I want to thank the Smart Meetings community…

Being included in the Eventex Awards 100 Index is of great significance

I was visiting the convention center in one of my favorite new cities, Providence, Rhode Island, when my dear friend Kate Patay texted me congratulating me on being named one of the 100 Most Influential People in the Meetings Industry by Eventex . This takes me back for a minute. Even though I had won before, I felt more comfortable presenting the award. Just as my happy place is asking questions and taking photos, my role is to support, cheer and tell stories.

I was delighted to see all of the Smart Conference Women Award recipients on the list, including Kate, Stephanie Harris, Annette Gregg, Carina Bauer, Tahira Endean, Casandra Matej, Julie Coker, Liz Lathan, Nicole Osibodu, Carrie Davenport, Thuy Diep, Valerie Bihet, Wendy Porter, Anh Nguyen, Mahoganey Jones, Dahlia El Gazzar, Rachel Stephan, Tess Vismale and Liz Caruso. I also spy on our event technology reporter Brandt Krueger, smart speaker Nick Borelli, and numerous Meeting Professional of the Year and Catalyst Award winners. Our Editorial Advisory Board members Mark Cooper, Don Welsh and Mike Dominguez were also there. Congratulations to everyone who was voted for this honor by their peers.

Read more: Meet the 2024 Women in Smart Meetings Award Winners

represent…

As my travels continued, I started seeing posts from other winners. I can see a lot of people feeling the same way. This is a community of planners, doers and achievers rather than movers and shakers. I see so few people taking the Snoop Dogg route and thank myself for believing in myself when no one else did, even though many people in the world have every right to do so.

My friend and tireless advocate for mental health training, Janice Cardinale, Generously wrote: “I accept this award on behalf of those who sincerely support my efforts to bring about change.”

“I am honored to stand with you on our shared mission to elevate the industry we all love,” the brilliant Devon Montgomery Pasha wrote in her post. She also Kudos to Keeyan Pasha for holding down the fort at home so she can pursue her passion. Very elegant. Like others, she took the opportunity to thank industry coaches and cheerleaders for their leadership guidance and continued support.

Exhibition influencer Al Mercuro said he decided a few years ago to invest his time and experience in making a change. “I’m glad other people think I did it,” he concluded.

They pivoted and took advantage of the opportunity to move Honor forward.

I also believe I represent the community that inspires me to get up every day and share resources that help them innovate, uplift, and connect.

I’m also catching a 6 a.m. flight to keep asking you for other smart people I can interview as I work to continue the legacy of our founder Marin Bright, who herself has been named an Eventex Top Influencer for the past few years. We still miss her every day, but she started something bigger than one person, and the entire team here has taken on the mission of nurturing and celebrating this community.

Read more: Celebrating the life and legacy of Malin Bright

A commitment to celebrating excellence as a way to inspire more outstanding efforts is core to our beliefs and makes this recognition even more of a mission as we continue to work hard to support this cause.

deeper meaning

When I was nominated, I shamelessly observed that a person’s influence can be good or bad and I will leave the interpretation to the voters. The truth is, no matter our title, awards, or lipstick brand, we are all influencers.

I also joke that I am one of the most influential people – mothers and grandmothers. The driving force behind all civilizational progress is middle-aged women, not tech venture capitalists. Our kids are so eager to make their own way that they have to constantly invent new platforms to share their photos and updates. You’re welcome.

Most importantly, we impact those around us every day. The trick is to do it with intention and care.

It’s a long story, but thank you Eventex for recognizing event industry professionals around the world. Thank you to the Smart Meetings community for voting for me and inspiring me every day.

I would like to thank the Smart Meetings community… The post appeared first on Smart Meetings.

I would like to thank the Smart Meetings community… The post appeared first on Smart Meetings.

I would like to thank the Smart Meetings community… The post appeared first on Smart Meetings.

I would like to thank the Smart Meetings community… The post appeared first on Smart Meetings.

I would like to thank the Smart Meetings community… The post appeared first on Smart Meetings.