In honor of International Women’s Day, Smart Start Radio goes beyond surface-level celebration and into what leadership actually looks like in today’s meetings and events industry.

Host Eming Piansay sits down with Christine Erickson, senior vice president of global supplier relations and partner network at BCD Meetings & Events, who oversees a global ecosystem supporting 60,000 events annually. Together, they explore how women leaders are shaping collaboration, driving sustainability, elevating supplier partnerships and strengthening the case for face-to-face experiences.

Erickson shares why emotional intelligence and business acumen are not competing skills but complementary ones, why leadership paths are rarely linear and how intentional mentorship can accelerate growth. She also offers practical advice for women ready to advocate for themselves and advance their careers.

As Erickson puts it, leadership is about “capturing hearts and minds” and building communities that lift others along the way.

Because celebrating women once a year is great. Investing in them every day is better.

Further Resources

Smart Women in Meetings: Legacy Defined

Modern Leadership Skills: The Key to Impact, Retention and Organizational Success in 2026

Eming Piansay
Welcome back Smart Start Radio family. I’m Eming Piansay.

In honor of International Women’s Day, I wanted to have a real conversation about leadership in our industry. Not just the surface celebration, but the influence behind it all.

Right now, the meetings and events industry is navigating rising costs, evolving expectations and constant change. Women have played a major role in how this industry has grown and shifted. Today I’m speaking with Christine Erickson, senior vice president of global supplier relations and partner network at BCD Meetings & Events. She leads global supplier partnerships across 41 countries and supports an ecosystem behind roughly 60,000 events annually.

Christine, welcome to Smart Start Radio.

Christine Erickson
Thank you. I’m happy to be here.

As you mentioned, I oversee our global supplier relations program for BCD Meetings & Events. With our global footprint and the volume of events we manage, we rely heavily on our supplier community. We invest significant time and resources into ensuring we have the right partners to serve our customers.

I also oversee our partner network. In markets where BCD is not wholly owned but customers require local service, we engage strong regional partners who operate under the BCD brand to support those global clients.

EP
In the spirit of International Women’s Day, what does this day mean to you personally?

CE
It means a lot. I’ve been in this industry for a long time, and I’m grateful for the women who helped shepherd me along in my career. I love the role I’m in and the company I work for, and I want to give back.

It’s important to celebrate women at all levels of the organization. While it’s great to have a designated day, I believe we should celebrate and invest in women every day.

EP
From your vantage point, how are women leaders shaping where the meetings industry is headed?

CE
Our industry has many strong leaders, and women play a significant role across the ecosystem. From suppliers to agencies to customers, women are helping evolve what meetings and events mean for businesses worldwide.

One strength women often bring is collaboration. They nurture inclusive teams and create environments that welcome ideas and vulnerability. Great ideas come from all ideas.

Women are also leading in sustainability initiatives and in elevating how we demonstrate the business impact of face-to-face meetings. That advocacy is essential. It anchors our industry and keeps us thriving.

EP
When we talk about leadership, especially at the C-suite level, we still do not always see equal representation. What attributes are essential for women advancing into those roles.

CE
First, strong business acumen. It is critical that women leaders understand not only our business but also our customers’ businesses.

Second, emotional intelligence. Many women excel in this area. Emotional intelligence allows leaders to capture hearts and minds and inspire people. Without engaged teams, nothing happens.

And third, agility and open-mindedness. Embracing diversity in all forms strengthens organizations and fortifies the industry.

EP
For women looking to advance, what practical advice would you offer.\?

CE
Find a mentor. It does not have to be formal. Be vocal with your manager about your development. Advocate for yourself and ask for the opportunities you deserve.

Also, get involved in industry organizations such as SITE and PCMA. Participation builds experience, networks and confidence.

Most importantly, reflect on where you want to go and be intentional about the steps required to get there.

EP
Have you mentored women directly and what does that look like

CE
Yes. Often it involves asking thoughtful questions. Are you interested in leadership, sales or individual contribution. There are many pathways in this industry, and careers are rarely linear.

We outline tactical plans and check progress regularly. Intentional effort matters. Growth requires stepping outside your comfort zone and asking for support when needed.

EP
Can you share an example of someone in your organization who embodies this kind of leadership?

CE
Ashley Williams, who leads our Global Life Sciences Center of Excellence, is a great example. She has built an offering that is best in the business.

She captured the hearts and minds of her team, established trust and defined a clear vision. She implemented a phased approach with quick wins and long-term goals. She is consistent, emotionally intelligent and highly respected.

I also have a team member involved in SITE’s Young Leaders Program. She is extremely intentional about her career goals and reviews her progress monthly. That level of clarity and discipline is powerful.

EP
International Women’s Day is one day. How do we carry this momentum through the rest of the year?

CE
Organizations need to invest in women consistently. At BCD, we have formal leadership programs and mentorship initiatives embedded in our culture.

Leaders should commit to building future talent. When you invest in women, employees stay longer, grow stronger and deliver more value. Everyone benefits.

EP
Before we close, is there anything else you would like to share?

CE
Personally, I’ve created informal groups of women in the industry who meet quarterly for lunch or happy hour. We talk about challenges, exchange ideas and support one another.

That community has helped build my confidence and expand my thinking. Create your own community. Receive support, then give it back.

EP
Christine, thank you for joining Smart Start Radio. This is an important conversation and an important day to celebrate.