Editorial Note: Originally published in the March 2026 issue of Trade Show Executive magazine.
As we observe International Women’s Day this month, I find myself thinking not just about celebrating the remarkable women who have shaped our industry, but about the leaders who have shaped my own career and the businesses I’ve had the opportunity to build. Many of the strongest, most effective leaders I’ve worked alongside have been women – and their impact has been measurable, enduring, and rooted in performance.
The trade show and events industry is navigating rapid change: evolving customer expectations, accelerating technology, and increased competition for both talent and attention. Success in this environment depends on strong leadership – leaders who can adapt, make sound decisions, build trust and deliver results. In my experience, organizations that draw from the full depth of talent available to them are simply better positioned to compete.
Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to work with exceptional women whose leadership has strengthened our industry and raised the bar for what excellence looks like. Within my own team, I’m especially proud to have had two consecutive Trade Show Executive Women to Watch recipients – Jannat Choudhury (2024 Marketing Manager) and Shelby Rowe (2025 Marketing Manager) – a reflection of the depth of talent and leadership emerging across our organization.
At Emerald, I have the privilege of working alongside so many exceptional, talented individuals and leaders – Karalynn Sprouse and Lindsay Hubley among them. Across the broader industry, leaders such as Marsha Flanagan, Liz Irving, Nan Walsh, Megan Tanel and Yancy Weinrich have led complex organizations, driven growth, navigated disruption, and delivered results through clarity, discipline, and vision. Their success is not symbolic – it’s earned.
What stands out to me is not a single leadership style, but the range of perspectives and approaches strong leaders bring to the table. Organizations that recognize and value this reality tend to make better decisions, build healthier cultures, and perform more consistently over time.
I don’t believe we need to frame leadership conversations around limitations or deficits. The opportunity – for all of us as leaders – is to ensure talent is developed through meaningful responsibility, exposure to complex challenges and mentorship grounded in real business experience.
That means creating environments where emerging leaders are given meaningful responsibility, exposure to complex challenges and opportunities to grow. It means encouraging mentorship and sponsorship that are grounded in real business development, not theory. And it means recognizing that leadership strength comes from diverse experiences and viewpoints, which ultimately improves outcomes for customers, teams and stakeholders.
As we mark International Women’s Day, I encourage fellow leaders to reflect on the people who have made their organizations stronger and to be intentional about developing the next generation of leaders who will carry our industry forward.
Strong leadership is a competitive advantage. When we recognize it, invest in it, and elevate it, everyone benefits.
This month, I challenge fellow organizational leaders to move beyond simply celebrating women’s contributions and to be intentional about developing strong leaders. By committing to actions that expand opportunity, invest in growth, and recognize excellence, we ensure our organizations fully benefit from the capabilities women bring to executive leadership – and our industry is stronger for it.
Brian Pagel
2026 IAEE Chairperson
Executive Vice President
Emerald
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