CHICAGO — The Trade Show Executive (TSE) Women to Watch program has been highlighting exceptional individuals since 2018 for their contributions to their organizations and teams. This year TSE is highlighting each of these 10 fantastic Women to Watch to learn more about their career journey and thoughts on the industry. TSE talked with one of this year’s Women to Watch, Renee Gravelle, Director of Operations, Clarion Events, Inc., about mentorship, advice for up and comers and how she avoids burnout.
MADDY: Can you tell us how you landed in the trade show industry? Was it a straight path here, or was it unexpected?
RENEE: I was a barista at a coffee stand in my hometown and 2 of my customers owned a specialty coffee tradeshow. They had a job opening to handle the content program and I joined the team.
MADDY: What are some of the skills that have helped you move up in your organization, and how do you refine those skills?
RENEE: Organization has been key. It is crucial to stay organized, especially when working on multiple events. This has helped me multitask and be able to handle larger events and continue to help our team evolve.
MADDY: Thinking back on your career thus far, what is a standout moment that makes you proud of yourself?
RENEE: I’ve had a few which have been anytime I’ve taken on a new event. It’s easy to carry your role from event to event but learning a new industry and adapting your role to it can be challenging.
MADDY: What is your motivation to continue striving for excellence in your work?
RENEE: Being a role model for others in our organization.
MADDY: How do you maintain a healthy work-life balance to avoid burnout? How do you encourage others to do the same?
RENEE: I think it’s important to pre-set time each day to go for a walk or step away and unplug. I personally try to block 30 minutes per day to get up and move my body so that I can come back refreshed.
MADDY: How do you think women can support each other more in this industry?
RENEE: By standing up for each other. Actively listen when a fellow women is facing a challenge and support them.
MADDY: What do you think the next big thing in the events space is going to be, whether it be related to technology, work models, experiences, etc.?
RENEE: Definitely technology. AI has quickly become a common topic discussed and is becoming a handy resource.
Related. Meet the 2024 Women to Watch: Sydney Rhea
MADDY: What advice would you give to other up-and-comers in this industry?
RENEE: Be ok with failing every once in awhile. You have to make mistakes to learn.
MADDY: What strategies have you found most effective for building a strong professional network within the trade show community?
RENEE: I enjoy attending industry events to build my network. Face to face time is so valuable and needed these days.
MADDY: What role does mentorship play in your career development, and how can other women seek and cultivate these relationships?
RENEE: I find it extremely important. If your company doesn’t have a mentorship program, I suggest asking to be paired up with someone you admire or someone from a different department so that you can network with someone who has a different view point/role yet has the same goal as you (producing an event)
MADDY: How do you stay updated on industry trends and changes, and what resources do you recommend to your peers?
RENEE: I personally learn a lot from my company’s email newsletters as well as LinkedIn and other social platforms.
MADDY: What is your vision for the future of women in the trade show industry, and what steps can be taken to foster greater inclusion and diversity?
RENEE: Continue to advocate and support other women. I am fortunate to work with some amazing, powerful women and am so proud of them. Continue to speak up and let your voices be heard.
