Become an Agent of Change

February 11, 2021

Carrie Abernathy

Carrie Abernathy CMP, CEM, CSEP is an award-winning event strategist who has been active in the world of meetings for over 15 years. Carrie was co-founder of the Association for Women in Events, the Events Industry Sexual Harassment Task Force, and is a speaker, blogger and coach at A Woman with Drive. Carrie also co-hosts the talk show “Events: From Black to White,” which explores equality in the events industry.  

What does being a “change agent” mean to you? Odds are, you already are one even if you don’t realize it! With 2020 being a pivotal year for us all, shift happened in a big way. I am certain that almost all of us received a big lesson on not only how to be an agent of change in our professional lives, but our personal ones, as well.

What is an agent of change?

An agent of change is anyone from inside or outside an organization who helps an organization to transform how it operates. A change agent will promote, champion, enable and support change. Does this sound like you? If this isn’t ringing any bells, think of early 2020 and how your role changed. Did you offer suggestions for new efficiencies, ways of business (ie: virtual, hybrid) or do a lot of research on how to keep your organization thriving? If so, congratulations—you just went through Change Agent 101!

At its core, being a change agent is being a critical thinker and strategic executioner of ideas. There are light versions and extreme versions of this. I am happy to relay my journey in both so that you can see just how simple affecting real change in your life and other lives can be.

Social change

An important topic in events (and the world) in 2020 was diversity, inclusivity and equality. The impact was felt far and wide and several initiatives were launched in this hospitality sector. I personally launched the virtual talk show “Events: From Black to White” with Derrick Johnson, director of event strategy at Talley Management Group. I was called to take a leadership position and use my voice and platform to work to affect change. Participants of this show are also affecting change by showing up as part of the monthly conversation.

Not all agents of change need to take the lead role in transformative projects. For example, just by attending and sharing your experiences during and after those sessions, you are truly affecting change—within yourself and within your own networks. You are doing transformative work in either of these situations, and you should feel good about it!

Personal change

One of the “silver lining moments” of 2020 was that we experienced a shift where we had to evolve not only in our jobs, but also had the opportunity to reassess our personal lives. What have you done for yourself or your family this year to affect change? Perhaps you decided that you aren’t going to wait on your dreams and moved into your dream house or town. Perhaps you weren’t spending enough quality time with those around you.

Last year, I decided to launch my website, A Woman with Drive, as a passion project. It turned into speaking, coaching and much more. It has been so fulfilling. I was heading toward burnout and needed to evolve. Working a full-time job in meetings and also running a women’s organization left little time to do anything for myself.

This change provided me with so much personal fulfillment and joy. I think sometimes we need that nudge to change, and post-pandemic life has been that reason for many of us. No matter how small it seems, you have the real power to affect change in your life and in others’ lives through big and small shifts. You just must make the commitment to yourself to begin.

A case for the evolution of events

Although many of us were distraught by the idea of having to shift so drastically, change was forced upon many of us in 2020. Planners had to find new revenue streams or new ways to engage virtually with attendees and clients. Through much trial and error, research and sharing, we made it through 2020. We pivoted, shifted, about-faced—whatever you call it, it was change, and most likely you guided your teams through it.

Perhaps the way your business utilized virtual or face-to-face meetings will never be the same. In some ways, the change may have been necessary. Old business models tend to get stagnant when utilized by the masses over time. For better or worse, this forced review of our business models and systems will no doubt change the way we do the business of events far into the future.

Not all change has to be bad, and there are several pathways to transformation and evolution! Only when you shift your mindset to lean in to the change, or to be the change yourself, will big, exciting and surprising things happen.

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Overview: The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality. In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way. “We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.” Amenities: The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.  The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need. Gold Key Members The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events. OCCC Events: This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.  The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:  AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023 200,000 Attendees $257 Million in Economic Impact MEGACON 2023 160,000 Attendees $205 Million in Economic Impact Open Championship Series 2023 69,500 Attendees $89 Million in Economic Impact Sunshine Classic 2023 42,000 Attendees $54 Million in Economic Impact Premiere Orlando 2023 42,000 Attendees $108 Million in Economic Impact