CHICAGO — In honor of Women’s History Month, Trade Show Executive is speaking with women leaders in the exhibitions industry to reflect on progress, stereotypes and their own ascents to leadership. Today, we’re spotlighting Yancy Weinrich, President, North America, CloserStill Media, for the Powerful Women Series. Weinrich is a seasoned professional who is now leading one of the fastest-growing events businesses. In her role, she leads the growth of CloserStill in North America through acquisitions, launches and the organic growth of existing events in their portfolio. Prior to CloserStill, she worked at RX for 17 years, with her most recent role being Chief Growth Officer.
We had the chance to catch up with Weinrich to reflect on what she’s seen over the course of her career, the people who have guided her and where the industry still needs to improve in terms of gender equality.
MADDY: How has the industry progressed in terms of gender equality over the course of your career?
YANCY: Over the past two decades, I’ve witnessed tremendous strides in gender equality within our industry. When I started my career, leadership roles, particularly C-Suite and executive management, were largely male-dominated. Today, I see more women stepping into positions of power, driving innovation and shaping the future of our industry. I have watched many organizations become more intentional about fostering inclusivity, offering mentorship programs and ensuring that women have a seat at the table. These changes have been pivotal in creating a more balanced and diverse workplace.
MADDY: Where do we still need to improve?
YANCY: While progress has been significant, there’s still work to be done. When we no longer need groups such as Women in Exhibitions and other women-focused groups, then our job will be done. Importantly, the industry needs to continue addressing the pay gap between men and women in similar roles and ensure that women receive equal opportunities for promotions, particularly in strategic, technical and executive positions. Also, flexible work policies that accommodate the needs of working parents — and acknowledging that this often impacts women disproportionately — can help retain top talent. Finally, more visibility for women in high-profile speaking engagements or panel discussions at trade shows would reinforce the message that women are key thought leaders in our industry. We have an obligation to look internally to foster and develop our women peers, and also to ensure our events are representative of diversity and inclusion across the board.
Related. Powerful Women Series: Lisa Hannant
MADDY: What are some misconceptions about women in this industry or in leadership that you’d like to dispel?
YANCY: One common misconception is that women in leadership roles lack the assertiveness or resilience needed to navigate the high-pressure environment of events and trade shows. In reality, women bring incredible strength, creativity and empathy to leadership — qualities that are invaluable in building teams, managing stakeholders, and adapting to the fast-paced nature of our work. Another myth is that women prioritize relationships over results, but the truth is that strong relationships are often what drive exceptional results, especially in an industry built on face to face and trust.
MADDY: What would be your advice to other women professionals in this industry?
YANCY: My advice is to trust your instincts and not be afraid to advocate for yourself. Seek out mentors who inspire you and offer guidance, but also mentor others to pay it forward. Build a strong professional network and lean into opportunities that challenge you — growth happens outside your comfort zone. Lastly, don’t let the fear of failure hold you back. In an industry that requires constant problem-solving, every challenge is an opportunity to prove your resilience and creativity.
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?
YANCY: Absolutely. There are so many to name — to name just two — Nancy Walsh and Sarin Bachmann. They have been instrumental in shaping my career. They exemplify what it means to be a friend to women, and a mentor to women, and they are always pushing boundaries and inspiring others to aim higher. On a personal note, I’m one of five sisters (+ one brother) and we all have daughters. We have been passionate about supporting and promoting women and inspiring and supporting each other. These women have instilled in me the values of hard work, perseverance, empathy and compassion. Their support and encouragement have been a cornerstone of my journey.
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