Taylor Abbate, CMP, DES, HMCC
director of business development & industry strategy, SEAS Productions
What are three words that fueled your hospitality career momentum?
Explore. Connect. Evolve.
What was your biggest win this year?
My biggest win this year was discovering where I truly belong in this industry. Looking back on my career through different roles in the business events industry, I see how every role prepared me for the next step. Taking a leap of faith into the AV/Production side of the industry, something I had hesitated to do, was a game-changer. Reconnecting with an industry colleague who believed in me led to a role where my skills, experience and relationships aligned. Finally feeling at home in my career has been my most meaningful win.
What is one way you’ve empowered your teams and/or participants?
I empower my teams by creating an environment where every voice is heard and every perspective is valued. I strive to be the mentor and advocate I was fortunate to have by helping others see the potential in themselves, just as my mentors saw in me. Whether it’s inviting newer team members to industry events, introducing them to key connections or encouraging them to share ideas, I focus on building confidence and growth. Helping others recognize their value and potential has been one of the most rewarding ways I contribute to my teams and this industry.
What could future generations learn from your journey?
Future generations can learn that it’s okay to take risks and explore different paths to find where you belong. I’ve worked across many sides of the business events industry and didn’t find my true fit until nearly a decade in. Every role taught me valuable lessons and shaped my perspective. Staying curious, embracing challenges and trusting that others will see your potential can guide your journey. Building connections through industry organizations is equally important because they open doors, foster growth and remind us why we love this industry.
Teagan Aguirre
manager, production, Walmart
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 stepping into a new role at Walmart and ramping quickly—building trust with stakeholders, learning the business fast and delivering strong event execution early on. I brought calm, creative leadership and intense attention to detail to align teams, tighten processes and make sure every experience ran smoothly. It was a big transition, and I’m proud of how quickly I turned it into momentum.
What is one way you’ve empowered your teams and/or participants?
I empower teams by starting with what they need to succeed—clear expectations, the right resources and space to own their work. I listen first, then remove friction (unclear priorities, missing info, blocked decisions) so people can move fast with confidence. I share credit, create a safe way to raise issues early and back my leads in the moment.
What could future generations learn from your journey?
My biggest growth came from saying yes to opportunities that felt scary: roles that stretched me, challenged what I thought I was “qualified” for and forced me to learn fast. Taking chances helped me discover strengths I couldn’t have even imagined, and it’s what ultimately got me where I am today.
Emily Alvarez-Zurita
convention sales coordinator, Visit Greater Palm Springs
What are three words that fueled your hospitality career momentum?
Discover. Elevate. Inspire.
What was your biggest win this year?
Preparing to earn my master’s in hospitality and tourism from the University of Southern California in May 2026 has been transformative. The program broadened my understanding of the industry, exposed me to new ways I can make an impact and inspired me to bring innovative strategies back to my workplace. Balancing coursework, professional responsibilities and volunteering at major community events strengthened my leadership, expanded my perspective, and allowed me to create meaningful change both internally and in the broader community.
What is one way you’ve empowered your teams and/or participants?
By mentoring new team members and providing actionable feedback, I help improve systems and make processes faster, more effective and impactful. At the same time, I learn from their perspective and ideas which helps me grow as a leader and strengthens our teamwork. I also volunteer at major community events like Palm Springs Film Festival and Fashion Week El Paseo, contributing to initiatives that bring people together and showcase the region. In class, I bring the convention and visitors bureau (CVB) to life, sharing insights often overlooked in the industry, teaching its role and impact and helping classmates see how tourism connects communities, creating opportunities they might not have considered otherwise.
What could future generations learn from your journey?
Passion can emerge unexpectedly. I didn’t know hospitality would become mine, but curiosity, persistence and embracing opportunities led me here. Future generations can learn to stay open, take initiative and give back to their communities. By mentoring others, sharing knowledge and exploring unfamiliar paths, you can uncover career opportunities, personal growth and fulfillment in ways you never imagined, while leaving a meaningful and lasting impact on the people, places and communities you serve.
Kelsey Atkinson
senior attendee experience manager, Bishop-McCann
What are three words that fueled your hospitality career momentum?
Empathize. Anticipate. Streamline.
What was your biggest win this year?
