Posted on April 3, 2025
There’s one day each year where the entire meetings and events world hits pause—not to rest, but to recognize the people who make it all happen.
That day is the Global Meetings Industry Day (GMID).
And if you’ve ever been behind the scenes of a big event—juggling schedules, managing vendors, reworking floor plans, and still managing to pull off events (both small or big)—you know this day matters.
GMID is a global celebration of the power of face-to-face connection, the value of bringing people together, and most importantly, the meeting professionals who make it all look easy (even when it’s anything but).
And with Global Meetings Industry Day (GMID) 2025 around the corner, there’s no better time to shine a spotlight on the incredible planners who are leading the charge.
This year, we’re taking it a step further.
We’re spotlighting meeting planners who are doing great work and rewriting the rules. From tech-forward experiences to sustainability-driven design, these planners are imagining what the future of meetings could look like and then making it real.
If you’re curious about where meetings are headed (or just looking for some inspiration), you’re in the right place.
Let’s meet the innovators shaping the future of our industry.
1. Robyn Mietkiewicz – Strategic Partner, INNOV8 Meetings + Events
Few planners understand the power of intentional meetings like Robyn Mietkiewicz. As a Strategic Partner at INNOV8 Meetings + Events, Robyn transforms meetings into measurable business drivers through customized Strategic Meetings Management programs. Her work helps clients track value and reduce risk with vendor negotiations and cost-saving strategies.
With over two decades of experience and a legacy of leadership within Meeting Professionals International (MPI), including a term as MPIOC President, Robyn has earned industry-wide respect. Her accolades—such as the MPI RISE Award and EIC Pacesetters Award—are testaments to a career built on vision, consistency, and care.
Robyn is also shaping future industry leaders as a professor at UC Irvine and a sought-after speaker on topics like hotel contracts and ROI strategies. Her approach is grounded and strategic, always focused on empowering others. Robyn’s impact goes far beyond the meetings she plans. She’s building a stronger, smarter, more connected industry—and doing it with heart.
2. MaryAnne Bobrow – President, Bobrow Associates, Inc.
If you’ve ever worked in events or associations, chances are MaryAnne Bobrow has already made your path smoother—whether you realized it or not.
For over 25 years, MaryAnne has been one of those rare leaders who moves entire communities forward without seeking the spotlight. Through Bobrow Associates, Inc., she’s led nonprofits, trade groups, and mission-driven organizations with a steady hand—bringing structure to chaos, clarity to complexity, and purpose to every plan.
She’s a builder of ecosystems—meeting people where they are, helping them grow, and guiding them through change with grace and grit. Whether it’s executive leadership transitions, sustainability planning, or navigating hybrid event landscapes, MaryAnne is the calm in the storm.
Her impact also runs deep in advocacy: from fighting human trafficking to leading ethical standards in the industry, she uses her voice to create space for others. And she does it all while mentoring, writing, speaking, and quietly lifting those around her.
MaryAnne’s work isn’t loud, but its impact echoes across the industry. She reminds us that authentic leadership isn’t always seen—it’s felt.
3. Anh Nguyen, CMP – Principal + Co-Founder, Spark Event Collective
There’s something unmistakable about Anh Nguyen’s approach to events—it’s not just about flawless execution. It’s about connection, intention, and lasting change.
With more than 20 years in the business events world, Anh has built a reputation for designing experiences that go beyond logistics. As the founder of Spark Event Management and Spark Event Collective, she’s created a space where talented, independent planners unite not to compete but to collaborate. Her work fosters belonging for her team, for clients, and for every attendee in the room.
Anh isn’t afraid to challenge industry norms. She’s led 50 professionals to pull off GMID Goes Virtual during a global pandemic, guided SaaS startups with bold marketing strategies, and helped raise millions through purpose-led galas—always grounding her events in impact and possibility.
Anh reminds us that extraordinary events come from supported, seen, and celebrated teams. She’s proving that there’s a better way to build this industry, one connection at a time.
4. Colleen Earley, CMP – Fractional Event Planner, Founder, CME Events
There’s a particular kind of grace that shows up when someone genuinely loves what they do and in Colleen’s world, that grace looks like calm in the midst of chaos, clarity where others see complication, and connection where most would only see logistics.
Colleen has evolved to become the heartbeat of events. With CME Events, she’s carved out a lane for organizations that need brilliance without bureaucracy. No full-time team? No problem. She translates goals into action, dreams into venues, and conversations into workable timelines.
