Lynda Baum
founder & CEO, Exclusive Destinations
What are three words that fueled your hospitality career momentum?
Innovate. Adapt. Collaborate.
What was your biggest win this year?
Celebrating Exclusive Destinations’ 30th anniversary this year feels like a winning moment in a remarkable journey. I’m taking a deep breath to appreciate it as we forge ahead into what’s next. It’s a milestone I don’t take for granted, and I’m grateful for it all—because it took every twist and turn to bring us here. The road included plenty of detours and constant learning, but each chapter helped us create a global community of trusted partners and long-standing relationships around the world. More than anything, this anniversary feels like a shared accomplishment—made possible by my teammates, our International DMCs, industry partners, clients and especially my family, who have lived it right alongside me.
What is one way you’ve empowered your teams and/or participants?
Nothing fuels a team more than trust. When people feel trusted, collaboration happens naturally, and everyone contributes openly. I try to empower my team by giving them the space to own key relationships, work independently and make decisions with confidence. I also make it clear that I’m right there with them—removing obstacles, backing them up and available to listen and problem-solve together. I stay grounded and realistic about shifting priorities and timelines. Rather than imposing deadlines, I ask for input so we can align on what’s realistic and stay mindful of workload. When client expectations shift, that shared trust helps us stay connected and deliver as one seamless team.
What could future generations learn from your journey?
Stepping outside my comfort zone is what led me to launch Exclusive Destinations, and it’s still the mindset that drives me. I’ll be the first to admit, I have many moments when I second-guess myself. Imposter syndrome creeps in for almost everyone, and the best way through it is to keep moving forward. Raise your hand. Enter the room. Join the committee. You’ll find colleagues who challenge you and make space for you to learn. I’m deeply grateful to those who supported me along the way. Our industry can be all-consuming, but the incredible people you meet will show up for you in ways you never imagined. To future generations: Take the risk. If it works, you celebrate; if it doesn’t, you learn. Both outcomes build the leader you’re becoming.
Angelika Bazarnik, MS CPCE
site selection & event planner, banquetconsulting.com
What are three words that fueled your hospitality career momentum?
Innovate. Lead. Empower.
What was your biggest win this year?
My biggest win this year was advancing my Ph.D. research on stress and operational inefficiencies in event management and taking it to global academic audiences. I secured two IRB approvals, completed key milestones that strengthened my study design and presented my work at academic conferences internationally. Seeing industry realities resonate in scholarly settings and receiving meaningful feedback from researchers and practitioners validated the importance of studying event stressors and turning evidence into better practices for the people delivering events.
What is one way you’ve empowered your teams and/or participants?
I empower teams by turning lived experience into learning and improvement. I create a safe space for honest debriefs, invite frontline input on stress points and bottlenecks and use that feedback to refine processes, communication and training. By normalizing conversations about workload and stress, and connecting them to evidence-based practices, I help teams feel heard, supported and equipped to deliver high standards without burning out. I create space for honest debriefs after events, invite frontline input on stress points and bottlenecks and use that feedback to refine processes, communication and training.
What could future generations learn from your journey?
My goal is to help future generations learn how to manage and sustain their careers in events. The purpose of my research is to reduce stress in the industry and remove event planning from the top of the list of most stressful jobs. When we reduce stress, we improve the lives of event professionals and strengthen the work itself. Healthier teams perform better, communication improves and operations become more efficient. That progress also moves the industry forward, increases consistency in execution and ultimately increases profits.
Connie Bergeron, CMP Fellow
president, Site Selection Solutions, Inc.
What are three words that fueled your hospitality career momentum?
Education. Service. Enthusiasm.
What was your biggest win this year?
My biggest win this year was having a client say of their event in January 2026, “Just got home from what has been considered our best event so far! Let’s move forward with contract negotiations for 2029.” When we recommend a host venue, it is such a pleasure to have this superlative post-event feedback as validation of a job well done.
Each and every year, a big win as a volunteer is encouraging CMP candidates to pursue their designation as Chair of the CMP Study Group Committee for MPI Georgia. Over 34 years of chairing the committee, along with Vice Chair Gregg Lauer, CMP, and our excellent committee members, more than 1,000 candidates have passed their CMP exam. The legacy of quality negotiations for clients and providing support for CMP candidates are definite wins.
What is one way you’ve empowered your teams and/or participants?
Having the support of my outstanding team is vital to sourcing and negotiating effectively for our convention and meeting clients. Our company marked its 18th year in December 2025, and it has been a privilege and honor to always do our very best for each and every program. Encouraging clients to step outside the box in event design, while staying within budget, requires creativity and vision, and we are happy to share knowledge as continuous learners.