Besides giving birth to my 9 lb 5 oz second daughter, a major win this year was returning from maternity leave and being immediately thrown into my first global conference for a brand-new client. Under tight deadlines, I successfully led and launched the client’s website while simultaneously juggling three other high-touch programs—all while managing a full nursing schedule throughout the day. The client later called me a “badass,” which was incredibly validating. The most meaningful recognition, however, came from my company through receiving a Value Impact Award, where a close colleague and friend presented the award and shared how I am a key asset to the business, as well as how inspiring it is to watch me show up as a devoted mother and friend.
What is one way you’ve empowered your teams and/or participants?
I empower the team through an inclusive, hands-on approach. As our team has grown, I use my available time to support and mentor new members by inviting them to observe and participate in both small and complex tasks—from testing websites to cross-checking rooming lists and arrival/departure manifests. I regularly remind the team that while this may be one program to us, it represents hundreds of individual attendee experiences. What feels small on our end can be significant to them, so empathy is essential, especially in difficult situations. My goal is to build confidence, capability and ownership, while encouraging the team to prevent problems before they arise—not just solve them after the fact.
What could future generations learn from your journey?
Future generations can learn from my journey that empathy, when paired with creativity, is what transforms service into a meaningful experience. Understanding an attendee’s perspective is only the first step—creativity is what allows us to design solutions that make people feel seen and supported. By thinking beyond standard processes, I’ve learned to use creative approaches to reduce anxiety, anticipate needs and communicate with intention. Whether it’s designing engaging website questions, offering a phone call instead of an email or following through on a small request that matters deeply to someone, creativity allows empathy to be felt, not just intended. When we combine the two, we don’t just manage programs—we create joy for people.
Kara Bishop, CMP, DES
senior marketing events manager, Rocket Software
What are three words that fueled your hospitality career momentum?
Orchestrate. Elevate. Anticipate.
What was your biggest win this year?
Being interviewed and featured in Corporate & Incentive Travel Meeting Magazine, March edition for the Powerhouse Planner article.
What is one way you’ve empowered your teams and/or participants?
Don’t try to do it all yourself. As much as you want to, we can’t be superheroes, so lean on your team and others for support.
What could future generations learn from your journey?
Always be learning and ask questions. Don’t be afraid to step up and offer support. It will show your level of commitment and eagerness to learn more about the industry.
Hannah Collins, CMP
event marketing program lead, CreatorIQ
What are three words that fueled your hospitality career momentum?
Connect. Elevate. Disrupt.
What was your biggest win this year?
Building CreatorIQ Connect has been my biggest win this year. When I started at CreatorIQ, our largest event hosted around 80 people. This past year, we produced the largest creator marketing summit in the industry—bringing together more than 1,500 brand and agency marketers and creators for a two-day experience with 40+ speakers.
Beyond the scale, the real win was establishing CreatorIQ Connect as a true gathering place for leaders in the creator marketing community. We weren’t just hosting a conference—we created a space where people felt comfortable learning from one another, asking the questions others are often afraid to ask and contributing to the future of the industry together.
We intentionally challenged traditional, passive conference formats in favor of interactive, collaborative and fun experiences that prioritized connection over consumption. This approach allowed us to take an already successful event and build something repeatable and scalable, setting a foundation for continued year-over-year growth.
The results spoke for themselves: The event sold out, generated significant social buzz, strengthened our market presence and contributed to improved customer retention. On a personal level, I owned and prioritized the attendee experience end to end—focusing on how people should feel during the event and what they should take with them long after it ended.
What is one way you’ve empowered your teams and/or participants?
One way I’ve empowered participants is by inviting them into the build process. From attendees helping shape the content we address to sponsors having the autonomy to design activations alongside our existing formats, we treated participants as collaborators—not just guests. That sense of ownership created deeper engagement and resulted in an experience that truly reflected the community it was built for. Not to mention, improved our attendance rates!
What could future generations learn from your journey?
Don’t assume you know your audience, and don’t do things just because that’s how they’ve always been done. Let data guide you, but always go straight to the source. Talk to your ideal participants often, listen deeply and question legacy formats and assumptions. Seek out teams—and leaders—who support experimentation and innovation. When you build events with your community and within an environment that encourages new ideas, you create experiences people can’t afford to miss.
Ashley Currin
director of creative studio, Cohera
What are three words that fueled your hospitality career momentum?
Build. Align. Elevate.
What was your biggest win this year?
