Dahlia El Gazzar, DES is the Tech Evangelist who founded Dahlia+Agency after working with tech companies and event industry trailblazers that awoke her to the need for speed – for closing the gap between great tech and adoption. She has an OMG-attitude about all things tech, audience engagement and event marketing. With more than a decade of event experience on both the professional planning side and as an association collaborator, Dahlia’s kinship with the industry and the audience runs deep.

In her upcoming IAEE webinar, Vibe Marketing: Spark Don’t Sell, she poses the questions: What if the secret to unforgettable events isn’t about filling seats, but about igniting sparks? What if instead of measuring success through attendance numbers, we tracked the moments when attendees’ eyes literally light up?

Dahlia will dive into the groundbreaking “Vibe Eventing” methodology, a revolutionary approach that transforms traditional marketing from predictable content dumps into electrifying energy transfers. This isn’t just another marketing strategy; it’s a complete paradigm shift that prioritizes authentic human connection over conventional metrics.

Dahlia will reveal how to curate “chaos-curious” speaker lineups that keep audiences on the edge of their seats, implement real-time marketing that turns attendees into co-creators, and design intentional dopamine drops that create lasting loyalty. Most importantly, webinar attendees will discover how to measure what truly matters – those magical “Eyes Light Up” moments that signal genuine engagement.

Here, she shares the philosophy behind “Vibe Eventing” and uncovers the practical strategies that are already transforming events across industries.

The concept of “tracking sparks, not seats” completely flips traditional event metrics on their head. What should organizers be looking for instead of attendance numbers?

Dahlia: Yes, attendance matters, but “Eyes Light Up” (ELU) moments matter more. That’s your real indicator of impact. If nobody’s sharing, reacting, or emotionally connecting, the headcount is hollow. Note that 76% of attendees say unexpected moments significantly boost satisfaction. (Source: Skift Meetings x Encore, 2024)

If your audience isn’t moved, tweeting, or DMing their colleagues mid-session, the seats don’t matter. You’re not running an event – you’re just running boring same old same old sessions that won’t be remembered.

You teach creating “chaos-curious” speaker lineups as a key strategy. This sounds both exciting and terrifying for event organizers. How do you balance the element of unpredictability with the need to deliver value to attendees and sponsors?

Dahlia: It’s a curated clash of perspectives by pairing speakers from different worlds who create friction that sparks curiosity. And audiences LOVE it. No one wants vanilla panels, or everyone agreeing on the same topics or points. That is when you start losing the audience not only for your current event, but more importantly, for future events.

Here’s a helpful hint: panels don’t need to be echo chambers. They need tension, surprise, and narrative. When attendees co-create sessions, return attendance jumps by 68%. (Source: Event Leadership Institute/Bizzabo, 2024)

Sponsors notice the buzz, too, and a buzzed room is what they want to invest in.

The idea of “dopamine drops” suggests a very intentional, almost scientific approach to creating emotional highs during events. Can you share some specific techniques for engineering these moments, and how do you time them throughout an event experience?

Dahlia: Break patterns. Surprise them. Give people something they didn’t see coming at just the right moment. I design event agendas like mixtapes: with highs, slow builds, and plot twists. Sessions with real-time engagement tools increase dwell time by 39%. (Source: Freeman Trends Report, 2024)

Think live reveals, spontaneous polls that change the discussion, or a celebrity cameo piped in from nowhere. Novelty keeps brains hooked.

Traditional marketing often focuses on pushing information out to audiences. Your “energy transfer” approach sounds much more dynamic. How does this change the way organizers should think about their pre-, during and post-event communication strategies?

Dahlia: Here are my suggestions, given that emotionally connected attendees are 2.5x more likely to register again for your next event. (Source: Freeman Data Pulse, 2024)

• Pre: Invite co-creation. Ask questions. Use reels, not reminders.
• During: Let them shape the moment, not just consume it.
• Post: Give them an encore. Highlight their voices. Drop unexpected value.

The secret is keeping the vibe alive long after the lights go down.

“Eyes Light Up” moments are fascinating as a success metric, but they seem challenging to measure at scale. How do we prove engagement at scale?