Giving back to our industry as a volunteer is also one of my core values. Having served as Treasurer and President of MPI Georgia Chapter and now Chair of the CMP Study Group Committee are highlights. Each and every time I receive an email confirming one of our CMP Study Group participants has passed the CMP Exam reinforces the importance of encouraging planners and suppliers alike in their professional development.
What could future generations learn from your journey?
Having and being a mentor has been such an important key to my professional and volunteer achievements. I am honored to have mentors that included Hayward C. Cox, Jr. CMP; William Just CMP, CAE; Paul Regna; Beverly Kinkade FASAE, CHME, CMP; Kathleen (Kitty) Ratcliffe; Joan Eisenstodt; Delia Chang CMP; John Foster Esq.; James Goldberg Esq.; Josh Grimes Esq.; Jonathan Howe Esq.; Dr. Tyra Warner; Gabriel Eckert FASAE, CAE; Teresa Shirley Witham; Sue Hershkowitz-Coore; Stephen Powell; Ellen Maiara CMP, DES, CED; Gregg Robinson; Susan Beadle; and a host of industry professionals I have been blessed to know and been influenced by for the better. My wish for future generations is to have a list of mentors and mentees longer than mine.
Jenny Blaschke
owner & live event artist, Jenny Blaschke
What are three words that fueled your hospitality career momentum?
Persevere. Adapt. Connect.
What was your biggest win this year?
The biggest win that I’ve had this year is the continued development of relationships across the event industry. As a result, I have been able to travel to more cities and book more events. This past year has been my most successful year to date. I have been thankful for the many new people that I have been able to get to know, learn from, share new and fun ideas with and execute great events together.
What is one way you’ve empowered your teams and/or participants?
Creative calls are where I empower my colleagues in the events space through collaboration and expertise. Recognizing that gifting is a key element of a successful event, I help translate their vision into a clear, curated direction. By offering informed options and thoughtful guidance, we co-create a practical, elevated and personalized gift—one that enhances the guest experience and reflects the care behind the event.
What could future generations learn from your journey?
I love this line of thinking and recently had the opportunity to give a guest lecture on this very subject at my alma mater, Texas A&M University. The biggest lesson I shared was the importance of just starting—don’t wait until you are “perfect” or “know it all.” The mistakes you will inevitably face along the way can grow you deeper than any success can. What matters is how you choose to let it shape you and move forward.
Tracy Bowles
wedding producer, Flawless Weddings and Events
What are three words that fueled your hospitality career momentum?
Create. Elevate. Serve.
What was your biggest win this year?
My biggest win this year was writing and publishing my first book.
What started as a personal journey of healing and growth turned into something much bigger than I imagined. I committed to showing up consistently, even on the days when self-doubt tried to slow me down. Page by page, I transformed life lessons into a story meant to encourage, inspire and remind others that freedom comes from letting go of what no longer serves you.
Seeing my book, The Suitcase I Learned to Leave Behind, go from an idea in my heart to a published work proved that, with faith, discipline, and courage, you can bring any vision to life.
What is one way you’ve empowered your teams and/or participants?
I provide clear expectations, tools and support to my team. Then give them the space to make decisions, be creative and take ownership of their work. I encourage my team to use their strengths and build confidence. Seeing them grow professionally while knowing they’re supported has been one of the most rewarding parts of my career.
What could future generations learn from your journey?
First and foremost, future generations can learn to never give up.
My journey shows that setbacks don’t define who you are; perseverance does. There were moments of uncertainty, hard work behind the scenes and times when the vision felt bigger than the resources, but I kept moving forward with faith and determination. By staying committed, embracing growth and trusting the process, I built a career, launched new ventures and even became a published author.
I hope my story encourages others to believe in themselves, push through challenges and understand that with resilience and purpose, anything is possible.
Tara Drewes, CMP, GTP, CATP
founder/CEO, travel & events director, I-MET Management
What are three words that fueled your hospitality career momentum?
Connect. Guide. Elevate.
What was your biggest win this year?
My biggest win this year was successfully scaling my impact as a strategic event leader.
I led complex, high-stakes programs from concept through execution, delivering polished, high-value experiences under tight timelines and evolving conditions. I strengthened trusted partnerships, navigated budget and operational constraints with precision and consistently translated vision into execution. This year affirmed my ability to operate confidently at both the strategic and on-the-ground levels, anticipate challenges, lead through change and deliver results in environments where trust, clarity and excellence matter most.
What is one way you’ve empowered your teams and/or participants?
I empower my teams by setting clear direction and removing obstacles.