But here’s what sets her apart: she listens. Deeply. Thoughtfully. You might find her building a strategy for a high-stakes board retreat or advocating for allergy-friendly menus that ensure every guest feels welcome at the table. Either way, Colleen leads with empathy and detail. Every decision she makes reflects the care of someone who knows that the little things aren’t so little.
Over the years, she’s worn many hats—sales leader, community voice, industry volunteer, and trusted guide. She’s the kind of professional who shows up early, stays late, and still finds time to moderate a panel on inclusivity or mentor a rising planner on managing food costs without compromising the guest experience.
And in this industry, that legacy lingers long after the chairs are folded and the lights go out.
5. Shawn (Yih-Hsiang) Cheng – Regional Director of North America, ICCA
Every industry has its changemakers. The ones who create the trends, those who question them, stretch them, and ultimately rewrite the narrative entirely. Shawn Cheng is one of those rare catalysts in global meetings and events.
You’ll likely find him building whole ecosystems of trust, tech, and transformation when he’s not building bridges between planners, partners, and associations. His impact is equal parts strategy and soul. As Regional Director for ICCA North America, Shawn is purposefully steering the international meetings conversation.
But long before ICCA, Shawn’s journey was already a blueprint for leadership in action. Having spearheaded GMID Goes Virtual during the pandemic to co-founding #EventProfsBreakShit—a joyful, unfiltered playground for exploring event technology—he’s repeatedly reminded the industry that progress doesn’t have to be polished. It just has to be honest, brave, and inclusive.
He’s the kind of leader who’ll share a stage one day and debug virtual platforms the next. He’s won many awards like PCMA’s Digital Experience Strategist of the Year—not for showmanship, but for showing up. With empathy. With curiosity. With a contagious energy that says, “Let’s build something better together.”
The global meetings industry is constantly evolving—and thanks to leaders like Shawn Cheng, it’s evolving toward something smarter, kinder, and infinitely more connected.
6. Sina Bünte, CMP, DES –Founder, DigitalMind.events
Before the award wins, keynote invites, and the big stages, Sina Bünte was behind the scenes, quite literally.
And that foundation never left her.
Today, as the founder of DigitalMind events, Sina brings together a rare combination of empathy, event intelligence, and tech fluency. She has mastered the art of navigating the complexities of a multi-hub global congress and designing inclusive hybrid experiences for international associations, and she leads with intention—every time.
Her fingerprints are on some of the industry’s most ambitious projects. For example:
- She helped shape ICCA’s groundbreaking 2020 Congress during the height of the pandemic.
- Led event software implementation for IUCN.
- Co-founded EventProfsBreakShit, a community built on curiosity, experimentation, and radical honesty in event tech.
Sina’s work has earned her honors like the EIC Pacesetter Award, a spot on Eventex’s Most Influential list (twice), and finalist recognition from PCMA’s Visionary Awards—but her real legacy is quieter, deeper. It’s in the tech she demystifies, the young professionals she champions, and the global network she continues to strengthen with every thoughtful contribution.
7. Bob Nelson, CMP, CMM, DES, CIS – Director of Hospitality, 160over90
Long before “experiential” became a thing, Bob was already in the trenches, turning government communications into community moments and managing city-wide events that filled entire parks. During his years with the City of Springfield, Bob was the voice behind public information and the heartbeat of large-scale activations. He wasn’t chasing titles—he was creating impact.
From there, his journey curved into corporate—first at Scottrade, where he led a team producing nearly 200 events annually for associates in all 49 states. Then came TD Ameritrade, where Bob ran the show. Incentives.
Now at 160over90, Bob brings a legacy of operational precision, creative storytelling, and strategic sourcing to some of the world’s most high-impact brand experiences. He’s a trusted partner to Fortune 100s, startups, cities, and causes. He thinks like a producer but leads like a steward—with integrity, humility, and a belief that the best events stick with you once the curtains are closed.
Bob is also the kind of leader who gives back as much as he builds. He created a scholarship at his alma mater, Missouri State University, because he believes the next generation deserves more than opportunity—but someone rooting for them from the sidelines.
8. Tahira Endean, MsC, CITP, CMP, CED – Head of Program, IMEX
If you’ve ever walked into an event and felt like it truly saw you—that the room, the rhythm, and the reason were all tuned to something more profound than usual—you’ve likely stepped into the creative universe of Tahira Endean.
Tahira’s journey is not one of linear milestones but of intentional revolutions. With over two decades spent in the trenches and triumphs of event production, she has repeatedly proven that events aren’t just timelines and task lists. They’re emotional landscapes. They’re where belonging begins and transformation takes root.
A passionate educator, lifelong learner, and Head of Program at IMEX, Tahira has used every role, from Director of Creative and Production at Cantrav to Head of Events at SITE, to discuss the why of events, not just the how.
