening has allowed me to make informed decisions, build strong relationships and ensure that all voices are heard. These lessons became the foundation of my leadership style, rooted in collaboration, adaptability and a solutions-oriented mindset.
ANDREW: Are there any mentors who you believe were instrumental to your success?
NORA: I’ve been fortunate to have incredible mentors throughout my career, each shaping me in unique ways. Among them are Tony Calanca, former Executive Vice President at Informa Markets, who taught me the importance of operational excellence and strategic thinking, and Joe Loggia, the former CEO at Advanstar (retired), whose influence spanned more than two decades of my career.
Joe believed in my potential and encouraged me to take on challenges that pushed me to grow. He emphasized the critical role of customer service, always reminding us that our decisions must make sense for our customers and provide real value.
He taught me to “connect the dots” across departments, ensuring alignment and collaboration throughout the organization. His mentorship, rooted in the principles of leadership and customer-centricity, left a lasting impression on me and continues to guide my approach to this day.
I’ve also learned from many informal mentors along the way — team members, clients and colleagues who have taught me the value of perspective and collaboration. Every mentor has left an imprint on my career and I’m deeply grateful for their influence.
ANDREW: What inspired you to create your own consulting firm? How was this different from working at a more-traditional event organizer?
NORA: Starting my consulting firm was inspired by both necessity and opportunity. The pandemic created a turning point, and I decided to take the leap and build something of my own. It allowed me to step back, reflect on the best practices I’d developed over the years and apply them in new and innovative ways.
The biggest difference between consulting and working at a traditional event organizer was the variety. Consulting gave me the opportunity to work across industries — automotive, hospitality, veterinarian and environmental events — and approach each client with fresh eyes. I loved the challenge of tailoring solutions to unique situations while building strong, trust-based relationships.
That experience broadened my expertise and deepened my appreciation for the collaborative nature of this industry.
Related. CloserStill Media Acquires Majority Stake in Partnership Network Events
ANDREW: Why did you begin working with CloserStill Media and how did you end up officially joining the company?
NORA: CloserStill Media immediately stood out to me because of its emphasis on trust, transparency and innovation. Initially, I joined as a consultant and, during that time, I saw firsthand the alignment between their values and mine.
When the opportunity to officially join the team arose, it felt like the perfect next step. I was inspired by Yancy Weinrich’s, President of North America, leadership and the company’s strategic vision, and I knew I could make a meaningful contribution to their continued success. It’s been an incredible opportunity to bring my experience full-circle while driving growth in a company whose mission I truly believe in.
ANDREW: What makes CloserStill Media a great fit?
NORA: CloserStill Media is a great fit because of its people-first culture and its bold, forward-thinking vision. The company is dedicated to strategic growth while staying grounded in core values like trust, transparency and collaboration. One of the most exciting aspects of this vision is the expansion of the U.S. market, with a clear focus on growth and acquisitions planned for 2025.
What also stands out to me is CloserStill Media’s ability to innovate and execute at the highest level. The company’s rise last year from #20 to #14 globally is a testament to the team’s dedication to excellence and their ability to deliver exceptional results.
That same commitment is reflected in the U.S. Operations staff, who bring strength and enthusiasm to every event. I’m inspired by the momentum and proud to be part of a company that empowers its people to thrive while driving meaningful growth in the events industry.
ANDREW: What does this new role entail?
NORA: As Vice President of Operations, North America, this new role offers an incredible opportunity to support and strengthen CloserStill Media’s U.S. show teams. My primary focus is on centralizing operations to create seamless collaboration across events, streamline processes and ensure we deliver exceptional experiences for our clients and attendees. This centralized approach allows us to not only enhance efficiencies but also provide team members with clear paths for professional growth and development.
I’m particularly excited about working with the current Operations team, who bring tremendous skill and dedication to every event. They’re an incredible group and I look forward to fostering their growth while building on their successes.
Additionally, I’m focused on expanding the team with individuals who share our passion for innovation, collaboration and delivering excellence. It’s an inspiring time to be part of CloserStill Media, and I’m honored to contribute to its bright future by supporting the people and processes that make our events truly extraordinary.
ANDREW: What do you plan on achieving in this new role?
NORA: My goal is to build a best-in-class Operations team that drives efficiency, collaboration and growth. I want to create a foundation that not only supports the company’s strategic vision but also provides meaningful career opportunities for team members.
Ultimately, I plan to position CloserStill Media’s North American events as the industry standard for innovation and excellence. It’s about creating sustainable growth while delivering exceptional experiences for our clients and attendees.
ANDREW: What advice would you give to a rising professional who is inspired by your journey?
NORA: Stay curious and be open to learning from every experience. Whether you’re just starting out or navigating a major transition, embrace challenges as opportunities for growth.
Also, never underestimate the power of listening — it’s one of the most valuable skills you can develop. Build strong relationships, trust your instincts and remember that success is as much about collaboration as it is about individual effort.
ANDREW: Is there anything else that you would like to add?
NORA: I’d like to express my gratitude for the incredible mentors, teams and clients who have shaped my career. The events industry is a dynamic, ever-evolving space and I’m proud to be part of it.
Finally, I want to acknowledge the importance of community — whether it’s supporting each other during a crisis, like the devastating L.A. fires, or coming together to create something extraordinary. Collaboration and care are at the heart of what we do, and that’s what makes this work so meaningful.
Learn more about CloserStill Media here.
