Meet the ‘Smart Women’ of Encore
What if the push to restaff event technology roles is actually an opportunity to bring more diverse points of view to the field? Encore, the world’s largest event solutions provider, has just launched Women in Audio Visual Technology (WAVE), a program focused on generating career opportunities for women in the event production industry. The program features a pre-hire training certification called Introduction to Event Technology, which is designed to provide an overview of the best processes and practices in the technology field.
The program also features continuing education, a mentorship program and career mapping—all focused on elevating women in the event technology field and identifying clear career paths towards management and leadership positions. And anyone can take the course.
“Our recruitment efforts after the pandemic have been a way for us to ‘build back differently’ and we’re doing that by being proactive about diversifying our workforce,” said MaryBeth Costello, vice president of talent, learning and corporate human resources at Encore. “We have a strong diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) lens in our recruitment strategy.”
Encore partnered with Great Place To Work to gain actionable employee insights that enable programs and best practices to increase employee engagement, belonging and retention. The company also offers seven business resource groups providing opportunities to develop deeper connections and community with colleagues. The Women of Encore business resource group is an inclusive community for women and their allies, providing an opportunity for conversation, mentorship, development and advocacy. The group organizes an annual holiday gift guide in support of women, veteran and minority-owned businesses and acts as a forum for conversation and networking.
Inspired yet? Just wait until you meet a few of the women working in technology, sales, operations, production, human resources and leadership at Encore.
Toni L. Williams
Sr. Manager, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
What three words describe your approach to life?
Discipline, Introspection, Perseverance
What advice do you have for your younger self when she encounters tough times?
Enjoy the journey. Always be fearless and trust your instincts. I live by one of my favorite quotes from Oprah Winfrey – “Where there is no struggle, there is no strength!”
What goals are you currently pursuing?
I am motivated by seeing the magic that occurs in the world when people feel welcomed, included and like they can show up as their authentic selves. It’s what drives innovation, collaboration and growth, not only for businesses but for each of us as individuals. My goal is to be a continual learner, friend, mentor and partner to my colleagues as we work toward a more inclusive and equitable future.
Annette Moody
SVP, Production Group
What three words describe your approach to life?
Genuine, Industrious, Fun
What is the one thing you did that made all the difference in your career?
I enjoy fixing things. Throughout my career, I have always offered to take on projects or help fix problems, even when they were outside my role. It was fun and, more importantly, it helped me learn and grow. I basically worked my way into every role I have had. It keeps things interesting and challenging.
Beth Nelson
Regional Sales Director
What three words describe your approach to life?
Mindfulness, Humor, Breath
What advice do you have for your younger self when she encounters tough times?
RELAX and enjoy the ride! Stop worrying about the what ifs and just be authentically you. Sometimes, the moment you’re in can feel like you’re living in a nightmare – but this is an experience that made you better and you will laugh about it later.
Carly Ellis
Regional Venue Services Manager, ANZPAC
What three words describe your approach to life?
Enthusiastic, Receptive, Inquisitive
What advice do you have for your younger self when she encounters tough times?
Tough times don’t last, tough people do. You couldn’t be with a better team to help you navigate challenges, so buckle up and go along for the ride.
What is the next goal you are pursuing?
I’m at a stage in my career where I want to give back to the next generation of leaders. My goal is to impart as much knowledge, guidance and support to those who are new to the business and help guide them on their journey.
Christina Dominguez
Director, Event Technology
What three words describe your approach to life?
Accountability, Perseverance, Leadership
What is the one thing you did that made all the difference in your career?
Listening. You learn and fail by your ability to utilize the wise advice of those who have already faced the challenges of your profession. Do not discount input from anyone. The best courses of action can be achieved by collective input.
Dawn Montgomery
Divisional Vice President, Venue Operations
What three words describe your approach to life?
Curious, Committed, Confident
How did you arrive at an event tech career?
I always wanted to work in a TV news control room. I joined the Navy as a Photographer’s Mate, where I was afforded the opportunity to get some video and live broadcast experience. When I left active duty, while looking for an entry-level job in broadcast news that would pay a 23-year-old more than $15,000 a year, I found Presentation Services in the event technology industry. A lot of the equipment and concepts were the same, but the format was different. I got hired as an Event Technician during my interview. I’ve found my home in live events and really enjoy the hospitality culture.
Debbie Cook
Regional Sales Manager, Whistler, Canada
What three words describe your approach to life?
Modesty, Perseverance, Kindness
What advice do you have for your younger self when she encounters tough times?
Put your big girl pants on and persevere! The present day is only temporary, and you have a lot more to look forward to. No pain, no gain. Improve your strength and knowledge now so you are better prepared for the future. And be sure to surround yourself with good people who support you.
Disa-Marie Cameron
Sales Account Manager
What three words describe your approach to life?
Passionate, Creative, Caring
What is the next goal you are pursuing?
I have two goals that I am focused on right now, one personal goal and one professional goal.
In my spare time, I am an electronic dance music artist who goes by the artist name DRAMADD1CT and I am planning to release my first full-length album in 2023!