I establish defined roles, timelines and decision paths early so teams can move quickly and confidently. I anticipate challenges, step in decisively when needed and protect the team from unnecessary noise so they can focus on execution. I empower participants by designing well-structured, intentional experiences that prioritize flow, access and connection. Allowing them to engage fully without friction. Empowerment, in my work, is operational clarity paired with trust, which consistently leads to stronger performance and better outcomes.
What could future generations learn from your journey?
Future generations can learn that success is built through consistency, adaptability and self-trust. My journey shows that growth rarely follows a straight line. Careers evolve, priorities shift and challenges will test your confidence. The key is staying curious, doing the work and making decisions even when conditions aren’t perfect.
Deidre Everdij
la jefa, COTC Events
What are three words that fueled your hospitality career momentum?
Heart. Grit. Humility.
What was your biggest win this year?
This whole year is dedicated to making the business more durable. Strange to say that this is still a thing when we have been in business for 17 years, but it never ends! I am focused on strengthening leadership capability, clarifying financial structure and deliberately designing systems that reduce risk and increase continuity. This work is about lowering future fragility and increasing resilience. It isn’t visible or glamorous or fun, but it is consequential, and I am at the right stage of the game to be investing in long-term viability.
What is one way you’ve empowered your teams and/or participants?
I am consciously trying to stop being the fastest person in the room. For years, my speed kept things moving, but it also kept others from fully stepping in. This year, I am dedicated to becoming more intentional about slowing decisions that don’t require urgency and letting my team wrestle with them instead. Honestly, this is not going to be a walk in the park for me to develop some patience, but I know it is critical to create space for people to think, decide, and grow in their own way. I can’t wait to see what they come up with!
What could future generations learn from your journey?
The trait that helped me most—and caused me the most trouble—was velocity. As a proper entrepreneur, I took risks and made decisions quickly, which moved the business forward, but that same urgency often made me a poor listener. I learned, sometimes the hard way, that momentum matters, but so does patience and making sure that all parties have a voice. (Some on my team would smile and say that this is an ongoing process.)
I also learned that power changes with age. I wielded it loudly when I was young and more quietly as I got older. With time, I understood that influence isn’t measured by volume and insistence. If I had learned that earlier, I would have saved myself—and others—a lot of unnecessary friction.
What mattered less over time surprised me. I always knew that “Building it was better than having it,” but now what matters most is sharing and passing on knowledge, opportunity and confidence to others. I no longer feel the need to be seen, but I sure do love seeing my team, my colleagues and our industry shining in the spotlight.
If there’s one lesson I would offer future generations, it’s this: Leadership is not a fixed identity or a perfected system. It evolves as you do. There is no single playbook. I wish that there was, because constantly redesigning and improving processes and procedures is the brutal reality. But as long as your decisions come from the heart and are truly grounded in lifting the people around you, you’ve done your job.
Miriam George
owner & principal planner, Rose Finch Events
What are three words that fueled your hospitality career momentum?
Designing. Anticipating. Delivering.
What was your biggest win this year?
This year, my biggest win was successfully launching and scaling Rose Finch Events while continuing to deliver complex, high-impact programs for enterprise clients. I supported leadership teams with events that required speed, precision and strategic clarity, often under tight timelines and high expectations. The result was not just well-executed events, but measurable cost savings, stronger alignment across teams and experiences that advanced real business goals. Building a business rooted in trust, operational rigor and thoughtful design while producing work I’m deeply proud of has been the most meaningful milestone of the year.
What is one way you’ve empowered your teams and/or participants?
I empower teams by removing friction. By taking ownership of planning, logistics and execution, I allow leaders, facilitators and internal teams to stay focused on their people and the purpose of the gathering rather than the mechanics. I also create clarity through structure, anticipating needs before they arise and building contingency plans so others don’t have to. When teams feel supported and unburdened, they show up more present, confident and effective. That shift often changes the entire tone and outcome of an event.
What could future generations learn from your journey?
My journey has taught me that the most impactful work often happens behind the scenes. Success in hospitality isn’t about perfection or scale, but about intention, preparation and genuine care and respect for the people in the room. Build trust through consistency, do the invisible work with pride and don’t be afraid to step into leadership before you feel fully ready. Growth comes from showing up thoughtfully, again and again.
Alex Victtoria Howland
founder/owner, Alex Victtoria Events
What are three words that fueled your hospitality career momentum?
Curated. Envisioned. Elevated.
What was your biggest win this year?
