New Leadership Takes Charge

Women in Exhibitions Network North America has announced its new leadership team, which will serve through August 31, 2027. President Toni Piela, Head of Strategy and M&A at RX North America, leads the slate of directors focused on deepening member engagement and broadening organizational impact.

The complete leadership roster includes Vice President Elizabeth George, Senior Conference Lead at HIMSS Global Health Conference & Exhibition, Informa Connect; Secretary Melissa Ooi, VP of Manufacturing at Nineteen Group; and Membership Director Dana Freker Doody, Owner and Principal Strategist at Inktide Solutions. Danica Tormohlen, VP Content at Informa Markets, serves as Immediate Past President.

Focus on Community Building

"It's an honor to serve as President of Women in Exhibitions and build on the strong foundation this organization has created," Piela said. "Over the next 18 months, we will focus on deepening our sense of community and creating more opportunities for our members to connect in person, through local meetups, industry events, and behind-the-scenes access to some of our industry's most innovative events."

The organization, launched in 2018 as a global community to accelerate careers of women in the exhibitions sector, continues expanding its membership worldwide. WIEN North America connects members through monthly webinars and in-person industry event meetups, with individual membership available for $99.

Programming and Events

Recent gatherings featured discussions with senior industry leaders including Kinsey Fabrizio, President and incoming CEO of the CTA, producers of CES; Joyce Leveston, CEO of Javits Center; and Heather Farley, CEO of Access Intelligence. Each meeting incorporates dedicated networking time to help members build connections.

Elizabeth George, a founding member who previously served as Treasurer, emphasized the organization's value:

"I've benefited greatly from my involvement in the Women in Exhibitions North America chapter, from being a member, volunteer, and now serving as Vice President. Each event we hold, both virtually and in-person, serves as an invaluable opportunity to meet, network and build relationships with the women who make up the events and exhibitions industry. Together we are stronger!"

Upcoming events include an online conversation with Money 20/20's Jessica Blue, in-person meetups at the Exhibition and Convention Executives Forum in Washington, D.C. and the Canadian Association of Exposition Management Conference in Toronto. Members will also attend a global WIEN meetup sponsored by Visit Detroit during IMEX America in October.

WIEN North America operates as part of the global Women in Exhibitions Network, which includes chapters in the United Kingdom, Netherlands, France, DACH region, and Middle East.

Based on reporting by Exhibitor Magazine. Read the original article.