Meet the women to watch in 2024: Jackie Retzer

CHICAGO — Women in the trade show and events industry are helping to drive our continued innovation and excellence. The Trade Show Executive’s (TSE) Women’s Watch program recognizes this through its annual winners category. TSE spoke with one of this year’s most noteworthy women—Toy Association Director of Event Management Jackie Retzer—about her career, lessons learned, and her thoughts on the trade show and event landscape.

MADDY: Can you tell us how you got into the trade show industry? Was it a straight path, or was it unexpected?

Jackie: While I never planned to get into the trade show industry, I’m so glad I did!

I interned at a PR firm during college and then got a job offer from the Toy Association. Here I am tasked with helping run the annual Toy of the Year Awards Night. As time went on and I took on more responsibilities, this is where my love for activities really began!

After a while, the Toy Fair team noticed my passion for events and I was lucky enough to be offered a position on their team. Over the years I have expanded my knowledge in trade show marketing, operations, attendee relations – literally everything that makes a trade show successful!

MADDY: What skills have helped you move up in the organization? How do you perfect these skills?

Jackie: Communication, problem solving, and self-motivation have always been my superpowers! I firmly believe that taking charge of your responsibilities—and being proactive about taking on more of what you can handle—is key. When you show that you are organized, reliable, and ready to take action, doors will open for you to move forward!

MADDY: Thinking back on your career so far, what are some standout moments that you’re proud of?

Jackie: After every event I participate in, I make sure to take time to reflect on the event, not only to look for areas for improvement, but also to celebrate a job well done. Each activity brings something new – a new initiative, plan or challenge – and it’s an incredible feeling to know that I’ve managed to do it all. Seeing how my efforts help others create impactful experiences makes every bit of it worth it.

MADDY: What motivates you to continue striving for excellence in your work?

Jackie: I have a constant drive to push the boundaries of what I’m doing. It’s not just about getting the job done, it’s about setting new standards, being a leader and creating something that resonates. The sense of accomplishment that comes from completing the best work inspires my passion to continually innovate and improve every activity I am involved in.

MADDY: What is the toughest decision you have had to make in your role? How did you handle it? Or, cYou shared the significant challenges you faced as a woman in this industry and how did you overcome them?

Jackie: I honestly feel very lucky that I haven’t faced any major challenges as a woman in this industry. But like many of us, I’ve experienced long hours, office politics, and the usual stress that comes with work. I’m able to handle this by leaning on my team and maintaining strong connections – they help me stay grounded and balanced, which is so important in this fast-paced environment.

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MADDY: How do you maintain a healthy work-life balance to avoid burnout? How do you encourage others to do the same?

Jackie: It can be hard to maintain a healthy work-life balance sometimes, but being able to rely on your team to get the job done when you need it, and taking time for yourself when you need it, is the key to getting it done! Collaboration and support make all the difference. This is essential to avoid burnout and stay at your best.

MADDY: How do you think women can support each other more in this industry?

Jackie: I think it’s so important for women to unite with each other! I always try to celebrate the achievements of other women and give a little extra push when I see colleagues doubting themselves. Taking the time to mentor each other is something we can all benefit from. Encouragement goes a long way!

MADDY: What advice would you give to other up-and-comers in this industry?

Jackie: If you are curious about events careers, I would start by following companies and organizations on LinkedIn and asking about attending their events. People in this industry are more than willing to share their experiences with young professionals.

Plus, take advantage of educational resources, learn about the latest trends, and get involved! Once you get involved in asking questions, finding a mentor is key – you’ll discover your passion along the way!

MADDY: What strategies do you think are most effective for building strong professional networks within the trade show community?

Jackie: Attending other trade shows is a great strategy for networking! Being physically present, attending educational sessions, and attending networking events are the most effective ways for me to make connections. It’s also about following up afterward—sending a thoughtful email and maintaining those relationships. A personal approach has helped me build a strong network in the industry.

MADDY: What role do mentors play in your professional development? How do other women seek and cultivate these relationships?

Jackie: Mentorship has been invaluable to me. I’ve been lucky enough to work with amazing women who have mentored me on everything from specific projects to navigating workplace challenges. It is through these connections that I have grown. I always recommend being proactive – if you admire someone, reach out, share ideas, ask questions, or offer your perspective on something in their world. By providing value to each other, you strengthen the relationship and help each other grow.

MADDY: How do you stay up to date on industry trends and changes? What resources do you recommend to your peers?

Jackie: I stay informed by attending webinars, reading articles, and attending as many shows as I can. Conferences and workshops are great for learning from speakers and staying up to date on the latest trends and innovations. I also invest in courses or certifications to improve my skills and be able to implement them in my job. To network and share ideas, I recommend joining an online community with other event planners.

MADDY: What do you think the next big thing in the events space will be, and is it related to technology, working models, experiences, etc.?

Jackie: Ultimately, I feel like the next “big” thing in the event space is anything that elevates your event. Evolving your event based on attendee and exhibitor goals, whether that’s infusing AI and technology, enhancing sustainability, creating meaningful networking opportunities or pushing education to the limit, that’s the power of events!

The December 2024 edition of Trade Show Executive features full group profiles for the 2024 Women in Watch category, which can be viewed here.