CHICAGO — Bianca Dux, Executive Producer at Clarion Events, is a 2025 Trade Show Executive (TSE) Trailblazer.
She produces two events in Clarion’s Digital Innovation Portfolio — MAU Vegas and ITC Vegas — and has driven brand awareness and operational excellence, building relationships, revenue opportunities and content marketing strategies.
TSE spoke with Dux about her accomplished career and how finding your “superpowers” can help you succeed.
ANDREW: How do you foster collaboration between departments at Clarion and why is collaboration key?
BIANCA: One of my favorite parts of my job is having the opportunity to collaborate daily with nearly every department on our team. As a producer, building strong relationships isn’t just beneficial — it’s essential for efficiency and bringing production to life.
I make it a priority to ensure every team member knows how vital their role is to the process, respecting their expertise and approach while offering empathy and patience along the way. I foster an environment where every voice is heard and considered, which leads to more thoughtful discussions and stronger problem-solving.
At the end of the day, every single person plays a key role in bringing an event to life and it’s my job to make sure they feel that — always.
ANDREW: What brought you to the trade show industry?
BIANCA: I originally wanted to be a journalist, but a summer internship at an experiential agency sparked my love for live events. I began as a coordinator for conferences and trade shows, then expanded into content, marketing and strategic partnerships.
I’ve done it all — from writing conference programs and recruiting speakers to content marketing, digital events and designing experiential activations — eventually expanding deeper into operations and team leadership. There isn’t a part of an event that I don’t love having my hands in!
I’ve learned that I thrive on considering the unique perspective of each role and diving into new industries, uncovering what drives them and creating meaningful experiences that transform the way people connect and work.
ANDREW: What do you enjoy the most about your work?
BIANCA: What I enjoy most is creating meaningful experiences for unique communities. Designing spaces — both physical and digital — where people can come together and feel a sense of belonging is incredibly rewarding.
These spaces enable impactful connections that move businesses forward and that is what our industry is all about.
I also love pushing boundaries by using innovative technology and tools to bring these ideas to life in fresh, unexpected ways. Every experience is an opportunity to blend creativity, community and innovation — and that’s what keeps me inspired.
ANDREW: What has been the proudest moment of your career so far?
BIANCA: Working on ITC Vegas has been the proudest accomplishment of my career. It’s more than an event — it’s a movement, an experience like no other.
The team often calls it the “Super Bowl of Insurance,” and it truly lives up to the name. In 2025, my third year on the show, I took on the biggest role of my career yet, leading the run of show and overseeing more areas and stages than ever before.
Watching all the moving parts come together and seeing the impact it makes on the industry is incredibly special. I’m proud of the responsibility I’ve taken on and beyond grateful for the team I get to build it with.
Related. Meet the 2025 TSE Trailblazers: Dianna Cárdenas, CEM
ANDREW: What are your keys to success?
BIANCA: My keys to success are communication, organization, empathy and creativity. I believe in pushing the right boundaries — bringing bold, innovative ideas to life — while staying grounded in structure and understanding.
It’s about creating order without stifling creativity and leading with empathy so that everyone feels seen, supported and part of something impactful.
ANDREW: What challenges have you encountered in your career, and how have you overcome them?
BIANCA: One of the biggest challenges I faced was finding my voice — and trusting it. Even when I had solutions, I often second-guessed myself, questioning whether it was the right thing to say or do.
When I joined Clarion, one of the most valuable lessons I learned from our executive team was to “fail faster forward.” They encouraged us as employees to take calculated risks, try new things on behalf of customers and data, and to lean into some creative strategies.
This mindset shift changed everything for me. I stopped overthinking and waiting for the right answers and activated the empowerment that was being provided to me.
I made it a priority to let my voice be heard, collaborate more effectively with my team and partners, and see ideas through with confidence.
By embracing this approach, I not only strengthened my problem-solving skills but also discovered better ways to innovate and grow along the way. I’m proud of the leader I’ve become — one who trusts their instincts and encourages others to do the same.
ANDREW: How do you stay motivated and avoid burnout?
BIANCA: In a fast-paced, collaborative industry, maintaining balance is essential. For me, my “5 to 9”— both in the morning and evening — are sacred.
Working from home comes with its challenges but setting clear boundaries before and after my workday allows me to stay focused and ready to tackle the day ahead.
I refer to these as my “warm-up” and “cool-down” hours, where I reflect on challenges, problem-solve, plan strategically and often generate my most creative ideas.
This dedicated time also helps me stay present and prioritize what truly matters, reinforcing the importance of mental well-being. By making my personal time a non-negotiable part of my routine, I ensure that I’m not just productive but also sustainably motivated.
ANDREW: What advice would you give to an events industry up-and-comer?
BIANCA: Find the aspects of the industry that truly inspire and excite you — and lean in. Events are all about solving problems using our unique strengths, so identifying and activating your own “superpowers” is essential.
It’s important to explore different areas of the industry, raise your hand for new opportunities and stay curious. This will help you build strong connections across all teams that contribute to an event and those relationships will be invaluable throughout your career.
Most importantly, be honest and transparent about who you are, and bring your creative energy to everything you do. At the end of the day, we are creators of communities, memories and moments.
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