New Network Seeks Advancement for Women in North American Exhibitions Industry

March 19, 2021
New Network Seeks Advancement for Women in North American Exhibitions Industry

After two years in the making, the Women in Exhibitions Network North America Chapter recently launched. Fittingly, the inaugural event was virtual — on Zoom — and held on March 8, International Women’s Day.

The group is a safe place for women to discuss lessons learned over decades in the industry and see a path forward for more leadership positions. It’s widely known, and often bemoaned, that women are underrepresented in leading roles despite their prevalence in the events industry. 

Three legends in the field — Nancy Walsh, president of North America, Informa; Mary Larkin, president, Diversified and Carrie Freeman Parsons, chair, Freeman — spoke to more than 165 attendees, including Oana Cipca, the founder of the International WIEN.

“Therein lies the silver lining of COVID, we had the time to finally do what we had wanted to do and connect, even though we were on different continents,” said Martha Donato, co-founder of WIEN North America and president and co-founder of Mad Event Management.

Themes included in the opening session included:

  • Why not us?
  • You can have it all — a career and family
  • Never be afraid to ask
  • Use existing relationships to push yourself forward

Donato co-founded the chapter with an official start date of Jan. 1, 2021, along with Stephanie Selesnick, who serves as secretary and heads International Trade Information and Laura Purdy, who serves as treasurer and is general manager of Toronto’s Exhibition Place.

The launch event also served as a kickoff for a membership drive. WIEN is open to all women involved in the North American exhibitions industry whose business is related to the organization and facilitation of both B2B and B2C exhibitions. Members do not need to be currently employed by a company or association in the industry to join.

Membership will be opening soon for anyone who is interested. To stay up to date on the chapter and be updated when membership opens, click here.

 

Don’t miss any event-related news: Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter HERE and engage with us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram!

Add new comment

Partner Voices
One of the most iconic names on the Las Vegas Strip just got an upgrade. Mandalay Bay has everything that your business needs from a refreshed convention space designed to inspire productivity and creativity, to an impressive selection of world-class restaurants and amenities. If you're looking for a venue that's both inviting and innovative, you have to be here. New Wave Experiences Mandalay Bay continues to invest in a new wave of enhancements both in the convention space and within the resort as a whole. New restaurant openings including Orla by Michael Mina, drawing inspiration from the award-winning chef’s childhood in Egypt and with flavors and décor inspired by the spices found in markets common to coastal Mediterranean towns, as well as Caramá by Wolfgang Puck, bringing the essence of Italy and spirit of Wolfgang into one concept, are recent additions. The Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas also experienced a recent remodel of all 424 rooms. Swingers, a high-end, adults-only golf and entertainment concept will debut in Fall 2024. Enhanced Technology Creating a truly effective conference venue requires careful thought into what a business needs: the right technology, capacity, and inspiration to bring ideas to the next level. As part of the resort’s refresh, Mandalay Bay implemented state-of-the-art technology upgrades, installing cutting-edge Cat6A Ethernet cabling throughout the convention center. This advancement doubles the frequency of data transmission, enabling lightning-fast speeds up to 9400% faster. The convention center now boasts 11 dynamic digital walls, spanning up to 24' x 13', strategically positioned for brand placements, sponsorships and targeted event messaging. Additionally, attendees can benefit from 20 double-sided 55" mobile flexible display units, facilitating effortless navigation to meeting rooms and events. RFID locks were installed on all meeting room doors, and over 200 motion detection cameras have been placed throughout the space. Refreshing New Design & Fine Art The newly remodeled convention space provides a bright and vibrant atmosphere that complements Mandalay Bay's tropical-inspired brand. Featuring white-washed walls and ceilings adorned with bold floral patterns in cerulean and coral tones, the space is complemented by warm walnut accent walls. In addition to the redesign of all pre-function spaces, meeting rooms and ballrooms, Mandalay Bay's 1 million square feet of exhibit space has undergone a rejuvenation, including new paint, covered pillars and relocated strobe lights. Sustainable Spectacles Mandalay Bay is committed to Focused on What Matters and creating more responsible meetings. Refillable water stations all available around the resort, cutting unnecessary plastic usage from single-use bottles. The Mandalay Bay campus’ recent upgrades represent a bold step forward in redefining the Las Vegas experience. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and unparalleled service, Mandalay Bay sets a new standard for excellence in business hospitality. Whether you're seeking cutting-edge conference facilities, world-class dining options, or simply a luxurious retreat, an unparalleled meeting experience awaits.