My biggest win this year was choosing alignment over familiarity. I made the difficult decision to let go of a client relationship that no longer reflected my values or the direction of my business. That choice created space for stronger partnerships, record-breaking annual revenue and the confidence to hire my first full-time employee. It reinforced that sustainable growth is not just about saying yes, but about protecting the standard you are building toward.
What is one way you’ve empowered your teams and/or participants?
I empower my team by leading with trust and ownership. This year, I intentionally stepped back from micromanagement and created space for my full-time employee to lead projects independently. By treating her as a capable decision-maker rather than a task executor, she gained confidence in her skills and vision, including the belief that owning her own business one day is possible. Empowerment, to me, means showing people who they can become by how you trust them today.
What could future generations learn from your journey?
Future generations can learn that you do not need permission to build a meaningful career. My journey has been shaped by forging a path outside traditional expectations, staying open to new ideas and remaining honest with myself about my values. Growth came from choosing courage over comfort and refusing to let outside voices dictate my worth. When you build from alignment and integrity, opportunities follow that no single door could have given you.
Trish Knox
owner, TK Events Inc.
What are three words that fueled your hospitality career momentum?
Creativity. Collaboration. Customer experience.
What was your biggest win this year?
Rallying our team from the hardships of these last volatile years and encouraging staff to focus on building momentum, capturing the vision and then going out and winning some key global programs and events.
What is one way you’ve empowered your teams and/or participants?
Managing through hard times is tough; keeping teams positive and believing in the work we do is a mission for us. Most importantly, making every person feel a sense of belonging, that they’ve truly found their people. We value our time together. When other subcontractors or suppliers work with our company, they comment on our team approach, our professionalism and the way we treat one another. I think that’s the biggest compliment. People who feel valued are empowered.
What could future generations learn from your journey?
In my 40 years in events, I have gone through multiple downturns—the recession of the 80s, the dot-com bubble burst of the 90s, 9/11, the crash of ’08, the pandemic…each one changing our industry forever. But out of every difficult time emerges one constant—people need one another and need to come together. The idea that out of every downturn has emerged the next big thing in innovation is so true—so we need to get through the hard times and keep looking forward, planning what’s next.
Stephanie McVeigh
CEO & founder, Strategic Incentive Solutions Inc.
What are three words that fueled your hospitality career momentum?
Serve. Empower. Inspire.
What was your biggest win this year?
My biggest professional win this year was intentionally stepping into the role of visionary leader while empowering my team to operate at a higher level than ever before. Rather than measuring success by personal output alone, I focused on building structure, trust and clarity, allowing the business to scale sustainably while maintaining the heart of hospitality that defines our work.
This shift resulted in stronger operational leadership, more confident decision-making across the team and elevated experiences for our clients and participants. By aligning the right people with the right responsibilities, we delivered complex programs with precision, creativity and measurable results while fostering a culture where people felt valued, supported and proud of the work they were producing.
Professionally, this year marked a turning point from “doing” to “leading as CEO and founder.” I invested deeply in mentorship, refined our processes and created space for others to shine. The result was not only business growth but a stronger, more resilient organization built on trust, accountability and shared purpose.
What makes this win most meaningful is that it extended beyond revenue or recognition. It showed up in the confidence of my team, the loyalty of our clients and the lasting impact of the experiences we delivered. As a result, I proved to myself and others that growth does not require sacrificing integrity, care or balance. Instead, when people are empowered and aligned with a clear vision, momentum follows naturally.
This year affirmed that leadership rooted in service, clarity and authenticity is not only effective, it’s transformative. And that foundation has positioned us for continued growth, innovation and meaningful impact in the years ahead.
What is one way you’ve empowered your teams and/or participants?
I empower my teams and participants by giving them ownership paired with trust. I create clear goals and expectations, then step back so people can lead in their own way while knowing they are fully supported. I invest in mentorship, encourage open communication and celebrate wins both big and small. By recognizing individual strengths and aligning them with meaningful opportunities, I help people grow in confidence, capability and impact. When people feel seen, trusted and valued, they show up at their best, and that’s where true momentum is created within our organization.
What could future generations learn from your journey?
Younger generations can learn that true success in hospitality is built on relationships, not transactions. Early in my journey, I discovered that when you lead with authenticity, listen deeply and genuinely care about the people you serve, you create experiences that last far beyond the event itself.
I would encourage emerging leaders to embrace resilience and stay adaptable. The hospitality industry is fast-paced and constantly evolving, and growth often comes from navigating uncertainty with grace and confidence. Challenges are not roadblocks; they are invitations to innovate, refine your leadership and strengthen your vision.
Equally important is understanding that leadership is not about having all the answers; it is about empowering others to rise. When you invest in people, foster trust and create space for diverse strengths to shine, you build teams capable of extraordinary outcomes.
