CHICAGO — As part of Women’s History Month, Trade Show Executive (TSE) is highlighting superstar women in the trade show and events industry to showcase their perspectives on the state of the industry, leadership and their advice to others. Today, we’re spotlighting Diane Vidoni, Chief Operating Officer at eMerge Americas, who oversees the business operations of the company, while also executing event plans. An industry professional of more than 25 years, she’s led conference and operations teams for the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions and National Trade Productions. Vidoni is also involved in the industry through memberships with the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE), PCMA and SISO.
MADDY: How has the industry progressed in terms of gender equality over the course of your career?
DIANE: The conference and event industry has made notable strides in gender equality over the course of my career. Women are now holding more senior leadership and executive roles in event management companies and organizations, particularly in sectors like association management and professional conferences. Industry associations, such as IAEE and PCMA, have also developed leadership programs to empower women and promote gender diversity in executive positions. The establishment of mentorship programs and women-focused networking groups has also helped advance careers and promote equitable opportunities.
These changes reflect significant progress, driven by advocacy, awareness and women’s leadership in pushing the industry forward.
MADDY: Where do we still need to improve?
DIANE: While the conference and event industry has made progress toward gender equality, there are several areas where improvement is still needed. The first is leadership representation and equal pay. Women are still underrepresented in top executive roles (CEO, Chief Financial Officer) and as owners of large event production companies. Despite narrowing pay gaps, disparities remain — particularly in technical and operational roles. Women in these positions are often underpaid compared to male counterparts and pay transparency is still limited, making it harder for women to identify inequities and advocate for fair compensation.
There also needs to be more representation in high-profile roles. Women, particularly those from underrepresented communities, are often overlooked for keynote speeches and panel discussions. Also, leadership in visible roles like event hosting or master of ceremonies often skews male.
Additionally, event industry roles involve irregular hours, travel and high-pressure deadlines, which disproportionately affect women, particularly mothers or caregivers. More flexible working arrangements and robust parental leave policies are needed to make the industry sustainable for women. Tackling these challenges will ensure that progress continues and becomes more inclusive across the board.
MADDY: What are some misconceptions about women in this industry or in leadership that you’d like to dispel?
DIANE: There are several misconceptions about women in the conference and event industry, especially regarding their roles in leadership. One misconception is that women are better suited for “soft skills” roles. However, while women often excel in areas like relationship management, communication and hospitality, they are equally capable in technical and strategic roles. Women have proven themselves as exceptional leaders in logistics, production, audiovisual technology and operations — fields traditionally dominated by men.
Another misconception is that women aren’t as ambitious as men in this industry. Women are just as driven as men, but pay inequities, lack of mentorship and limited access to leadership opportunities often hinder their career progression. When given equal opportunities and support, women excel in leadership positions.
Some may mistakenly say that women leaders are too emotional or empathetic to make tough decisions. However, emotional intelligence and empathy are leadership strengths, not weaknesses. Women leaders effectively balance compassion with decisiveness and studies show that organizations with emotionally intelligent leaders tend to perform better and have higher employee satisfaction.
To those that say women can’t handle the physical demands of event management, I would say that event management can be physically and mentally demanding, but women have consistently proven their ability to thrive under pressure. From managing large-scale productions to overseeing complex logistics, women demonstrate resilience and capability every day.
And finally, while I’ve heard others say there aren’t enough qualified women to take on leadership roles, the talent pool of qualified women is vast. The issue is not the lack of qualified women, but rather the lack of opportunities, mentorship and support for them to ascend into leadership positions. By addressing and challenging these misconceptions, the industry can better recognize and utilize the full potential of women, creating a more inclusive and dynamic future.
Related. Powerful Women Series: Karalynn Sprouse
MADDY: What would be your advice to other women professionals in this industry?
DIANE: My advice would be:
- Trust your skills: Your experience and knowledge are valuable. Don’t downplay your expertise and be confident in your abilities to lead and make decisions.
- Speak up: Share your ideas and insights in meetings, on panels, and in networking events. Your voice deserves to be heard.
- Negotiate: Know your worth and don’t shy away from asking for fair pay, promotions or opportunities. Research industry benchmarks to strengthen your case. The worst someone can say is ‘no’.
- Find mentors: Seek out women and allies in leadership roles who can guide and support you.
- Support peers: Collaborate with other women and celebrate each other’s successes. Building a community of mutual encouragement is powerful.
- Embrace challenges: Don’t fear stepping out of your comfort zone — growth happens when you take risks and embrace new opportunities.
- Be a mentor: Share your knowledge and experience with others, especially younger women entering the industry.
- Take care of yourself: The events industry can be intense. Prioritize self-care to avoid burnout and maintain your energy.
- Recognize achievements: Take pride in your accomplishments, whether it’s a successfully executed event or a personal milestone.
- Share your success: Let others know about your contributions — it helps build your credibility and inspires others.
- Get Involved in Industry Organizations: Join professional associations like IAEE, PCMA, Meeting Professionals International or the American Society of Association Executives. These organizations provide training, networking opportunities, and leadership development.
The events industry thrives because of women’s contributions. By empowering yourself and others, you can make a lasting impact and help shape a more equitable future for the field.
MADDY: In honor of Women’s History Month, are there any women in your life, professionally or personally, that you’d like to give a shout out to?
DIANE: I’ve been fortunate to know and work alongside many remarkable women — both professionally and personally — who have shaped my journey. Their strength, wisdom and determination have left an indelible mark on me.
However, my greatest hero will always be my paternal grandmother, Magdalena. She immigrated to America with dreams of a better life, started a family business and lived a rich, full life to the age of 97. Her resilience, entrepreneurial spirit and unwavering courage continue to inspire me every day. She taught me the value of hard work, perseverance and never giving up on your dreams.
Her story is a reminder that the sacrifices and achievements of those who came before us pave the way for the opportunities we have today.
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