My biggest win this year was leading high-impact brand and marketing initiatives during a period of organizational change, including merger integration and rebrand efforts. I aligned cross-functional teams around a unified narrative, built scalable processes and ensured creative excellence didn’t get lost in transition. The result was stronger brand consistency, improved internal alignment and measurable momentum in sales enablement and market positioning, proving that clarity and creativity can coexist, even in complexity.
What is one way you’ve empowered your teams and/or participants?
I empower teams by creating clarity and trust, clearly defining goals, removing barriers and giving people ownership of their work. I invest in mentorship, encourage curiosity and invite teams into strategic conversations so they understand the “why,” not just the “what.” By building frameworks instead of micromanaging tasks, I enable people to lead confidently, think creatively and deliver their best work.
What could future generations learn from your journey?
Future generations can learn that careers don’t have to be linear to be meaningful. Growth comes from staying curious, embracing change and being willing to step into ambiguity with confidence. Leading with empathy, adaptability and integrity creates lasting impact, especially in hospitality, where people and experiences are everything. Success isn’t just about outcomes; it’s about how you bring others with you along the way.
Mikki DeJurnett, CEM
vice president of sales, JW Marriott Las Vegas, The Resort at Summerlin
What are three words that fueled your hospitality career momentum?
Connect. Elevate. Execute.
What was your biggest win this year?
My biggest win this year was leading an extraordinary team I had never worked with before, one that challenged me, supports me and ultimately helped shape the leader I am today. Together, we navigate major transitions, strengthened our sales strategy and continue to grow our pipeline. The real win isn’t just the results, it is discovering the power of a team that inspires you to rise, lead with purpose and deliver your best every day.
What is one way you’ve empowered your teams and/or participants?
One way I’ve empowered my team is by learning to listen to understand, not just to respond. Leading this team has taught me the value of being fully present, hearing their ideas, concerns and strengths. When my team feels truly heard, they show up with more confidence and creativity. That same approach extends to our customers; by listening deeply to their needs, we deliver better solutions and build stronger partnerships. Empowering my team starts with making sure everyone, internally and externally, feels valued and understood.
What could future generations learn from your journey?
Future generations can learn from my journey that the most meaningful success comes from having the courage to walk your own path. I learned from leaders who inspired me and from others who challenged me in ways that shaped my resilience. Those experiences taught me that someone else’s traits aren’t always meant to be your own. What carries you forward is living in your truth, staying humble, taking chances even when fear is present and committing to continuous learning and personal development. Your authenticity will open doors that imitation never could, and trusting who you are becoming allows you to evolve into someone stronger than you ever imagined.
Paige Durrant
senior events program manager, Arctic Wolf
What are three words that fueled your hospitality career momentum?
Connect. Elevate. Inform.
What was your biggest win this year?
This year, I elevated our executive meeting program across our largest tradeshows, transforming it into a high‑impact engine for strategic relationship‑building. I streamlined the end‑to‑end experience, from targeting to onsite execution, to position our executives for meaningful engagement. By strengthening account alignment, improving briefing materials and curating a more intentional meeting flow, I drove higher executive satisfaction and contributed to $16M in new pipeline, showcasing a 400% YoY surge in Arctic Wolf’s tradeshow performance.
What is one way you’ve empowered your teams and/or participants?
As a first‑year team member, I focused on listening, learning and identifying gaps that slowed us down. I introduced repeatable processes, improved communication workflows and set clear expectations for programs like our tradeshow executive meeting program, giving the team more confidence and direction. By building trust early and modeling calm, organized leadership onsite, I helped the team and executives feel supported and aligned, strengthening collaboration and ownership.
What could future generations learn from your journey?
Future generations can learn that you don’t need a perfect roadmap to build an impactful career. As a first‑gen college grad who started at VMware in channel strategy and partner marketing and then jumped into corporate marketing at Broadcom and now at Arctic Wolf, I advanced by being kind, building meaningful relationships, communicating clearly and staying organized. By being genuine and showing up with integrity, you too can prove that character, not circumstance, creates opportunity.
Meaghan Ellis
senior group sales manager, Gravity Haus
What are three words that fueled your hospitality career momentum?
Dream. Do. Deliver.
What was your biggest win this year?
My biggest win this year was learning how to lead through both professional growth and personal challenge.