Finally, never underestimate the power of integrity and heart. Skills can be taught, but how you make people feel is what defines your legacy. If you remain purpose-driven, committed to excellence and grounded in service, you will not only succeed in hospitality; you will elevate it.
Rachel Milford
founder, managing director, Pneuma Lab
What are three words that fueled your hospitality career momentum?
Envisioned. Cared. Empowered.
What was your biggest win this year?
In its second year, Pneuma Lab gained strong momentum by positioning mindset and somatic awareness as a strategic asset within the hospitality and events industry. As founder and managing director, my biggest win was leading the development and delivery of Pneuma’s first wellness-forward corporate retreat—aligning expert facilitators, sensory design and event operations into a cohesive experience. This milestone validated market demand for performance-based wellness that enhances both individual well-being and measurable event outcomes.
What is one way you’ve empowered your teams and/or participants?
I empower teams and participants by designing experiences that enable individuals to take ownership of their energy and performance. Through the strategic curation of expert facilitators and the integration of sensory and regulation-based tools into event flow, participants gain practical techniques they can apply under pressure. This approach builds confidence, autonomy and sustainable habits that extend well beyond the event environment.
What could future generations learn from your journey?
Future generations can learn that leadership is built through vision, integration and trust in the long view. Skills developed over time—often in unexpected settings—can become powerful assets when aligned with purpose. My early exposure to plants and botanicals in rural Australia ultimately informed a sensory-based wellness business within hospitality. Progress comes from trusting your vision, adapting as the path evolves and having the courage to build something distinct.
Ashlee Nelson
founder & CEO, Ashlee Nelson Curated Events
What are three words that fueled your hospitality career momentum?
Anticipate. Curate. Steward.
What was your biggest win this year?
My biggest win this year was launching my own company, something that pushed me far outside my comfort zone. I walked away from the safety of established teams and familiar systems to build a business grounded in one clear belief: Guests should never feel like an afterthought. Starting from scratch forced me to articulate what I stand for, say no to misaligned work and trust that a guest-obsessed approach would resonate. And it did! My company has grown through referrals and repeat clients alone, and I’m grateful for work that allows care to be the standard.
What is one way you’ve empowered your teams and/or participants?
I empower teams by teaching them to think like hosts, not staff. When the goal is to take care of people (not just execute logistics), my team operates with more confidence and accountability. I frame budgets, timelines and decisions as things we steward on behalf of the guest, not just manage. That mindset shifts behavior from “Is this my job?” to “I’ve got this.” The result is better judgment in the moment, happier hosts and experiences that feel intentional because everyone is protecting the same standard.
What could future generations learn from your journey?
Future generations can learn that you don’t have to dilute your standards to succeed. You don’t have to choose between excellence and care, and you especially don’t have to compromise your values to be viable. Build slowly enough to do the work well, and clearly enough that people know exactly what you stand for. When your standards are visible, the right clients and collaborators find you. The lesson is simple but hard-earned. When your work is aligned with how you actually operate, growth becomes more sustainable and far more meaningful.
Natalie Norris, CMP Fellow, CMM, CIS
founder, Meetings and More Inc.
What are three words that fueled your hospitality career momentum?
Exploring. Educating. Advocating.
What was your biggest win this year?
My biggest win in 2025 is the number of MPI Tennessee members who have benefited from the successful reinstatement of the CMP Study Group, launched in Fall 2024 during my current role as director of leadership and professional development. After several years of being outsourced to external instructors, I brought the CMP study program back in-house to better serve our members and strengthen chapter-led professional development.
Since reinstatement, 33 members have registered for the study group. To date, four participants have earned their CMP designation, two have received application approval from the EIC and are scheduling their exams, and eight more are actively completing required education hours to apply for the CMP exam. This initiative reflects both measurable member advancement and my commitment to developing future industry leaders, while honoring the legacy of a mentor whose guidance inspired my own CMP journey, entrepreneurial success and long-standing service to the meetings industry in and outside of MPI Tennessee as a mentor and contributor to advisory boards and focus groups.
What is one way you’ve empowered your teams and/or participants?
As director of leadership and professional development for MPI Tennessee, I redesigned the CMP Study Group to intentionally develop future leaders. The program now includes opportunities for CMP-certified members to serve as speakers or facilitators for specific CMP domains, positioning them as subject-matter experts and peer leaders. This structure provides a supportive environment to build leadership presence, confidence and facilitation skills while contributing to the professional growth of others. To date, twelve members—including myself—have stepped into these leadership roles. This approach creates a sustainable leadership pipeline by equipping members with the skills and visibility needed to advance within their organizations, professional associations and communities.