For my professional goal, I look forward to applying the new skills obtained from Encore’s LEAD Program to earn a senior-level sales position.
Hali Cooper, CMP
Vice President, Strategic and Venue Partnership Development
What three words describe your approach to life?
Support, Discipline, Learning
What is the one thing you did that made all the difference in your career?
Sometimes in life you take two steps forward and one step back. There were a few times in my career that I chose the more difficult path of giving up salary and title to gain better experience and a more palatable work environment. In doing so, I was able to take advantage of a better situation and that enabled me to grow and thrive much faster. I’ve achieved better success professionally because I took those chances.
What advice do you have for your younger self when she encounters tough times?
Don’t be afraid to speak up! Your voice and experience can offer another perspective and is valuable, even to those who you believe have more time and expertise in the field.
Kelly Renwick
Senior Director of Sales, Maui/Kauai
What three words describe your approach to life?
Integrity, Enthusiasm, Compassion.
How did you arrive at an event tech career?
Being the fourth out of five children, I was the one that took things apart to see how they worked. This was the beginning of my tech career. If you needed the VCR hooked up, I was the one on the job. As I got older, I knew I had to do something in the tech world. So naturally, I moved away from my small Midwest town and went to a film/video production school in Los Angeles. I was eventually charmed by the beauty of Hawaii and wanted to live and work in paradise. Luckily, I discovered breathtaking resorts that had a need for in-house audiovisual professionals.
What advice do you have for your younger self when she encounters tough times?
My advice to my younger self during tough times is to know this too will pass. It will not always be challenging and patience will guide you through. Above all, don’t take anything personally — bias is a reflection of insecurities.
Kimberly Mauro
Executive Assistant
What three words describe your approach to life?
Happy, Flexible, Gracious
What is the one thing you did that made all the difference in your career?
So many that I don’t have just one. I really enjoy anticipating the needs and understanding the audience and guest experiences. I pride myself in connecting with people that have common likes and goals. It’s exciting to be part of an organization with that focus.
What advice do you have for your younger self when she encounters tough times?
Learn to trust yourself. Change can be very overwhelming, but it is inevitable. You must keep an open mind and embrace these challenges. Staying positive is key. I often reflect on the quote “do not make a permanent decision based on a temporary situation.”
Laura Brassington
Vice President, Human Resources
What three words describe your approach to life?
Proactive, Connection, Enthusiasm
What is the one thing you did that made all the difference in your career?
Being a change agent. Our industry has changed so much over the years, and we have had to grow and adapt to meet the needs of our team members and our customers. We don’t change for the sake of changing. We recognize that we need to be ahead of the curve when it comes to providing an engaging culture for our team members.
What advice do you have for your younger self when she encounters tough times?
Trust your knowledge, trust your work and trust your relationships. I have learned that preparation, listening when leading a team and partnering with other leaders is what gets you through difficult times.
Nicole Russell
General Manager, Sydney Australia
What three words describe your approach to life?
Industrious, Diligent, Tenacious.
How did you arrive at an event tech career?
While pursuing my degree in hospitality management, we did an event management subject, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. This led me to discover a company called Staging Connections, the in-house technology partner at the five-star hotel I was working in at the time. Twenty-one years later, the rest speaks for itself.
What is the next goal you are pursuing?
Outside of work, I am always furthering my knowledge of coaching related topics and training. It’s something I love bringing back to our team and seeing them thrive as we uncover the amazing talents they bring to our organization. This gives me so much joy.
Rachel Sekola
Director of Operations
What three words describe your approach to life?
Authentic, Optimistic, Empathetic
How did you arrive at an event tech career?
I caught the bug for creating live events when I was in high school theatre. I worked on the audio team for plays and musicals, and eventually moved into the production/stage management side.
What is the next goal you are pursuing?
Professionally, I want to continue building an excellent team. My team is the reason I get to do what I do each day, and everything that I do is ultimately for them.
Personally, I want to find a better work-life balance. Live events are a 24/7 business and it can be hard to step away or “turn it off” for a break. But you also can’t pour from an empty cup. I haven’t figured out the secrets to balance quite yet, but I’m working on it!
Rosalie San Miguel
Senior Director of Event Technology
What three words describe your approach to life?
Resilience, Prioritize, Accountability.
What is the one thing you did that made all the difference in your career?
I see the good in the future. Having hopeful future expectations, an optimistic attitude and positive views lead to greater thriving. Thriving in the workplace relates to meaningful work. In addition, I also have a proactive personality. I challenge myself. Facing challenges and obstacles exemplifies courage and perseverance. This approach helps you cope with stress and adversity by sticking with activities or tasks rather than quitting or avoiding them. Lastly, I am motivated to grow. Curiosity and love for learning are central to our pursuit of knowledge, ideas and developing new skills.
What advice do you have for your younger self when she encounters tough times?
Follow your heart. Don’t allow yourself to be easily influenced by anyone or anything. Think for yourself. Stay true to who you are. You can only be you.