While navigating major responsibilities at work during a period of rapid growth, I was also supporting my family through a life-changing health journey. Showing up fully in both spaces taught me how to lead with empathy, perspective and resilience—skills that made me a stronger partner to my clients and a better leader to my team.
What is one way you’ve empowered your teams and/or participants?
I’ve empowered my team by genuinely showing up for their growth.
That means taking the time to mentor, offering honest and supportive feedback, and trusting people with opportunities that stretch them. I focus on helping individuals build confidence and leadership skills—not just so they can succeed in their current role, but so they feel prepared to step into what’s next and see their own potential along the way.
What could future generations learn from your journey?
Future generations can learn that success doesn’t require choosing between ambition and compassion—and that believing in people, starting with yourself, is powerful.
My journey has shown me that leading with empathy, staying resilient through life’s challenges and showing up authentically can strengthen both personal growth and professional impact. Moments of trust, mentorship and support have been transformative, and when you lift others as you grow, success becomes not just bigger, but more meaningful.
Giulia Ferrero
director of event marketing, Swapcard
What are three words that fueled your hospitality career momentum?
Design. Connect. Elevate.
What was your biggest win this year?
My biggest win this year was creating new event formats and activations that helped people connect in meaningful ways. Through both in-person and virtual gatherings, I had the chance to meet inspiring new people, build relationships and feel more connected to our industry. I also pushed myself to try fresh strategies—from immersive AI-powered experiences to smaller, more intimate networking moments. Seeing how these ideas sparked conversations, confidence and lasting connections reminded me that events succeed when they leave an emotional imprint. I was also proud to be recognized as part of PCMA’s 20 in Their Twenties emerging leaders.
What is one way you’ve empowered your teams and/or participants?
One way I’ve empowered participants is by creating experiences that give them something tangible to take forward—whether that’s a new professional resource, a moment of confidence or a platform to be seen. From activations that help attendees showcase themselves to formats that encourage open dialogue and shared perspectives, I focus on designing spaces where people feel valued beyond their job titles. Empowerment, to me, means helping individuals leave an event with more visibility, momentum and purpose.
What could future generations learn from your journey?
Future generations can learn that leadership is not defined by age, but by the opportunities you say yes to. Growth comes from stepping into discomfort, asking questions, expanding your network and testing new ideas even before you feel fully ready. Hospitality and events thrive on curiosity and courage. When you stay open to learning, embrace experimentation and design with intention, you can create experiences that truly matter and shape the future of our industry.
Sierra Gillis
project manager, GoGather Inc
What are three words that fueled your hospitality career momentum?
Listen. Adapt. Deliver.
What was your biggest win this year?
My biggest win has been leaning fully into growth after a period of uncertainty. After being laid off unexpectedly early last year, joining the GoGather team felt like a reawakening. Working on diverse events with clients around the world challenged me to expand my skills, adapt quickly and keep learning. Along the way, I contributed to improving internal systems that streamlined processes for both our teams and our clients. Embracing these opportunities reignited my passion for meetings and continues to inspire me to grow, improve and create better experiences.
What is one way you’ve empowered your teams and/or participants?
One way I empower teams and clients is by creating space for growth and trust. With internal teams, I encourage learning through experience — allowing room to ask questions, try new approaches and build confidence over time. With clients, empowerment comes through connection. I believe trust is earned, not assumed, and I focus on building relationships that make clients feel supported and confident throughout the planning process. When people feel trusted and safe to engage fully, they’re more comfortable bringing events to life and truly enjoying the experience.
What could future generations learn from your journey?
Future generations can learn that growth isn’t linear—and that’s something to be grateful for. My journey has taught me to stay curious, trust the process and remain open to the twists and turns along the way. Some of my greatest opportunities came from moments I didn’t plan for, but chose to lean into. By embracing uncertainty with optimism and intention, it’s possible to grow not only professionally, but personally—and to build a career fueled by passion, purpose and appreciation for every step that led you there.
Nikki Gonzales
chief of staff, Soundings
What are three words that fueled your hospitality career momentum?
Serendipity. Grit. Adaptability.
What was your biggest win this year?
My biggest win this year was navigating a challenging, change-filled season that pushed me to grow in ways I didn’t expect. I stepped into a new area of our business and had the opportunity to lead through uncertainty and to hone my own leadership style.
