CHICAGO — February is Black History Month in the U.S., and Trade Show Executive is recognizing this celebration with a special article series, spotlighting Black leaders in the trade show space and getting their perspectives on the industry and inclusivity tips.
Sabrina Anderson, National Sales Manager for Mandalay Bay, W Las Vegas and Luxor at MGM Resorts International
Anderson began her career in hotel operations, which gave her a strong foundation in hospitality and guest services, and taught her how much she enjoys working with people.
“The more I understood the industry, the more motivated I was to push myself,” Anderson explained. “Looking back, I credit much of my growth to the work ethic my dad instilled in me, paired with my extrovert personality and natural drive to connect with people. Those qualities have guided me throughout my journey and ultimately led me to where I am today.”
When Anderson first started in sales, every hotel within MGM Resorts International’s portfolio operated independently — over time, that model evolved into a more unified approach.
“That shift has been incredibly powerful,” Anderson said. “Today, we collaborate across properties to win business as a collective team … The industry itself has become more connected, more strategic and more relationship-driven than ever before. Through it all, one thing has remained constant: Change is inevitable. The key is learning to embrace it. Adaptability isn’t just helpful in this industry, it’s essential.”
Inclusivity Tip: “For me, inclusivity starts with being intentional. It’s about being thoughtful about the suppliers and partners we choose to work with and making sure we’re creating real opportunities for all businesses to compete and succeed. Representation shouldn’t be something we think about at the last minute. It should be part of the plan from day one.
“It also shows up in the attendee experience. Are we creating spaces where people genuinely feel welcome? Are we thinking about accessibility, cultural awareness and different perspectives when collaborating with our partners? Sometimes it’s the smallest, most thoughtful details that leave the biggest impression and make someone feel seen.
“And to me, inclusivity is also about leadership. It’s about mentoring the next generation, having honest conversations and advocating for equality even in the rooms where decisions are made behind the scenes. It’s about being willing to listen, learn and lead with empathy.
“At the end of the day, we don’t just bring people together. We set the tone for how they experience that space. We have the opportunity, and the responsibility, to make sure everyone who walks through the door feels like they truly belong.”
Ronnie Burt, Chief Revenue Officer at Javits Center
Burt began his events industry career as an intern at the Atlantic City Convention and Visitors Association, while working in the local casinos.
After transitioning from destination marketing organizations to venues, he met Joyce Leveston, CMM, CVP (Javits Center’s current CEO).
“I first met her during my time in Washington, D.C., and later had the opportunity to work alongside her in the venue management space,” Burt said. “When she stepped into her role at Javits and reached out to see if I would consider joining her, it reinforced something I’ve believed throughout my career — in this industry, relationships truly matter, and they often shape where your journey leads.”
During his time in the events space, Burt noted that customer expectations have evolved, service levels have changed and attendee expectations are higher than ever.
“Years ago, food service was primarily buffet-style and mass-produced … Today, the culinary experience is a focal point of events. Service delivery overall has shifted, because audiences expect more personalization, higher quality and a more immersive experience. The pace of change is constant, and adaptability is critical,” Burt said.
Inclusivity Tip: “The path to employment in our industry often begins with internships, so we need to make sure those programs are inclusive and diverse. That is one of the most important starting points for expanding exposure to the industry.
“Many people do not fully understand the totality of what hospitality and events encompass. It is more than being an event manager or working in security — it is sales, finance, operations, culinary, sustainability, logistics and more.
“I also believe we need to help people understand the economics of the event business. This is not just fun and entertainment — it is significant revenue generation and serious business impact. When we broaden exposure and create access points, we open doors for more people to see themselves in this industry.”
Melody Brown, Senior Vice President, Content + Editorial, Emerald
As SVP of Content + Editorial at Emerald, Brown leads strategy for the organization’s 15 B2B media brands, which span the technology, industrial, design, retail and food sectors.
“My focus is on ensuring our content platforms strengthen our event communities, extend engagement year-round and serve as strategic drivers of participation and growth,” Brown said.
Brown started her career in broadcast journalism, which gave her a foundation in storytelling and audience-driven content. She explained that content was largely one-directional, flowing from media companies to audiences — today, it is conversational, multi-platform and informed by real-time data.
“The pace of digital transformation has accelerated at lightning speed, especially post-COVID. At the same time, the pandemic reinforced something equally important: how deeply people value authentic, in-person connection,” Brown explained. “Attendees and exhibitors have returned to live events, but with higher expectations. They want experiences that are new, inspiring and action-focused, not just the same old trade show floor. As a result, B2B events have evolved beyond physical space alone.
“They now require sophisticated content marketing ecosystems that engage audiences across multiple channels, before, during and after the event. Personalization, on-demand access and year-round engagement are no longer differentiators — they’re expectations.”
