By Mary Tucker | Senior Communications and Content Manager | IAEE

The exhibitions and events industry has yet another trailblazer to celebrate. Kara Dao, CEM Fellow, DES received the prestigious IAEE Cathy Breden Woman of Achievement Award last year – an honor that recognizes women who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, advanced opportunities for women in the industry and made significant contributions to their communities.

Kara’s journey spans more than 20 years of strategic excellence across associations, corporations and government sectors. Her ability to drive event growth, deepen audience engagement and develop revenue streams has positioned her as a transformative force in the field. But what truly sets Kara apart isn’t just her operational brilliance; it’s her unwavering commitment to creating space for others to thrive.

As IAEE’s first-ever CEM Fellow, Kara has achieved a historic milestone that speaks to her dedication to professional excellence and thought leadership. In her role as Chief Operating Officer at JDC Events, she has shaped experiences for thousands of attendees and exhibitors, translating deep audience insights into strategies that deliver real impact.

Yet perhaps her most profound contribution lies in her advocacy work. As Chairperson of the IAEE Community Engagement and Belonging Committee, Kara champions initiatives that elevate inclusion, amplify diverse voices, and strengthen industry connections. Her mentorship has been transformative for countless professionals – particularly women and emerging leaders – who credit her candid guidance and leadership opportunities as career-defining moments.

Kara was presented the 2025 IAEE Cathy Breden Woman of Achievement Award this past December at Expo! Expo! IAEE’s Annual Meeting & Exhibition in Houston, Texas.

Here, Kara shares her insights on leadership, the importance of fostering belonging in the industry, and her vision for the future of women in exhibitions and events.

Looking back on your two-decade career journey, what pivotal moment or experience shaped your understanding of what it means to advance opportunities for women in this industry?

Kara: I entered the industry by accident. My original career path was psychotherapy for the geriatric community, which led me to planning activities for senior citizens. Through that experience, I learned the fundamentals of experience design – but I also noticed a troubling pattern: many women were “working the rungs” rather than holding leadership roles. Since the field didn’t pay well, I took a temporary job in the exposition department of a growing IT association while considering my next degree.

My immediate supervisor was a gay man, and we often spoke candidly about our shared experiences of exclusion. Fortunately, everything changed when a phenomenal female CEO joined the organization. She was hands-on, direct and deeply involved. She made our goals clear, gave us the tools to succeed, and consistently provided structure, purpose and accountability. That clarity opened doors for both of us that had previously been closed. When my boss moved on, I quickly rose to Director by age 27 – a pivotal moment that shaped my leadership philosophy.

I knew I wanted to create opportunities for others, just as I had been given. I hired two exceptional salesmen: one, a man of color repeatedly overlooked due to limited resume growth; the other, dismissed for lacking a college degree. I also brought on a talented, unconventional database administrator – a proud lesbian and member of the Wicca community. These three individuals had been denied chances because they didn’t fit traditional molds, yet they were hungry to prove their worth.

Together, we became the most productive and innovative team in the organization. They worked tirelessly to deliver value to exhibitors, introduce new ideas, and drive success. The results spoke for themselves: the show grew to $6 million in revenue and attracted over 32,000 attendees.

You achieved a historic milestone as IAEE’s first CEM Fellow. What does this recognition mean to you, and what would you tell someone considering launching their own certification journey?

Kara: If I had a dime for every person who told me they struggle with imposter syndrome, I’d be wealthy. One of the most powerful ways to overcome that feeling is by showcasing what you’ve earned. Achieving your CEM certification sends a clear message to the exhibition industry: you’re proud to be part of it and committed to its growth. It’s the opposite of imposter syndrome – it’s validation through accomplishment.

For me, becoming the first CEM Fellow was certainly an honor. But more than that, it represents my ongoing dedication to learning, improving, engaging with my community, and leading with purpose.

Given your service to IAEE’s Community Engagement and Belonging Committee, can you share specific initiatives or changes you’ve championed that you believe will have lasting impact on the industry’s culture?

Kara: One of the most impactful changes I championed was shifting the committee to a task-based structure during our monthly meetings. This approach allowed us to maximize engagement without overburdening members outside of scheduled sessions. By focusing each meeting on clear deliverables, we created accountability and momentum – 12 months, 12 tasks and 36 committed professionals driving results together.

The outcome was significant: we generated more engagement touchpoints across IAEE’s products and services, which meant we were better at addressing community needs and reaching a broader audience. This work fostered a stronger sense of belonging. Members saw themselves reflected in posts, articles and spotlights, and felt connected to a larger ‘tribe’ when interacting with peers. Anecdotal feedback confirmed that our outreach efforts conveyed inclusiveness and positive change, reinforcing a culture where everyone feels seen and valued.

Many emerging leaders and women in the industry credit your mentorship as pivotal to their career development. What advice do you find yourself giving most often, and what do you wish more women in our field understood about their own potential?

Kara: There’s a cultural pressure for women to be a ‘girl boss,’ as if not leading means you’re falling behind. The truth is that success isn’t defined by titles or chasing someone else’s dream. If you love the role you’re in – whether at work or in life – lean into it fully. Mastery comes from passion and commitment, and growth follows naturally.

Not everyone aspires to lead, and that’s okay. Some of the most inspiring women I know are baristas, customer service professionals, and others who bring excellence and heart to their work. My advice to emerging professionals is this: explore roles that spark your interest and do them exceptionally well. Learn everything you can about your industry – not just for advancement, but to discover more about yourself.

If titles, salary and recognition are part of your goals, they’ll come because of your dedication. But chasing them for their own sake often leads to emptiness. True fulfillment comes from purpose, not position.

As you look toward the future of exhibitions and events, what changes or shifts would you most like to see that would further break down barriers and create more pathways for women to lead and succeed?

Kara: To create more pathways for women to lead and succeed, we need to redefine what success looks like. That means celebrating women not only for their professional achievements but also for the richness of their lives – parenting, wellness, personal passions – without penalizing them for stepping off the traditional career ladder.

The future of events should embrace flexibility and inclusivity by recognizing that career paths are not linear. Women should have opportunities to pause and re-enter the workforce without stigma. Imagine welcoming a stay-at-home mom who’s been out for ten years into an event role – she brings exceptional skills in logistics, budgeting and multitasking, honed through managing a household. These are the very competencies that make great event professionals.

When we value these diverse experiences, we break down barriers and create a culture where women can define success on their own terms.

The 2026 IAEE Awards Call for Nominations is open! Click here to learn about each category and submit your nominations for deserving colleagues.

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