With a Master’s in Creativity and Change Leadership and an education career spanning 26+ years at BCIT, she weaves curiosity, neuroscience, and human design into every experience she creates. Her books, Intentional Event Design and the latest, Our KPI is Joy, are blueprints for an industry being rewritten by care, consciousness, and community.
As a super connector and compassionate trailblazer, Tahira embodies intentional event design.
9. Rachel Andrews, Head of Global Meetings & Events – Cvent
For over a decade at Cvent, Rachel has quietly built one of the most respected events programs in the industry, including internal summits and even Cvent CONNECT. The scale might change, but the focus never does: clarity, purpose, and people.
She didn’t stumble into this. A background in psychology, marketing, and international business gave her the instincts to understand what moves people and how to build moments that do the same. Whether leading a team through the chaos of a 1,500-event calendar or breaking down attribution models on her Great Events Podcast, Rachel makes the complex feel calm and the data feel human.
Colleagues talk about her ability to lead without posturing, her generosity with credit, and her way of bringing a room together, even when that room spans continents. She’s the kind of leader who still shows up backstage with snacks, remembers your dog’s name, and somehow makes a packed week in Vegas feel like you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be.
Her shelf is lined with awards—Smart Meetings Visionary, Sessionboard’s Event Content Pro to Watch, Cvent’s Marketer of the Year—but that’s not really the point. What matters more is how people feel after working with her: seen, supported, and inspired to do better.
Rachel doesn’t just believe in the power of events. She builds proof of it—one moment, one story, one experience at a time.
10. Marshall Jones, CMP — Vice President, Regional Sales – Prestige | Global Meeting Source
Spend five minutes with Marshall Jones, and you’ll wonder how he does it. Not just the million details that come with managing site selection, contract negotiations, or high-stakes events—though he does those with a level of polish you’d expect from someone with decades of experience.
As Vice President of Sales at Prestige | Global Meeting Source, Marshall represents his clients with the diligence and foresight that only comes from having worked on both sides of the industry. He knows what venues need, and he knows what clients expect. He bridges the two with a practical, solutions-first mindset that has saved his partners time, budget, and reputational risk time and time again.
He’s also a dedicated mentor and civic leader. From teaching future hospitality professionals at San Jose State University to chairing industry boards and community commissions, Marshall brings a sense of stewardship to every role he holds.
Professionals who’ve worked with him describe him as responsive, resourceful, and solutions-driven. But more importantly, they remember how easy he is to work with—how he listens, cares, and delivers results without ever making it feel transactional.
And maybe that’s the best way to sum him up—quietly powerful, fiercely reliable, and always working behind the scenes to make sure your event doesn’t just go well but feels right.
11. Tomell Harbison, Meeting Event Manager – Auto Care Association
When you watch how Tomell Harbison works, what stands out isn’t just his skill—it’s his steadiness. He’s the kind of planner who brings structure to fast-moving parts, who listens before moving, and who understands that a successful event starts long before the first badge is printed.
Now serving as Meeting Event Manager at the Auto Care Association, Tomell is quietly becoming a standout in the meetings industry. Whether managing logistics for Dream Con—a convention rewriting the playbook on what inclusive fan events look like—or leading multi-day association programs, he brings a sharp eye to the details that keep everything moving behind the scenes.
Tomell’s career has spanned associations with very different DNA—from government-focused organizations like SAME to third-party management groups like Talley. That range has made him a translator across planning cultures, able to anticipate pressure points and spot the things others might miss.
He’s also deeply committed to showing others the way in. A former Mister Lincoln University student and Lincoln Man of the Year, Tomell hasn’t stopped creating pathways for underrepresented voices. He regularly introduces students and youth to the meetings profession, showing how rewarding—and expansive—this space can be. That spirit of mentorship is one reason he was recognized by PCMA’s 20 in Their Twenties in 2023.
12. Adam Parry, Co-Founder – Event Tech Live
If you’ve ever searched for the pulse of the event industry and found yourself reading Event Industry News, then you’ve already experienced a bit of Adam Parry’s influence.
He’s one of the few people who truly live and breathe this industry. Based in the UK, Adam is the co-founder and editor of Event Industry News, a globally respected online magazine that consistently breaks down complex event trends, technologies, and stories in a way that actually makes sense.
But he didn’t stop there.
Adam also co-founded Event Tech Live, which—if you ask most in-the-know professionals—is the place where the future of events takes center stage. ETL is special because Adam and his team built a space where curiosity meets innovation. A place where startup founders launching their first platform or major tech player fine-tuning integrations can get their product noticed, questions get answered, and their community grows.
