During Women’s History Month, TSNN makes a point of honoring the trade show industry’s outstanding female professionals by sharing their stories, insights, accomplishments, and words of inspiration.  

At a time when diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts are being called into question, we believe it is more important than ever to honor our female trailblazers and hear how their organizations are supporting and advancing women, whether they believe we are making meaningful progress toward gender parity in industry leadership, and what advice they offer for emerging female leaders.  

In this year’s exclusive interview, we had the pleasure of speaking with trade show industry veteran Yancy Weinrich, president of B2B international events company CloserStill Media, to learn about path to the C-suite and the exceptional women mentors who have helped shape her career, how our industry could improve when it comes to including female voices in strategic decision-making processes, and why empathy is a woman’s greatest superpower in leadership. 

What inspired you to pursue a career in the events industry, and what challenges did you overcome as a woman in this field? 

Having grown up in a family of strong women, I was always inspired by their resilience, creative thinking, and leadership. When I started in sales at Reed Exhibitions (now RX), I quickly realized how dynamic and impactful the events industry could be. The opportunity to bring people together face to face to facilitate relationships, create trust, and drive results felt fulfilling. As a woman in the field, there have certainly been challenges—such as navigating an industry that has traditionally been male-dominated in some areas. But I’ve never seen my gender as a barrier. Instead, I’ve focused on leveraging my strengths—empathy, communication, and relationship-building—to break down those barriers and prove that women are powerful leaders in this space. 

Can you share a defining moment in your career that shaped your leadership style or approach to event planning? 

A defining moment in my career was when I began to join boards of directors. That is where I developed friendships and leadership skills, including public speaking. Also, once you realize that you are only as good as your team around you, a lightbulb goes off – you have to lead by example and empower your team. Throughout my career, I’ve learned the most from listening – both to our customers and my team – trusting their expertise and being adaptable. I like to think I’ve adopted a collaborative approach, where everyone feels valued and heard, which makes for a stronger, more cohesive team. 

How have you seen opportunities for women in the events industry evolve, and what changes do you think are still needed? 

The events industry has come a long way in recognizing the value women bring to the table. When I first started, leadership roles were less accessible to women, but over the years, I’ve seen an increase in female leadership at all levels. There’s more visibility now for women who are excelling in high-profile roles, and that is empowering to younger generations. However, I believe there’s still work to be done in creating more mentorship opportunities and ensuring equal pay for equal work. We also need to continue to advocate for women’s voices in the strategic decision-making processes to ensure we’re not just filling roles but shaping the direction of the industry. 

What advice would you give to young women looking to break into or advance in the events industry? 

Embrace every opportunity to learn and grow. Don’t shy away from challenges—those are the moments where you can really make a mark. Find mentors who believe in you and help guide you but also don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself. Understand your worth and push for what you deserve, whether that’s a promotion, better pay, or more responsibility. Build a network of supportive people, especially other women, because we rise together. And, above all, never forget to trust your instincts—often, they are your best guide. 

Who are some women who have inspired you in your career, and how have they influenced your journey? 

I’ve been incredibly lucky to have been surrounded by strong women throughout my life—especially my mother and sisters. These women have taught me resilience, determination, and balance. Their different approaches to leadership and life have shaped my understanding of collaboration, empathy, and ambition. In the professional world, I’ve also been inspired by many female leaders I’ve worked with and to name a few, Nancy Walsh, Marie Browne, Alexia Maycock, and many more. They have shown me the power of being both empathetic and assertive in leadership. As women, empathy is our super-power, as it comes more naturally to us. Use it to your advantage – it brings loyalty, builds trust, and enables people to bring their whole self to work. 

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