Dahlia: You build your own Spark System. This might include:

• Live reaction polls
• Social media tracking (shares, mentions, emojis in comments)
• Speaker quote clips that explode post-session

User-generated content boosts post-event engagement by 50%+ and sponsors love the organic reach. (Source: HubSpot + Splash, 2024).

If you’ve had a single quote or moment go viral after an event, that’s a spark. And sparks are currency.

Real-time marketing that crowdsources attendee insights requires a significant shift in mindset from controlled messaging to collaborative content creation. What advice do you have for organizers who might be nervous about giving up that level of control?

Dahlia: Controlled messaging is safe… and forgettable. Attendees want to be part of it, not just watch. Give them structure, not scripts. We use live UGC walls, branded challenges, and shout-outs – then moderate smartly. The more they see their words reflected, the more they lean in. And that engagement carries straight into the post-event community.

Click here to register for Vibe Marketing: Spark Don’t Sell and learn more about upcoming topics for IAEE’s Webinar Wednesdays here.

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We’ve all been there – working with someone whose communication style feels like nails on a chalkboard, or whose approach to decision-making seems completely backwards. Our first instinct? Label them as “difficult.” But what if we’re missing something crucial?

Sharon Andrade, Founder of HLeadership, challenges us to reframe this common workplace frustration in her upcoming IAEE webinar, People: Difficult or Different? With years of experience in leadership development, Sharon believes that the key to organizational success lies not in trying to change people, but in understanding that their communication preferences and needs might simply be different from our own.

In this enlightening session, participants will explore the critical distinction between perceiving others as difficult versus acknowledging them as simply different. Sharon will guide attendees through discovering their “intent” versus their “impact,” providing practical strategies to navigate diverse communication styles with grace and effectiveness.

We sat down with Sharon to dive deeper into these concepts and learn how this shift in perspective can transform workplace relationships and drive organizational success. Her insights on leveraging diverse communication styles, building trusted relationships, and enhancing teamwork offer valuable takeaways for anyone looking to improve their collaborative effectiveness.

Read on to discover how recognizing and appreciating diversity in communication styles can unlock your team’s full potential, and don’t miss the chance to join Sharon for the full webinar experience.

You will delve into the distinction between “intent” versus “impact” in communication. Can you share a specific example of how someone’s good intentions might create a negative impact due to different communication styles, and how awareness of this gap can transform workplace interactions?

Sharon: Here is a common example. A leader, feeling the pressure of an upcoming deadline, reiterates a strong and abrupt directive to the team. Her intention is to create urgency and ensure everyone is on board with the importance of the timeline so that they can be successful together. She genuinely believes the team might now realize how critical it is. However, the impact can be quite different. The team might interpret her tone or approach as a lack of trust: “Does she think we don’t get it?  We already know – does she not trust us to follow through?”

This gap between intent and impact often stems from different communication styles and assumptions. The leader’s intention was to support; the team felt questioned. Awareness of this gap is essential – when leaders pause to consider how they might be received, especially by someone of an opposite communication style, it can transform how they engage. Taking time to understand impact builds stronger relationships and prevents unnecessary tension.

In your experience, what are the most common communication style differences that cause people to label others as “difficult”? How can leaders quickly identify when they’re falling into this trap versus recognizing someone is simply different?

Sharon: There are a few, but I’ll provide one common example which involves how people make decisions. For example, an expedient decision maker tends to move quickly. They are action-oriented often thinking out loud and expect immediate reactions or buy-in from others. Whereas a process-oriented decision maker prefers to pause, reflect and consider implications before responding. They value thoroughness and structure, and they may not feel comfortable reacting immediately.

The expedient decision maker may view the other person as slow, resistant or disengaged. The process-oriented decision maker may view the other as pushy, rude or inconsiderate. The key is for leaders to notice their own reaction: If you feel impatient, misunderstood or dismissed, pause and ask, “Is this really resistance or is it a style difference?”

You will teach participants how to connect with different communication preferences. What’s the difference between adapting your communication style and compromising your authentic self? How can people maintain their integrity while still being flexible?

Sharon: This is such an important distinction. We focus on behavior which can be intentionally adapted to improve connections and understanding – without compromising who you are.    Adapting your behavior based upon the situation, people and environment is a core element of emotional intelligence. Behavior is what you do, while personality is who you are. You are not changing yourself, rather you are choosing to flex in service of better communication.