Add to that the Event Technology Awards, another of his brainchilds, which highlights the unsung heroes behind the screens—the tools, platforms, and teams making events smarter, greener, and more human. Speaking of sustainability, Adam’s latest venture, Event Sustainability Live, is a show that brings together global change-makers to rethink what responsible events look like.
He’s also just plain fun. His posts often blend insights with humor, bringing lightness to a world often filled with spreadsheets.
And if you’re lucky enough to chat with him at Event Tech Live, don’t forget to ask him what’s next. Chances are, he’s already working on it.
13. Jason Stookey, Vice President of Business Development and Partnerships – Map Your Show
If there’s anyone who’s mastered the art of relationship-driven event growth, it’s Jason Stookey. With over 25 years of experience, Jason has moved through the ranks of the events world—always with one goal in mind: creating opportunities that actually move the needle. From CES to Cybertech, ILTA to his current leadership at Map Your Show, Jason has helped some of the most influential event brands grow with intention and impact.
He’s known for his straight talk, his eye for integrations that actually work, and his belief that a good business relationship starts with listening—really listening. Whether advising clients, leading a team, or rolling up his sleeves to solve a last-minute challenge, Jason brings clarity, humility, and a touch of grit.
Today, as VP of Business Development at Map Your Show, Jason continues to lead with heart and precision. His voice is one that seasoned professionals lean into and rising leaders take notes from.
14. Mike May, CMP, CITP, IP, President & Owner – Brightspot Incentives & Events
Mike May has redefined the incentive travel space with razor‐sharp business acumen. As President of Brightspot Incentives & Events, he crafts programs that turn ordinary trips into extraordinary experiences, driving both inspiration and measurable results. His signature guide, 12.5 Steps to a Perfect Incentive Program, is a trusted resource that reflects his deep industry insight and commitment to excellence.
Under Mike’s leadership, Brightspot has grown tenfold and expanded its international footprint, earning accolades like Top 25 Most Influential People in the Incentive Industry and a spot among the Top 500 in Events. He’s a problem solver who pairs innovative program design with strategic cost-saving initiatives, ensuring clients get both value and unforgettable experiences.
Beyond the impressive numbers and awards, Mike is known for his down-to-earth approach and his willingness to lend an ear when challenges arise. He champions transparency, flexibility, and creativity—qualities that have made him a trusted advisor and partner in the industry. Mike’s influence goes well beyond event logistics; he’s shaping a culture where every incentive program not only motivates teams but also builds lasting connections.
15. Rebecca DeLuca, CMP – Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority
In a city known for its spectacle, Rebecca DeLuca quietly raises the bar—again and again.
You might think of Las Vegas as lights, glitz, and unforgettable shows. But behind every major conference, Super Bowl activation, and once-in-a-lifetime incentive trip is someone turning vision into reality with intentionality and precision. That someone, more often than not, is Rebecca.
As Vice President of Destination Sales for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, she’s shaping the way the world experiences it. Touching various events like international conventions to marquee events like F1 and the Super Bowl, she’s at the center of it all, not as a figurehead, but as a builder. A connector. A strategist who leads from the front with a smile, sleeves rolled up, always asking, “How do we make this better?”
But her impact doesn’t stop at the city limits. As Chair of the MPI Foundation Board of Trustees for 2025, she champions the people behind the scenes—the students, suppliers, and planners who keep this industry breathing. Her work helps fund scholarships and research that future-proofs meetings and events.
If you’ve ever attended an event in Las Vegas that felt full of energy, you’ve probably felt her influence. Her legacy is an industry that’s more inclusive, empowered, and resilient because she chose to lead with purpose.
16. Chandra M. Champion, MSSA, CNM, Director of Event Services -NAACP Empowerment Program
Before she was known as the go-to strategist behind some of the country’s most impactful mission-driven events, Chandra Champion was simply someone who cared deeply about people, purpose, and the details that bring it all together.
She didn’t set out to become an “event guru.” She became one by doing the work—one meeting at a time, one program at a time, one community at a time. Her career began in the nonprofit space, where every dollar mattered and every detail carried weight.
As her roles evolved, so did her influence. She stepped into leadership, running conferences for public health organizations, coordinating events for thousands, and balancing federal regulations with meaningful human experiences. She was never just checking boxes. She was always asking: How can this be better? How can we make this feel like it matters?
Her background in social work gave her more perspective, and it shows. Now, as Director of Event Services at the NAACP, she carries forward a legacy of advocacy and impact—ensuring that every event tells a story, holds space for the community, and drives change.
