Women in Exhibitions World Summit Grows Attendance in Year 2

December 5, 2024

Nearly 120 exhibition industry professionals gathered in Milan, Italy, for the 2^nd annual Women in Exhibitions (WIE) World Summit. Held Nov. 18–19 Nov at the Chiostri di San Barnaba, the event’s theme was “Building Bridges, Breaking Ceilings.”

Looking back: In 2023, the WIE World Summit attracted about 80 exhibition industry professionals to MECC Maastricht, when the event was held June 13–14, 2023 in the Netherlands.

Context: Founded in 2018 by Oana Cipca, WIE provides professional development for women working in exhibitions and opportunities to meet and network. WIE currently has chapters in the U.K., North America, Germany, France, Middle East, and The Netherlands. This year's event was organized by Cipca and WIE VP Sonia Thomas.

10 notable moments from this year’s event included:

moderators — 1. For the second year in a row, the World Summit was moderated and facilitated by Informa Markets Director of Partnerships and Sustainability Silvia Forroova and Informa Markets Creative Content Copywriter, Pharma Joseph Kearney.

informa rising stars — *2. For the first time, Informa sponsored the Rising Stars initiative, which provided scholarships for women to attend the event.*

venue — *3. Located in the center of Milan, The Chiostri of San Barnaba has preserved its historical charm among the cloisters of a 15th century convent.*

*4. Attendees participated in an olive oil tasting during a networking reception and dinner that was set in the Hall of Frescoes, an ancient refectory of the convent that was originally built in 1466.*

panel at wie — 5. During a panel discussion, three female leaders with diverse backgrounds discussed planning your career course, stepping up and moving forward in the industry. From left to right: Moderated by Kearney, the panel featured Easyfairs UK & Global CEO Alison Willis, Montgomery Group Portfolio Director Philippa Christer, and TSNN/Informa Connect VP of Group Content Danica Tormohlen.

6. RX Chief Financial Officer Michèle Tiley-Hill took the stage to share her unforgettable journey of courage to break barriers and build bridges. During this session, she shared valuable insights on how she dealt with prejudice, coped with tragedy, and built bridges to forge ahead.

7. Delegates had the opportunity to participate in small group workshops on a variety of topics, ranging from speaking in public/confidence building and embracing cultural differences to how to have difficult conversations and ensure psychological safety in the workplace.

lori Hoinkes — *8. During a fireside chat, WIE Founder Oana Cipca sat down with Manchester Central CEO Lori Hoinkes (pictured) to reflect on the different experiences in her career.*

diddy — 10. During a panel discussion, three female leaders shared their perceptions and views from both sides of the fence. They discussed client expectations and needs, shedding light on what they were doing right and where they needed to improve. From left to right: the panel, moderated by Forroova, featured Amsterdam Rai Director of Global Business Development Diddy Durant, Alstom External Events Director Mina El Fazazi, and Kubik Managing Director, EMEA Nadra Mohy el Dine.

JW marriott — **Looking ahead:** The Women in Exhibitions Network North America Chapter is hosting an in-person meetup at the International Association for Exhibition and Events Annual Meeting and Expo! Expo!. The event, sponsored by Expo Convention Contractors Inc., is slated for 5-6 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 17, at the lobby bar at the JW Marriott in Los Angeles. RSVP here.

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