It also goes back to intent. When your goal is to connect, not control, you are honoring your integrity while making space for others. It’s about meeting people where they are and not staying stuck in your own style out of habit or indifference.

Many organizations claim to value diversity, but struggle with communication diversity specifically. What is one practical strategy teams can implement immediately to better leverage the strengths of different communication styles?

Sharon: I come back to Steven Covey’s fifth habit: Seek first to understand, then to be understood.  So often, we focus on getting our point across or influencing others to work the way that we do. But the first step is to develop self-awareness – understanding your preferences, strengths and blind spots. From there, shift your mindset: “What if this person’s opposite strengths could help address my blind spots?”

Rather than resist differences, be curious about what they bring. Taking time to understand yourself and their approach will enable you to bridge differences and together achieve greater outcomes than either of you could alone.

When you’re working with someone whose environmental preferences, social settings, or quality orientation differs drastically from yours, what’s the first step in building a trusted, respectful relationship?

Sharon: Once you have developed self-awareness and a clear understanding of how your preferences differ from others, the first step in building trust and respect is to identify what they need from you. We often focus on what we need to do our best work, but effective collaboration begins when we shift that focus outward. One way to start is to adapt your approach to better align with their preferences and needs.

For example, if they tend to communicate more slowly and methodically, you may want to slow your own pace to create comfort and connection. If they prefer stability, take time to understand what they need to navigate an upcoming change successfully. This isn’t about changing who you are, but rather demonstrating respect by meeting others where they are.

For leaders who want to create more inclusive communication environments, what’s the biggest mindset shift they need to make, and how can they model this “different, not difficult” approach for their teams?

Sharon: Creating more inclusive environments starts with a mindset shift from knowing to curiosity. Leaders often move quickly toward goals or to implement initiatives, confident in their direction. But when your mind is already made up, there is no space for other voices or perspectives. Curiosity requires leaders to slow down and ask:

• “What am I missing?”
• “What haven’t I thought of?”
• “What is being left unsaid?”

These questions invite others to contribute in meaningful ways. When leaders model a mindset of curiosity, welcoming different perspectives and methods rather than seeing them as obstacles – they signal that different isn’t difficult, it is valuable.

Click here to register for People: Difficult or Different? and learn more about upcoming topics for IAEE’s Webinar Wednesdays here.

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The presenters at this year’s forum delivered transformative understandings that challenge conventional wisdom about stress, negotiation and leadership success. Through powerful keynotes and practical sessions, attendees discovered how to harness their unique strengths while navigating the complex dynamics of modern leadership. Let’s take a look at some of the lessons learned at the 2025 IAEE Women’s Leadership Forum.

Stress as Your Secret Weapon

Dr. Rebecca Heiss, Author, Speaker, Stress Physiologist and CEO of Rebecca Heiss, LLC revolutionized how we think about stress, revealing a startling statistic: 182,000 deaths were attributed simply to the belief that stress is harmful. Her research showed that people with high stress levels who believed stress was beneficial had the lowest mortality rates in the entire study. This paradigm shift reframes stress from enemy to ally.

The key lies in understanding stress as energy that can be transferred, not destroyed. Like Olympic athletes who break world records under pressure, we can harness stress as a catalyst for peak performance. Heiss introduced the concept of stress as a “barometer of care” – when you feel stressed, it signals engagement with meaningful activities that align with your purpose.

To manage stress effectively, she recommended stress inoculation techniques such as gradually exposing yourself to manageable stressors to build resilience. Or, the simple practice of writing down concerns for three minutes helps transfer anxious energy elsewhere, while cultivating curiosity combats fear since these emotions cannot coexist in the brain simultaneously.

The AI Advantage Across Generations

Armida Ascano, Futurist and Chief Content Officer at TrendHunter illuminated how artificial intelligence is transforming workplace dynamics across generations. Contrary to stereotypes, Baby Boomers show 20% weekly AI usage, while Generation X emerges as unexpected AI advocates, with 55% believing in its positive workplace impact.

The most striking finding revealed that while only 33% of consumers admit to using AI platforms, actual usage reaches 77%. This gap highlights the need for transparent AI education and policies. Organizations should implement customized approaches that leverage each generation’s strengths, from Gen Z’s intuitive AI adoption to Baby Boomers’ preference for technology that enhances human connections.