What could future generations learn from your journey?
My journey demonstrates the value of lifelong learning, intentional mentorship and active industry engagement. By continually investing in professional education, seeking mentors who challenge and guide growth and building strong support networks, this demonstrates to future generations how to navigate their careers with confidence and resilience. Equally important is giving back—participating in professional organizations and community initiatives to strengthen the industry and create opportunities for others. Together, these practices build not only successful careers, but a more connected, forward-thinking professional community.
Becky Pieters
president, JetSET Events
What are three words that fueled your hospitality career momentum?
Envision. Collaborate. Energize.
What was your biggest win this year?
Executed the CEO’s vision of recognizing employees who reached 10 years with the company through a custom drone show, creating a meaningful and memorable moment that celebrated loyalty, unity and long-term commitment. The surprise became the highlight of the event, wowing employees as their names lit up the sky. I worked tirelessly alongside the supplier to bring this vision to life, knowing the simple direction was to “make it great.” Watching the show unfold flawlessly and seeing the genuine pride and emotion from employees was incredibly rewarding and confirmed we had achieved exactly what we set out to do.
What is one way you’ve empowered your teams and/or participants?
I empower my team and participants by creating an environment of trust, ownership and purpose. I lead with a clear vision and open communication, giving others the confidence to share ideas and take initiative. I mentor with intention, celebrate each person’s strengths and encourage innovation at every level. For participants, I design experiences that inspire connection, elevate voices and make everyone feel seen and valued. True empowerment happens when people leave an event feeling energized, included and capable of more. My first event of 2026, themed UNIFIED, was a perfect example: from initial planning through final execution, I carried this vision with care, ensuring every moment reflected collaboration, inclusion and the power of shared purpose.
What could future generations learn from your journey?
I started JetSET Events in 2000, after my very first client said, “I would hire you, but not that company you’re working for.” Twenty-six years later, I’m still amazed by how much I’ve learned and how much I’ve grown alongside the incredible people in this industry. Below are 3 things I believe future generations can learn from my journey.
The art of genuine connection: I’ve learned that true relationships go beyond transactions. When you build trust, loyalty and a sense of belonging, the work becomes about people, not just events.
Adaptability: The world of hospitality is always changing. I’ve seen companies rise and fall, and the ones that thrive are the ones that embrace change, stay creative and keep evolving.
Resilience and perseverance: This industry moves fast and demands a lot, but facing challenges with grace, determination and a steady heart has shown me that even the hardest moments can become opportunities to shine.
Over the years, I’ve realized that a legacy isn’t just measured by accolades or milestones. It’s about balancing professionalism with humanity, inspiring others to elevate every experience and leaving a meaningful, lasting impact. I love what I do, and I am deeply grateful for the journey, the people I’ve met and the privilege of creating moments that matter.
Kim Ray Smith
president, Certe Management
What are three words that fueled your hospitality career momentum?
Anticipate. Orchestrate. Elevate.
What was your biggest win this year?
My biggest win this year was leading the seamless execution of high-level events across multiple markets while strengthening client relationships and operational systems behind the scenes. I didn’t just deliver successful programs—I improved processes, elevated guest experiences and positioned our team to scale more efficiently. The result was repeat business, stronger partner trust and events that felt effortless to attendees but were strategically precise from the inside out.
What is one way you’ve empowered your teams and/or participants?
I empower my teams by giving them ownership, not just tasks. For each event, I clearly define the outcome, then trust team members to lead their piece—vendor communication, guest experience touchpoints or logistics flow—while knowing I’m there for support, not micromanagement. This builds confidence, accountability and faster problem-solving on-site. Team members grow their decision-making skills, and our events run more smoothly because everyone feels responsible for the success, not just assigned to a checklist.
What could future generations learn from your journey?
Future generations can learn that success in event planning comes from balancing meticulous preparation with genuine care for people. Details create smooth events, but memorable experiences require empathy, adaptability and foresight. Empowering your team, anticipating challenges and prioritizing the guest experience are what truly make an event exceptional
Gabriella Robuccio
founder, ProEventTips
What are three words that fueled your hospitality career momentum?
Connect. Align. Transform.
What was your biggest win this year?
In August 2024, I left my corporate role to build a consulting/speaking business teaching the relationship and leadership skills that determine whether teams thrive or burn out.
In 2025, I reached hundreds of event professionals through workshops, stages and podcasts, discussing stakeholder management frameworks that nobody else was talking about. But my biggest win has been hearing people say, “I’m so glad you’re talking about this” and “I wish more people had these skills.” This stuff matters!