Chandra’s story is one of consistency. Showing up again and again with excellence, even when no one’s watching. And that’s what makes her unforgettable.
17. Anthony Maggiore, Sr. Director, Conference & Meetings – American Association of PAs
Before leading award-nominated conferences or managing thousands of hotel rooms across the country, Anthony Maggiore spent years doing something a bit different—casting. Not for speakers or vendors, but for TV. He worked behind the scenes in entertainment, curating the right people, understanding stories, and delivering on what audiences didn’t even know they needed yet.
And honestly? That background shows.
Because when Anthony transitioned into the events industry, he brought a storyteller’s instinct. And that’s exactly what’s guided his rise from managing floor plans at McCormick Place to becoming the Senior Director of Conference & Meetings at AAPA.
At HIMSS, he ran point on some of the most complex, high-stakes conferences in healthcare—designing safety protocols during a pandemic, orchestrating a full-scale vaccination mandate. They were feats of coordination and care, held together by someone who understood that details are only powerful if they serve the big picture.
Now at AAPA, Anthony continues to shape events that matter. His work reflects intention, empathy, and a deep respect for both the process and the people inside it. And true to form, he’s still behind the scenes, making it all look very easy. But if you pay attention, you’ll see his signature in every touchpoint: in how teams move, how rooms flow, how people connect.
18. Lisa Astorga, CMP, Director of Meetings – International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH)
Not everyone sees a conference stage and thinks about what kind of science might save a life five years from now. Lisa Astorga does.
As Director of Meetings at the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH), Lisa curates experiences for medical professionals and researchers from over 100 countries. These spaces are where ideas turn into treatments and data spark global movements, shaping the future of medicine.
Her meeting strategies are efficient, human-centered, and built for progress. She understands that when thousands of experts are brought into one room, it better be ready.
Lisa didn’t get here by accident. With more than two decades in nonprofit and association leadership, she’s learned how to turn structure into storytelling, how to lead without ego, and how to ensure every event—whether 1,500 attendees or 18,000—is rooted in clarity, connection, and long-term value.
And lately, the world has been paying attention. When she accepted the Ambassador Circle Impact Award from Destination DC on behalf of ISTH, it wasn’t just recognition of a single event—it was a reflection of everything Lisa stands for: impact without ego, excellence without applause, and a steadfast belief that thoughtful meetings can change the world.
19. Katie Ferraro, CMP, Special Events & Marketing Manager – Chastain Horse Park
Every once in a while, in a sea of Gantt charts and room blocks, you come across a planner who just gets it.
Katie Ferraro is one of those people. Not just because she’s earned her stripes across national conferences, global incentive trips, and million-dollar budgets. Her journey—from early registration desk days to leading strategy at Shiloh Event Management and now shaping community-facing events at Chastain Horse Park—is marked by quiet leadership, adaptability, and heart. And if you ask around Atlanta’s event scene? Her name comes up often—and always with respect.
She’s also got a habit of lifting as she climbs. Just ask anyone who’s crossed paths with her at MPI Georgia, where she was named Chapter Leader of the Year not just for what she did, but how she did it.
20. Laura H. Vogel, CMP, Independent Events Consultant – VivaLV Events
Over two decades, she’s carved out a reputation as an events leader and as the heartbeat of countless unforgettable experiences. With experience managing $16M P&L or coaching a new marketer through their first breakout session, Laura leads with a rare level of precision.
From Oracle to Eloqua, from Forrester to Alteryx, she’s raised the bar. Again and again. pulling strings, shapingstrategy, influencing $65M in pipeline, increasing audience reach, and ensuring that every event reflects more than just KPIs.
When the industry faced its hardest moments like pandemic pivots, tech transformations, economic reshuffles, Laura spent time being a mentor, she led, she inspired. And even in her own 10-month job search journey, she turned uncertainty into community, openly sharing the ups and downs so others didn’t feel alone in the process.
Today, she’s at Movable Ink, reimagining what event marketing can look like in a world hungry for meaning.
21. Michael Shannon, CMP, HMCC, Global Sales Director-Northeast – CoralTree Hospitality
In the meetings and hospitality industry, few names carry the kind of steady respect and recognition that Michael Shannon has earned over three decades.
His career spans hotel giants, destination marketing organizations, event agencies, and global sales teams but the common thread through it all has been his ability to build genuine relationships and deliver results that last. From leading national accounts at The Watergate Hotel to shaping strategic partnerships at Business Events Canada, and now guiding client engagement across the Northeast as Global Sales Director at CoralTree Hospitality, Michael has consistently turned vision into value.