With a 450% increase in AI-related job postings and 49% of workers threatening to leave companies with outdated technology approaches, AI literacy has become a retention imperative. Cross-generational mentorship programs can bridge knowledge gaps while ensuring no generation gets left behind in the digital transformation.

Negotiation as Daily Conversation

Mori Taheripour, Negotiation Expert, Author and Faculty at The Wharton School reframed negotiation from confrontational transaction to everyday conversation, emphasizing that we negotiate from morning to night across tasks from merging in traffic to deciding what to wear. This perspective reduces fear and builds confidence in formal negotiation settings.

Successful negotiation centers on information exchange and relationship building rather than rushing to discuss numbers. Taheripour highlighted authenticity as crucial, encouraging negotiators to align strategies with personal values. She advocated for embracing traditionally feminine qualities like empathy and relationship-building as negotiation strengths, not weaknesses.

The power of curiosity emerged as a key theme: being genuinely interested in your counterpart reveals valuable information while building rapport. Combined with aspirational goal-setting and strategic storytelling, these approaches lead to better outcomes than holding back or being overly cautious.

Strategic Refusal and the Joy of Missing Out

Yvette Simpson, MBA, Esq., CEO of Yvette Simpson, LLC introduced the transformative concept of strategic refusal, contrasting FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) with JOMO (Joy of Missing Out). Her innovative “Yes Test” provides a framework for evaluating opportunities across three priorities: YOU (health, lifestyle, self-care), EXPERIENCE (professional development, education) and SERVICE (community work, legacy building).

Simpson’s 12/52 method breaks annual goals into manageable chunks by either 12 major objectives or 52 medium-sized goals. This approach makes time more tangible and achievements more attainable. The hidden costs of always saying “yes” include overwhelm, lost productivity and unfulfilled personal goals.

Simpson emphasized filling your tank with activities that motivate and fuel you, recognizing that like cars, we’re made to move but need regular refueling to avoid burnout.

Building Financial and Emotional Intelligence

The forum addressed critical skills for sustained leadership success. Marcella Mollon-Williams, BFA, Licensed Behavioral Financial Advisor and Co-Founder of Legacy Builder Group, LLC highlighted women’s unique financial challenges including longer life expectancy and career interruptions, advocating for a “freedom with a framework” approach to financial planning that provides structure without restriction.

April LeJeune, Senior Vice President, Client Relations & Strategic Sales Planning for Freeman explored the intersection of personal branding and emotional intelligence, emphasizing that EQ matters more than IQ in determining leadership emergence. The foundation lies in self-awareness – understanding your emotions and their impact on others – while maintaining consistency across all platforms.

The Path Forward

These insights collectively point toward a new leadership paradigm that celebrates authenticity while embracing strategic thinking. The most effective leaders will be those who harness stress as energy, leverage technology across generations, negotiate with curiosity and empathy, practice strategic refusal, and build both financial and emotional intelligence.

The 2025 Women’s Leadership Forum demonstrated that success isn’t about conforming to traditional leadership models, but about creating new frameworks that honor women’s unique strengths while addressing contemporary challenges. As these leaders return to their organizations, they carry tools not just for personal advancement, but for transforming workplace culture itself.

SAVE THE DATE: The next IAEE Women’s Leadership Forum takes place 27-28 April 2026! Click here for more information.

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As emerging technologies continue to transform the exhibitions and events industry, innovative solutions are reshaping how we connect with stakeholders. Michelle Metter, Partner at Fast Forward Event Productions and her colleague, Vice President of Events Kristin Martinez, CMP, CEM are no strangers to maximizing AI-powered engagement. Their team has pioneered the use of custom chatbots to transform communications with attendees, exhibitors and vendors.

Michelle and Kristin will offer a deep dive into how Fast Forward Event Productions implemented AI-driven custom chatbots to create more efficient, personalized experiences while streamlining operations in IAEE’s 18 June webinar, AI-Powered Engagement: Elevating Communication with Attendees, Exhibitors, and Vendors. They will reveal the step-by-step process their team used to develop powerful communication solutions as well as present a case study demonstrating how these technologies have improved operational efficiency and facilitated more effective attendee matchmaking.