Event professionals are incredible at logistics but rarely trained to manage difficult stakeholders, set boundaries or lead without authority. Yet those skills determine whether you burn out or build a sustainable career.
I left corporate wondering if anyone would care about this work. Today I’m proving they do, and that these “soft skills” are actually the hardest and most important.
What is one way you’ve empowered your teams and/or participants?
I empower people by showing them that leadership isn’t about having the right title. It’s about building the right relationships.
Event professionals constantly tell me they’re stuck between demanding clients, resistant vendors and internal stakeholders who don’t understand the work. They feel powerless because they don’t have formal authority.
In my workshops, I teach them they have more power than they think through strategic communication, emotional intelligence and proactive relationship management. I show them how to recognize patterns in stakeholder behavior, align on shared goals and lead through influence instead of waiting for permission.
The transformation happens when someone realizes: “I don’t need my boss to give me a title to lead. I can influence outcomes right now by changing how I show up in relationships.”
And that is empowerment.
What could future generations learn from your journey?
Future generations could learn this: Your career won’t follow a straight line, and that’s okay.
I spent nearly 12 years at ESPN managing international events like FIFA World Cup and Emmy-winning productions. Then I moved to healthcare nonprofits. Then I left to build a speaking and consulting business at 40, with two kids under two.
None of it was “the plan.” But every experience taught me something about leading teams, managing stakeholders and navigating complexity.
Here’s what I wish someone had told me earlier: You don’t need to wait for permission to build the career you want. You don’t need the perfect credentials. You don’t need to have it all figured out. You need to be willing to learn, willing to adapt and willing to bet on yourself even when it’s terrifying.
The path isn’t linear, but the skills transfer and the courage compounds. Start before you’re ready!
Patricia Stinson, CMP
CEO, event designer, strategist, SEEvents Group LLC
What are three words that fueled your hospitality career momentum?
Passion. Radicalize. Serve.
What was your biggest win this year?
For seven years, SEEvents has proudly partnered with a repeat client, delivering events across the U.S. This year, we celebrated our 15th, 16th and 17th events in Atlanta, Houston and Cleveland—designed for high school students to explore opportunities in construction.
These events give students a chance to discover trades or consider college, opening doors they may not have known existed. Watching the setup, seeing students arrive and witnessing the event run smoothly brings deep fulfillment. Every word of appreciation reminds me we’re inspiring the next generation and showing multiple paths to success.
What is one way you’ve empowered your teams and/or participants?
In the past, clients relied heavily on the SEE team to do everything. Committees existed, but ownership was limited, and tasks were often handled during long weekly meetings instead of in advance.
In 2025, we made a deliberate leadership shift—from execution to empowerment.
We rebuilt the process by assigning committee chairs to real authority. Each chair led their committee, recruited members and moved work forward. I provided structure and clear tasks, but accountability lived with the chairs.
Committees met independently before leadership meetings, replacing multi-hour sessions with focused discussions under an hour. This shift built confident leadership, ownership and a truly empowered team. Ready for the future
What could future generations learn from your journey?
Stand on faith. One thing I’ve learned on this journey is that knowing your worth and walking in your purpose matters. Success doesn’t come from entitlement—it comes from hard work, consistency and humility.
Research, passion, mentorship, believing in myself and staying organized prepared me for entrepreneurship. I’ll be honest—there are days when you feel like giving up. On those days, pause, breathe and start again.
Networking has been a game-changer. Building real connections creates a support system you’ll need along the way. How you show up—your presentation and your brand—speaks volumes about how seriously you take your business.
Never stop learning. Continuing education keeps you sharp and confident in your field. Keep growing on.
Anna Sun
co-founder & CEO, Nowadays
What are three words that fueled your hospitality career momentum?
Creating. Empowering. Scaling.
What was your biggest win this year?
This year, my biggest win was helping teams plan meaningful events with more clarity and less stress. We supported organizations as they brought people together for leadership offsites, company milestones and large community gatherings, while simplifying the behind-the-scenes work that often goes unseen. Seeing planners gain confidence, reclaim time and focus on the experience rather than the logistics reinforced why we do this work.
What is one way you’ve empowered your teams and/or participants?
I empower teams by creating clear systems and shared context, then trusting people to make decisions. Removing unnecessary friction allows teams to move faster and take ownership of their work. For participants, we focus on making every touchpoint intuitive and inclusive so they feel supported from the moment they engage, allowing them to fully show up and connect.
What could future generations learn from your journey?