While it wasn’t always easy, it was incredibly rewarding to do this alongside a team that supported, challenged and believed in me. After seven years supporting many areas of the business, this experience helped strengthen my ability to lead internally, advocate for our talent and partners, and build deeper relationships along the way.
Seeing people, processes and connections flourish through the hard moments made it my biggest win.
What is one way you’ve empowered your teams and/or participants?
Going back to “why” and making sure that foundation is solid in everything we do. I am thankful to have the opportunity to help onboard and develop our new team members as they join the Soundings team, and get to be the first to introduce them to our culture/story.
Our business is constantly evolving, which is always exciting but can definitely be daunting! By ensuring everyone is aligned on our “north star” of creating professional freedom for all, it helps build a culture of empowerment and confidence to move forward (even as they’re still learning the ropes!) In turn, it’s incredible to see the growth and confidence that comes with allowing people to shine with the right amount of guidance. I’m always an advocate of finding ways to make things better than how they initially found them!
What could future generations learn from your journey?
Stay curious! Learning how to balance absorbing everything around me with occasionally taking the road less traveled has helped me discover which parts of the business truly excite me and bring the most fulfillment.
Even the best-laid plans can be disrupted. For me, it was a global pandemic that completely reshaped my post-graduation path. I mean, it was really rough at the time, but it led me to finding a different pathway that was so much more meaningful.
Our careers will continue to evolve, and it’s okay for our interests and passions to change along the way. Seek out people who invest in you, stay open to growth and make a conscious commitment to keep learning.
Maria Lourdes Gonzalez, CTA, PDM
content & community engagement manager, Travel Santa Ana
What are three words that fueled your hospitality career momentum?
Creativity. Resilience. Passion.
What was your biggest win this year?
My biggest win this year was reaching my three-year milestone with Travel Santa Ana while helping shape meaningful initiatives like the Public Art Guide and the Proud Santanero campaign—projects that truly celebrate Santa Ana’s people, creativity, and culture.
What is one way you’ve empowered your teams and/or participants?
One way I’ve empowered participants is by prioritizing authentic storytelling that reflects local voices. Through the Proud Santanero campaign, I encouraged participants to share their genuine recommendations—what they love, where they go, and why it matters—so visitors experience Santa Ana through a local lens. By centering real stories and trusted local insight, participants felt proud to represent their city while helping highlight the assets that make Santa Ana unique.
What could future generations learn from your journey?
You can make a meaningful difference by leaning into your passions—especially storytelling rooted in community. By listening, amplifying local voices and leading with authenticity, I’ve learned that impact doesn’t always come from big budgets or titles, but from caring deeply about people and place. When you honor community and tell stories with purpose, you help shape how others see and value where they live.
Najauna White, CMP, CDE
vice president, client services, Miles Partnership
What are 3 words that fueled your hospitality career momentum?
Gather. Create. Connect.
What was your biggest win this year?
My biggest win this year was building real community for myself beyond job titles, clients and KPIs. In 2025, I intentionally created space to share ideas, ask questions and learn out loud, even when it felt uncomfortable. LinkedIn became a place where I could have honest conversations about marketing, leadership, culture and growth with people across the industry and around the world. It took consistency and vulnerability, and it was not easy (trust me, I learned some truths about myself during the year!). But that space now sustains me, challenges my thinking and reflects the work I love. It reminds me that visibility can be meaningful when it is rooted in connection.
What is one way you’ve empowered your teams and/or participants?
One way I empower people is by meeting them where they are in the moment. Sometimes that means strategy, sometimes reflection, sometimes silence. I’ve learned that empowerment is not always about pushing people forward or asking them to take up space. It is about using EQ to read the room and understand what is actually needed. Not every interaction has to be performative or productive in the traditional sense. Creating space where people do not feel pressure to always take up room allows them to engage more honestly. Some days people want guidance, other days they want to process, pause or just feel seen. Knowing how to navigate that and making sure everyone walks away feeling good is a skill I had to learn, and one I value deeply.
What could future generations learn from your journey?
Your journey will not be linear, and that is “normal”—a little scary, but “normal.” Find your people and build with them, because no one grows alone. Do the thing, whether you are scared or confident; clarity usually shows up after you start. Also, be mindful of the boundaries people try to place on you. Men rarely worry about these, so why should we?! Wear what you want, say what you need to say, show your personality, your passion and move how you need to move. The key is to lean on the women around you, share knowledge freely and rally together. That’s how women get shit done!
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