With a career grounded in operational excellence and team leadership, he’s helped organizations grow their impact through smarter processes, stronger negotiations, and customer experiences that feel as personal as they are professional.
Outside the boardroom, Michael’s commitment to the industry runs deep — from training the next generation of planners as an adjunct instructor, to contributing thought leadership within organizations like MPI. His approach is thoughtful, his leadership style people-first, and his reputation built on integrity, follow-through, and the kind of expertise only time can teach.
22. Zachary Tranter, CMP, Team Lead – FIRST
Part artist, part strategist, part sensory conductor, Zachary has mastered the science of moving people—literally and emotionally. With a foundation in theatrical production and culinary artistry, and sharpened by his formal event education, he builds more than just agendas. He builds journeys. Journeys that taste like the brand. That smell like memory. That feel, in some way, like home.
But unlike the keynote or the spotlight moments he so seamlessly crafts, Zachary prefers to remain offstage, orchestrating magic from the behind the scenes.
At FIRST and previously at Cheerful Twentyfirst, Zach has become known as the creative mind you want in the room when you you want to create a truly unforgettable moment. One that builds internal brand pride, reveals new layers of connection with your audience, and leaves the kind of impression that spreadsheets can’t quite measure.
He doesn’t chase attention. He choreographs it. And the result is events that resonate with the audience.
23. Trey Smith, CMP, DES, Senior Director, Events – PMMI Media Group
Some event professionals dream up ideas. Others bring them to life. Trey Smith does both—with a strategy-first mindset and a toolbelt full of real-world experience that spans nearly every corner of the event lifecycle. From AV production to digital platforms, sponsorship design to sustainability standards, Trey doesn’t just keep up with the ever-evolving events industry—he helps shape where it’s going.
Equal parts tactical and visionary, Trey is that rare professional who can toggle between fixing the behind-the-scenes plumbing of hybrid events and advising on the business case for a new digital product. He’s built departments from the ground up, scaled event series across cities, and transformed virtual and webinar experiences into high-converting brand tools. And he does it all with a calm precision that makes chaos look like choreography.
Today, whether he’s sitting on the Gleanin Customer Advisory Board or designing multi-format programs for media groups and associations, Trey continues to lead with curiosity, collaboration, and a fierce dedication to outcomes. The industry is better for it—and so are the thousands of attendees who’ve experienced events elevated by his touch.
24. Mia Monroe, MTA, CSEP, CMP, DES, Senior Program Manager, Events – Amazon
Mia Monroe once pulled off an event that involved NASA, virtual reality, and a $5.5M budget—before lunch.
Okay, maybe not literally before lunch—but that’s the kind of momentum Mia brings to the table. She’s the rare kind of event leader who can orchestrate the big picture while still catching the most minor details—think strategy, storytelling, spreadsheets, and speaker rehearsals, all handled with care.
But what makes Mia genuinely unforgettable? It’s not just the awards or the big stages (though she’s got plenty of both). It’s how she shows up—for her teams, her community, and the people behind the badge scans and breakout rooms.
In an industry that can sometimes feel like it’s all go-go-go, Mia reminds us that heart and hustle go hand in hand—and when you put people first, magic follows.
25. Christian Pardo, CMP, COO, Co-Owner – Canvas Meetings & Incentives
Christian Pardo knows what a well-run event feels like because she’s lived through them.
She’s stood in airport terminals with last-minute manifest changes and soothed client nerves during on-site power outages. She’s worked through inboxes that outnumber a small town’s population. And through it all, she’s quietly built a reputation: not just as a COO, but as a calm in the storm.
At Canvas Meetings & Incentives, Christian excels at planning events and engineering trust while at it. Her path started inside a family business and over the years, that instinct sharpened into expertise: contract negotiations that protect budgets, operations that run like clockwork, and events that leave people saying, “I didn’t expect to feel that taken care of.”
And maybe that’s her real magic. Christian doesn’t strive for perfection; she builds for real people. People who remember the warmth in the welcome, the backup plan that saved the day, and the personal touches tucked into every detail.
So, if you ever meet Christian, don’t ask how many events she’s executed. Ask her about her most recent event – the one with 44 nationalities, 250 flights, and eight types of cheese. Ask her how her team still laughed through 2,000 emails and one unexpected Heathrow fire.
26. Shannon Jones, CMP, Senior Manager, Meetings + Events – Destination South Meetings + Events, a DMC Network Company
A Certified Meeting Professional, tireless volunteer, and unapologetic people person, Shannon pours her heart into every event she organizes. Whether helping a team pick up 40 pounds of beach waste in Hilton Head or mentoring the next wave of hospitality professionals, she leads with purpose, warmth, and the kind of grit that makes things better behind the scenes and out front.
