CHICAGO — In honor of Women’s History Month, Trade Show Executive (TSE) is checking in with some of the industry’s powerful leaders to learn more about their leadership advice and thoughts on the industry’s progress. Lisa Hannant, Group CEO of Clarion Events, has a track record of delivering results while setting high expectations for customer value and satisfaction. She joined Clarion Events in 2008 and has been a part of the organization’s management team that has delivered growth and diversified Clarion’s business and portfolio mix. The organization grew significantly in key markets in the U.S., Europe and Asia under her direction, and she is also active in the industry, serving on the boards for UFI, SISO and AEO.
TSE caught up with Lisa Hannant to find out more about her insights on leadership, the state of gender equality in the workplace and who she wants to shout out this Women’s History Month.
MADDY: How has the industry progressed in terms of gender equality over the course of your career?
LISA: Progress has been slow but there is a real step change being seen across the industry. This is in part to do with a generational change, but I also think there are more opportunities for those from different areas of expertise to succeed. We now have several high-profile leaders emerging from marketing, content and digital backgrounds, which historically we would not have seen in our industry. It’s a sign of real change and a very welcome one.
Related. Power Women Series: Marsha Flanagan, M.Ed., CEM
MADDY: Where do we still need to improve?
LISA: Our industry can be demanding and is not 9-5, so supporting individuals trying to balance the day-to-day, childcare, commitments and travel will continue to be an important aspect of how we grow and retain talent in the industry.
MADDY: What are some misconceptions about women in this industry or in leadership that you’d like to dispel?
LISA: You can be an empathetic yet strong leader and it isn’t a weakness; it’s a strength that so many women have.
MADDY: What would be your advice to other women professionals in this industry?
LISA: Get yourself a sponsor. It has been invaluable to me throughout my career, and I have been fortunate to have had some of the very best supporting me. It allows insight, access, guidance and a safe space to be able to grow.
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?
LISA: Professionally, it has got to be Katie Sexton who is our Executive Assistant at Clarion. Without her I wouldn’t be able to function. She runs my diary and books my travel, which, trust me, is one of the most demanding jobs there is as I usually need to be in at least three places at any one time, but she manages it with ease. Personally, it’s my mum of course. She set me up in the best possible way to navigate life.
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