By Mary Tucker | Senior Communications and Content Manager | IAEE
Gwen Venable, CEM has a long list of accomplishments that have not only enriched members of her chapter but have also inspired and empowered countless women within the exhibitions and events industry.
A steadfast volunteer, Gwen has served on the IAEE Southeastern Chapter’s Board of Directors since 2012 including serving as chairperson. In addition to participating on the executive team, she chaired the IAEE Southeastern Classic for three years, spearheaded the Chapter’s Technology Exchange education program for eight years, and participates in various chapter charity events. On the national level, Gwen has served as an ex-officio director on IAEE’s Board of Directors representing the Chapter Leaders Council, as well as on the Community Engagement and Belonging Committee. She currently serves on the Major American Trade Show Organizers (MATSO) Council.
As an unwavering advocate for women’s advancement in the industry, Gwen’s mentorship extends across all career levels – from guiding emerging chapter leaders and board members to supporting students and colleagues. Drawing from her own experiences, she offers invaluable insights on navigating industry challenges, maintaining humility in leadership positions and championing workplace equality. She has been applauded by her colleagues for adeptly converging professional excellence with an authentic commitment to helping other women succeed.
Gwen’s active participation in the IAEE Community Engagement and Belonging Committee and Mentor Match Program demonstrates her hands-on approach to developing the next generation of industry leaders. By sharing her expertise and experiences, she helps mentees build the confidence and skills needed to advance their careers and make meaningful contributions to the field. Gwen’s commitment to nurturing future talent extends to her work with educational institutions such as Florida International University and Georgia State University, where she helps students envision their potential careers in exhibitions and events.
Gwen’s dedication to representing and advancing women in the exhibitions and events industry earned her the 2024 IAEE Cathy Breden Woman of Achievement Award, which was presented to her this past December at Expo! Expo! IAEE’s Annual Meeting & Exhibition in Los Angeles, California.
Here, Gwen shares her thoughts on transformative leadership, the evolving role of technology in events, her strategic approach to mentoring, and her vision for creating more inclusive and dynamic opportunities for women in the exhibitions and events industry.
Throughout your journey, what has been your most transformative experience as a leader and how has it shaped your approach to mentoring others?
Gwen: As the age-old saying goes, “The one constant in life is change.” And one of my most transformative experiences as a leader early on was guiding myself and my team through a major organizational restructuring. Initially, uncertainty was high and morale was iffy at best. I realized that transparent communication and leading with empathy were crucial. By actively listening to concerns, providing clarity where possible, and supporting my team both professionally and emotionally, I saw a shift in trust and engagement.
This experience has shaped my approach to mentoring others ever since. I focus on open communication, fostering resilience and helping others embrace change as an opportunity for growth.
As a champion of women’s advancement in the industry, what do you see as the most significant barriers women still face in this field and what strategies have you found most effective in overcoming them?
Gwen: Some challenges are representation in senior leadership roles and breaking into higher levels of production, logistics and technical roles. Additionally, the industry’s demanding nature – long hours, extensive travel and high-pressure deadlines – can make work-life balance difficult.
I have found that mentorship and sponsorship are crucial in addressing these issues. Connecting with experienced leaders who can advocate, offer guidance and open doors to new opportunities is a very effective way to help with advancement. Additionally, building strong networks – through industry associations, women’s leadership groups and peer support – provides the community and resources needed to navigate career growth.
You have been recognized for practicing and advocating humility in your leadership. How do you balance being assertive and maintaining humility, particularly in situations where women often face the “confidence gap”?
Gwen: Balancing assertiveness and humility comes down to leading with confidence while staying open to learning. Being assertive means advocating for my ideas, making decisive calls and ensuring my voice is heard. And humility means recognizing that leadership is about serving others, listening actively and valuing diverse perspectives.
In the events industry, where quick decision-making can be crucial, I have learned that assertiveness does not necessarily mean having the loudest voice in the room. Instead, it means being clear, decisive and solution oriented. At the same time, humility allows me to acknowledge when I do not have all the answers and to rely on my team’s expertise in those situations.
What is your perspective on the importance of women supporting other women, and how have you seen this dynamic impact career advancement and professional growth?
Gwen: Beyond one-on-one support, building a culture where women champion each other creates a ripple effect that benefits everyone. When women uplift one another, we shift the narrative from competition to collaboration, ensuring that success is not an individual achievement but a collective movement forward.
As a recipient of the IAEE Cathy Breden Woman of Achievement Award, what legacy do you hope to leave in the industry and what initiatives or changes would you like to see implemented to further support women’s leadership?
Gwen: The legacy I hope to leave in the industry is one of creating pathways and drivers of innovation, strategy and change.
I would like to see initiatives that focus on mentorship and sponsorship programs. In addition, creating more flexible work environments and promoting work-life balance would make the industry more accessible. Lastly, I believe it is crucial to have equal access to opportunities.
