Being named to the Eventex Awards 100 Index means a lot
When the text from my dear friend Kate Patay pinged congratulating me on being named one of the 100 Most Influential People in the Meetings Industry by Eventex, I was touring a convention center in one of my new favorite cities, Providence, Rhode Island. It took me back for a minute. Although I have won before, I am much more comfortable handing out the awards. Just as my happy place is asking questions and taking the pictures, my role is supporting, cheering and telling the stories.
I loved seeing all the Smart Women in Meetings Award winners on that 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 spied our event tech correspondent Brandt Krueger, Smart Speaker Nick Borelli and numerous Meeting Professionals of the Year and Catalyst Award winners. Our editorial advisory board members Mark Cooper, Don Welsh and Mike Dominguez were also there. Congratulations to all on being voted on by your peers for this honor.
Read More: Meet the 2024 Smart Women in Meetings Award Winners
On Behalf Of…
As my travels continued, I started to see the posts from my fellow winners. I could tell that many felt the same way. This is a community filled with planners, doers and achievers rather than promoters. I saw very few who took the Snoop Dogg route and thanked themselves for believing in themselves when no one else did, although many had every right in the world to do so.
My friend and tireless advocate for training around mental health, Janice Cardinale, graciously wrote, “I accept this award on behalf of those people who have sincerely supported my efforts to bring change.”
The fabulous Devon Montgomery Pasha wrote in her post, “I’m humbled to stand with you in our shared mission to elevate this industry we all love.” And she gave a shout-out to Keeyan Pasha for holding down the fort at home so she can pursue her passion. Very classy. Like others, she took the opportunity to thank the industry coaches and cheerleaders for their leadership guidance and constant support.
The exhibit influencer Al Mercuro shared that he decided a few years ago to give his time and experience to make a difference. “I am glad others feel I did,” he concluded.
They pivoted and used the chance to pay the honor forward.
I, too, believe that I am accepting on behalf of the community that inspires me to get up every day and share the resources that will help them innovate, elevate and connect.
I am also catching 6 a.m. flights and constantly asking you for other smart people I can interview because I am dedicated to carrying on the legacy of our founder Marin Bright, who was named an Eventex top influencer, herself, in past years. We still miss her every day, but she started something bigger than one person and the entire team here has taken on her mission of nurturing and celebrating this community.
Read More: A Celebration of the Life and Legacy of Marin Bright
That commitment to celebrating excellence as a way to inspire more outstanding efforts is at the core of what we believe and makes the recognition even more of a mandate to continue doing the work to support the cause.
Deeper Meaning
When I was nominated, I cheekily observed that a person can be an influence for good or bad and I would leave the interpretation up to the voters. The truth is that we are all influencers regardless of our title, awards won or brand of lipstick.
I also joke that I am part of the most influential demographic of all—mothers and grandmothers. Middle-aged women, not tech venture capitalists, are the driving force behind all advances in civilization. Our kids are so driven to make their own way that they have to keep inventing new platforms to share their pictures and updates. You are welcome.
The bottom line is that we influence those around us every day. The trick is to do so with intention and caring.
That is a long way of saying, thank you to Eventex for recognizing events industry professionals around the world. Thank you to the Smart Meetings Community for voting for me and for inspiring me every day.
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