Shannon’s career reads like a tour of Southern hospitality with a global mindset—equal parts logistics pro, master connector, and empathetic leader. From corporate meetings to CSR initiatives, she’s turned gatherings into meaningful moments across golf clubs and law firms, and now with Destination South Meetings + Events, a DMC Network Company.
So whether she’s organizing from backstage or cheering from afar (even while fighting FOMO), Shannon reminds us that authentic leadership is generous and intentional. And always leaves the event—and the people—a little better than it found them.
27. Kimberly Kapustein, CMP, CTSM, Senior Event Marketing Manager – Arkestro
A person who can drive $300K in new pipeline from a tradeshow and still remember the first name of the janitor who helped her reset the floorplan at midnight. The kind who sees events not just as activations, but as movements, conversations, and pportunities to spark connection—even long after the booths come down. That’s who Kimberly Kapustein is.
At Arkestro, her playbook combines razor-sharp SaaS marketing, contract negotiation, and post-event analysis. She has a habit of learning, iterating, and making damn sure every dollar spent gets you closer to impact.
She’s also the heart behind KelleyGirl Event Productions, a woman—and minority-owned consultancy that helps nonprofits, local governments, and community organizations design better experiences. Think art festivals, food bank campaigns, and auction fundraisers.
If you’ve worked with Kimberly, you know she brings her whole self into every project—her strategic mind, community soul, and energy, which makes people believe again in the power of good events and even better people.
28. Judy Payne, CMP, VP of Events & Brand Experience – Freeman Company
From Guinness World Records to global brand activations at Cannes, SXSW, and the Super Bowl. Judy has an exquisite mind that has turned corporate gatherings into culture-shifting, revenue-defending moments of impact.
At Freeman, she’s VP of Events & Brand Experience and the strategic mind behind a $1.5M+ portfolio that connects with over 3,000 companies, protects nearly a billion in revenue, and tracks $3.6M in net new business. It’s all documented performance that shows that Judy knows what works, why it works, and how to replicate success at scale.
Before Freeman, she led GameStop’s events universe—launching a hybrid workforce model before it was mainstream, producing a conference experience that employees raved about for years, and navigating the chaos of COVID with clarity, empathy, and vision.
She’s a mentor. A leader. A speaker who teaches contract negotiation like a boss and risk planning like a realist. And if you’ve ever seen her events in real time, you already know: Judy doesn’t just meet expectations—she reinvents them.
29. Alex Carvalho, CMP, DES, Manager, Enterprise Corporate Events – Pacific Gas and Electric Company
If the last decade in events has taught us anything, it’s that longevity means nothing without evolution.
With a two-decade career that spans healthcare, tech, and finance, Alex has influenced how large-scale enterprise events are structured, delivered, and measured across the West Coast. At Kaiser Permanente, she didn’t executed high-touch national events, redefined them, and built systems that aligned events to brand immersion, executive intent, and community relevance.
Her work bridges departments, brands, and stakeholders. Whether consulting C-suite on message delivery or mapping 12,000-person experiences for global conferences, Alex brings a balance of operational rigor and human insight.
She has also become a sought-after voice in the industry—for perspective. Her talks on authenticity in leadership, DEI in programming, and relationship-driven vendor management offer real-world frameworks, not theories.
Now at PG&E, she brings all that forward: scale, precision, and vision—leading enterprise-wide event programs that anchor corporate strategy, culture, and trust.
30. Shameka Jennings, MTA, CMP, DES, CAE, Principal & Chief Events Officer – EventsNoire
Shameka is someone many people in the events world turn to when they need things done right, with intention, with heart, and with results that go beyond the event itself. She’s spent the last decade helping associations, nonprofits, and public health organizations design experiences that reflect who they are and what they stand for.
Her background spans everything from policy-heavy leadership meetings to national conferences, community-driven events, and public sector programs. She’s worked in-house, led teams, and now partners with brands as a fractional CXO, helping them build smarter, more inclusive events from the inside out.
She’s also active in the broader industry, speaking, mentoring, and being the kind of leader who lifts others as she grows. If you care about impact, community, and events that feel as good as they perform, she’s someone worth knowing.
31. Timothy Glanzer, CMP Fellow, Founder & CEO – Elevated Meeting Solutions
With nearly 25 years spent shaping the way people gather, Tim’s work is grounded in excellence, wih impeccable attention to detail and excellent track record. His energy has been described as calm, focused, and deeply intentional.