Inclusivity Tip: “For me, inclusivity can’t exist only in heritage months or celebratory moments. Ask yourself: Whose perspectives are you actively seeking? Is it the same leadership circle, or are you reaching across departments and professional backgrounds? Audit not just speaker lineups, thought-leadership profiles and exhibitor diversity … but daily decision-making process. Create pathways and safe spaces where different viewpoints shape strategy, not just execute it.
“I don’t regularly see people who look like me in executive roles — not just in trade shows, but across industries. Typically, the onus of elevating to the next level is squarely placed on the individual in the underrepresented group: ‘Get a mentor, network, join an ERG.’ Those steps are valuable, and they matter. But they’re only part of the equation.
“That said, career progression typically follows a pattern: Education and experience get you noticed in the early stages of your career, then it’s exposure. Exposure is the key driver for decision-making, executive and C-level roles, because it’s not only who you know, but who knows you.
“That’s where leadership plays a critical role. We can’t use our influence to elevate diverse talent if we’re not intentionally putting ourselves in spaces where we’re building relationships with people from different backgrounds, perspectives and generations. Creating visibility for others and not just ourselves is one of the most important responsibilities we have as leaders.”
Bibi Brown, Senior Vice President of Business Development at GES
Brown discovered the events industry through the agency world, leading large, integrated marketing accounts that included live experiences.
“Once I saw how events connect strategy, creativity and execution in real time, I was hooked,” Brown said. “Over time, my role evolved from leading individual programs to leading teams and businesses. I’ve built deep expertise across marketing, operations and experience design, with a focus on growing people, strengthening organizations and delivering work that drives real business impact.”
Brown notes that the economics of events have shifted, as budgets haven’t increased at the same pace as costs, which has put more pressure on teams to be more intentional and accountable.
“ROI has always mattered, but today it’s examined more closely than ever,” Brown explained. “At the same time, the definition of value has evolved. Success is no longer measured by attendance alone. There’s greater emphasis on experience, learning, connection and engagement — what I think of as a return on engagement.
“Events are now designed moments meant to move people, spark action and create meaningful connections in a one-to-many environment. That human, intangible magic remains at the heart of our industry — it’s just being expected and measured differently.”
Inclusivity Tip: “Inclusivity starts with intention and follow-through, not just good intentions. One of the most tangible ways event professionals can drive change is through the partners and suppliers we choose to work with every day.
“That can mean building inclusive sourcing practices into the process — such as requiring at least one estimate or proposal from a Black-owned, BIPOC-owned or otherwise underrepresented business when evaluating vendors. It’s about consistently asking, ‘Is this an opportunity to expand who has access to this work?’
“Talent matters just as much. Being thoughtful about who we hire, mentor and elevate — especially underrepresented voices — strengthens teams and leads to better, more representative outcomes. Especially during months of celebration like Black History Month, Hispanic Heritage Month and Pride, it’s an important reminder that inclusion isn’t a moment or a statement — it’s an ongoing practice.”
To find a list of Black-owned businesses in the events industry, click here.
Larita Clark, CEO of the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (MPEA)
Larita Clark’s journey into the events industry is rooted in her finance background, because she joined MPEA as an Assistant Controller.
Through the years, she advanced through several financial and leadership roles, which provided new challenges and insights.
“When I became Chief Executive Officer in January 2020, I faced the task of leading MPEA through the COVID-19 pandemic, not something anyone could have predicted,” Clark explained. “It was quite a mountain to climb, but my leadership has always been rooted in prioritizing people, fostering collaboration with convention partners and driving innovation, all of which have shaped my path from finance to the Chief Executive Officer’s office.”
Clark has seen the events industry evolve dramatically throughout her time at MPEA.
“Technological advancements have reshaped how we organize and measure events, enabling us to deliver more engaging, data-driven experiences. The pandemic was a catalyst for change, accelerating our adoption of health and safety protocols.
“There have also been enhancements in the industry’s sustainability and corporate social responsibility efforts. At McCormick Place, for example, we have built a meaningful partnership with the nonprofit Fight2Feed. That partnership enables us to rescue millions of pounds of food and provide over 800,000 meals to those facing food insecurity.
“Collaboration between venues and organizers has become increasingly essential as we collectively focus on attendee engagement, satisfaction and innovative event formats. The resilience and commitment to positive change in the industry continue to inspire me.”
Inclusivity Tip: “Inclusivity must be woven into every aspect of event planning and execution. At MPEA, we actively partner with organizations that reflect Chicago’s diverse communities and prioritize accessible venues and programming.
“As leaders, we must ensure equitable opportunities and representation, listen to feedback and continuously improve our practices. Education and awareness are essential to breaking down barriers and fostering a welcoming environment. By engaging with our community and industry partners, we can build a more inclusive and vibrant industry.
“Throughout my career, I have strived to lead with authenticity, drawing on my personal experiences. Whenever I was the only Black person or woman in the room, I felt a responsibility to offer my unique perspective. Now, as CEO, I prioritize collaboration and intentionally seek input from a range of voices before making key decisions. That inclusivity invites broader perspectives and leads to stronger, more meaningful outcomes.”
To read part two of this series, click here.
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