You do not need to accept existing systems simply because they are familiar. Real progress comes from listening closely, questioning assumptions and caring deeply about the people you serve. Build with empathy, stay curious and focus on solving real problems. When you lead with intention and trust, meaningful impact follows.
Raffaella Tasca
CEO & owner, Stellina Connections
What are three words that fueled your hospitality career momentum?
Passion. Deliver. Demand.
What was your biggest win this year?
Launching and growing my own hospitality consultancy after 25+ years on the hotel side was my biggest win this year. I successfully transitioned from representing properties to fiercely advocating for clients—helping them secure better rates, stronger concessions and clearer decision-making without added cost. Building a business rooted in trust, transparency and long-standing relationships allowed me to deliver immediate value while proving that experience, integrity and independence still matter in today’s fast-moving meetings industry.
What is one way you’ve empowered your teams and/or participants?
I empower others by giving them confidence—confidence to ask for more, to question assumptions and to understand what is truly possible. I have always believed in sharing everything I know and leading with honesty, never holding back information or playing games. By walking teams through the process, being transparent in negotiations and encouraging open collaboration rather than hierarchy, I help people feel informed, supported and confident instead of overwhelmed. To me, empowerment means clearing obstacles so others can focus on their goals and do their best work.
What could future generations learn from your journey?
Future generations can learn that success doesn’t require a single, traditional path—or waiting for permission to grow. Loving what you do matters, especially in hospitality, where genuine care shows up in how you serve others. Being honest, leading with care and offering your opinion—even when it’s not the easiest route—have guided me throughout my journey. Betting on yourself, trusting your expertise and acting with integrity can open doors that titles alone never will. Strong, genuine relationships—built on trust, not transactions—are long-term assets. In hospitality, true excellence comes from anticipating needs before they’re voiced. That has been my path—and my success.
Sandy Yi-Davis, CMP, DES, MBA
founder, meeting strategist, Strategic Meeting International
What are three words that fueled your hospitality career momentum?
Connect. Elevate. Optimize.
What was your biggest win this year?
My biggest win in 2025 was proving that “organized chaos” can still deliver intentional impact. While navigating the ripple effects of a government shutdown, major travel uncertainty and recovery from cervical spine surgery, I kept delivering for clients. Protecting budgets through smart negotiation, designing experiences that prioritize health and human connection and earning the highest compliment: “I trust you to handle it.” Clear results, doing what I’m meant to do.
What is one way you’ve empowered your teams and/or participants?
I empowered my team and stakeholders through clarity and trust. I set clear priorities, made progress visible through tracking, and coached everyone to negotiate the full package: transparent F&B (including labor), real AV value and fewer surprise fees. I also modeled calm leadership: solving problems without drama, communicating early and treating people with respect and humanity. That approach gave the team confidence to act independently and kept participants focused on connection rather than logistics.
What could future generations learn from your journey?
Future leaders can learn from my journey that excellence is built on integrity, not flash. Listen first, design for the audience and protect trust with transparent value. Advocate because policy impacts our work immediately. Build your village before you need it, and take care of your body. Health is a strategy. When things go sideways, choose composure and kindness, then execute. Quiet effort, combined with consistent follow-through, creates momentum, credibility and long-term success.
Maura Zhang, CITP, CWP
founder, IKŌNIK Destinations Collective
What are three words that fueled your hospitality career momentum?
Serve. Integrate. Evolve.
What was your biggest win this year?
Biggest win: I helped shift how our industry defines success by embedding wellness into everyday meeting culture, embracing change as a catalyst for growth and positioning well-being as a strategic business tool. In my volunteer leadership role with SITE, I led Embodiment Workshops and monthly practices that equip professionals to manage stress and prevent burnout. Through WELLDOM and IKŌNIK, I design multi-sensory, wellness-forward activations across trade shows, events and destination marketing programs, aligning human care with performance. The result: more engaged participants, stronger connections and a healthier, more resilient meetings community.
What is one way you’ve empowered your teams and/or participants?
I empower participants by giving them tools they can use long after an event ends. Through simple, accessible, science-backed practices—breathing, movement, embodiment and mindfulness—I help professionals regulate stress, restore energy and lead with greater clarity. By integrating these tools into agendas and daily workflows, I create space for people to pause, reset and show up focused, supported and fully present.
What could future generations learn from your journey?
Don’t wait for permission to lead differently, embrace change, trust your intuition and have the courage to act on your vision, even before others see its value. The future of meetings is human-centered, sustainable and driven by well-being. Protect your energy, care for your community and design experiences with intention, small choices that create lasting impact. You don’t have to choose between business results and human well-being. Redefine success and build an industry where people thrive, not burn out.
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