At the helm of Elevated Meeting Solutions, Tim has grown a team that lives up to its name—transforming meetings and conferences. Behind the scenes, he’s a trusted advisor for high-profile clients. On the ground, he’s a producer, a problem-solver, and the steady presence you want when the stakes are sky-high.
A former Executive Director at Bellagio and Past Chair of the Events Industry Council, Tim continues to shape the industry—through mentorship, leadership, and a dedication to raising the bar quietly but consistently.
32. Bethany Murphy, CMP, Senior Director, Events – 6sense
Bethany Murphy knows B2B events the way a chef knows their signature dish—by heart, and with an instinct honed through years of iteration, testing, and obsession with quality.
For over two decades, she’s been the engine behind user conferences that generate real pipelines and make brands unforgettable. At 6sense, Bethany leads events with the precision of a strategist, balancing logistics, storytelling, and business goals easily.
You’ll likely find her shaping conversations on industry podcasts, roundtables, and webinars where the who’s who of event marketing gather to rethink how we connect. She’s also a mainstay on lists like Eventible’s Top Event Marketers and a featured voice on Bizzabo, Cvent, Zuddl, and many more.
33. Marisa Nebosky, Global Event Marketing Strategist – Marisa the CMP
When you’ve led global campaigns that launched LEGO® minifigures into space and earned Webby Awards for virtual content, people tend to listen when you talk about experiential marketing.
Over the past 15+ years, she’s worn many hats – marketing lead, event architect, speaker, mentor but the common thread has been her uncanny ability to turn complex brand goals into moments that resonate. Whether she’s consulting on education strategy with Meeting Professionals International, championing first-time planners with open mentoring sessions, or helping global teams transform product roadmaps into activation strategies, Marisa shows up with clarity, warmth, and purpose.
Catch her on podcasts, advisory boards, LinkedIn, or over a coffee chat (no sales pitches, just ideas). Marisa is part strategist, part creative, and all heart. She’s proof that when event leaders care deeply about their teams, audiences, and causes, you feel it in every touchpoint.
34. Carrie Davenport, CMP-Fellow, CEM, CSEP, Lead Event Manager – Altria
Carrie Davenport has worn many hats over her 20-year career in events—but the one that fits best is builder. She builds experiences, communities, safe spaces, and yes, the occasional golf swing.
Carrie’s story shows how events can be used as a vehicle for connection, healing, and visibility. She’s led major event strategies at brands like Altria and CDA, co-founded the Association for Women in Events, and brought some of the industry’s most honest conversations to the surface—through platforms like her podcast, Like an #EventBoss, and the powerful virtual series, Events: From Black to White.
Carrie talks about burnout. About what it feels like to pause. To rebuild. To keep showing up imperfectly and still make an impact. She champions neurodiversity and inclusion, —topics she brings to classrooms, boardrooms, and industry panels alike.
She’s been called an Influencer, a Change Maker, and a Hall of Famer.
35. Sarah North, CMP, Senior Director, Global Events – PTC
Sarah North is the kind of event leader whose work speaks for itself. With over 15 years in the industry, she’s the quiet force behind some of the most high-impact experiences you’ve probably attended without ever realizing who was holding the strings.
At PTC, she leads global event strategy with a steady grip, guiding cross-functional teams and executive programs with care. From her early days working live music events to her time directing experiences at Bizzabo and Ellucian, Sarah has always brought a rare mix of technical precision and human warmth to the table.
And while her résumé is filled with leadership roles and accolades, Sarah remains rooted in purpose. Her volunteer work with Cradles to Crayons and Horizons for Homeless Children speaks volumes about who she is when no one’s watching.
Conclusion
As we mark Global Meetings Industry Day, we pause to celebrate an industry and honor the people who breathe life into it.
Each professional featured here represents more than a job title. They are community builders, change agents, problem-solvers, and artists in their own right—blending logistics with emotion, strategy with spontaneity, and technology with humanity.
Their work often unfolds behind the scenes, yet its ripple effect is felt across boardrooms, ballrooms, cities, and screens. They are the reason ideas are shared, deals are made, movements begin, and milestones are remembered.
As event professionals, we spark dialogue. We drive economies. We create belonging. And like the leaders in this piece, we do it with grit, grace, and an unwavering belief in the power of human connection.
So, today, let’s celebrate the events we create and their purpose. Let’s honor the hearts and hands shaping our industry. Most of all, remember that what we do matters more than ever in a world that craves authentic connection.
Happy Global Meetings Industry Day! Here’s to the work, the people, and the moments that bring us together.
About the Author / Adedoyin