Here, Michelle and Kristin offer implementation strategies for organizations with varying technical expertise and share success metrics from their own experiences along with their vision for the future of AI in the events industry. Whether you are new to AI technology or looking to optimize your current systems, their insights provide valuable guidance for elevating stakeholder engagement at your events.

Your webinar focuses on innovative solutions for event communications. What specific pain points in traditional event communication methods do these AI solutions address?

Michelle: The core challenge with traditional event communications is managing an overwhelming amount of information without overwhelming the recipient. Whether it’s exhibitors, sponsors, staff, or attendees, each group needs tailored information. Yet the default has been lengthy emails, disjointed communications or documents like the “Exhibitor Service Kit” and “Operations Manual,” which often feel like a cross between an Ikea manual and summer camp enrollment forms.

Our revised approach and AI-driven solutions reframe this entirely. Instead of static documents or long email chains, we create intuitive, interactive resource centers tailored to each stakeholder group. And if someone can’t find what they need? They simply ask. It’s proactive support without the inbox overload.

Can you share an example of how your custom chatbot significantly improved the attendee experience at a recent event? What metrics indicated success?

Kristin: The real impact was felt not just by attendees, but by the support ecosystem around them such as staff, sponsors and exhibitors. By equipping these groups with immediate access to tailored information, we empowered them to operate more efficiently, which directly improves the attendee experience.

It wasn’t just about the chatbot itself; it was about using AI to reduce friction, improve autonomy and cut down on operational noise. The strongest indicators of success included a noticeable drop in inbound questions and requests. Our partners appreciated having control and clarity, right when they needed it.

What was the most surprising insight your team discovered when implementing AI-driven communication systems for exhibitors and vendors?

Michelle: We often hear, “No one reads the emails,” but that’s not entirely true. They are reading, we’re just not sharing the right content at the right time. What we learned is that email, while useful, isn’t effective as the primary vehicle for ongoing communication especially across long timelines or for brands attending multiple shows.

The surprising insight? When we gave users an AI-supported way to find what they needed – on their own terms – they used it, and they loved it. The feedback on our AI-powered apps has been overwhelmingly positive. The burden of information didn’t disappear; it just became accessible.

For exhibition organizers with limited technical knowledge, how steep is the learning curve for implementing AI chatbots, and what resources did you find most valuable during your implementation process?

Michelle: The biggest shift is in mindset, not technical skill. AI success starts with asking better questions. When we started treating AI like a strategic thought partner – one that understood our events, business goals and operational systems – everything changed.

Our custom bots now help team members articulate challenges, brainstorm solutions and even provide step-by-step implementation guides. You don’t need to know how to build it, you just need to know how to ask for what you need.

Kristin: For those just starting out, I recommend the AI Explored Podcast by Social Media Examiner. Two great episodes to begin with are AI Driven Leader (**start here**) and AI Assistants.

Looking ahead, how do you envision AI technology evolving in the exhibitions and events industry over the next three to five years, and what should organizations be doing now to prepare?

Kristin: AI will become a fully integrated part of business operations across all industries. For events, that means rising expectations not just from attendees, but from sponsors, exhibitors and internal teams who are already using AI in their day jobs.

What should you do now? Start using AI daily. Ask it to help you solve real problems. Use it to optimize processes, brainstorm creatively, and explore new formats. This isn’t about replacing humans, it’s about augmenting your capacity to think bigger, act faster and deliver better experiences.

Click here to register for AI-Powered Engagement: Elevating Communication with Attendees, Exhibitors, and Vendors and learn more about upcoming topics for IAEE’s webinars here.

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Organizations that successfully align their sales and marketing teams consistently outperform their peers in revenue growth, customer acquisition and retention. Yet despite this clear advantage, many companies still operate with these crucial departments working in silos, pursuing different metrics and sometimes even competing priorities.

Kierra Tobiere, MA will shed light on this critical business challenge and explore how organizations can break down these functional barriers to unlock unprecedented revenue growth and sponsorship opportunities in her webinar on 11 June, Synergizing Sales and Marketing: Unleashing Revenue Growth Through Strategic Alignment.

As the Senior Revenue and Content Marketing Manager for the American Chemical Society (ACS), Kierra is a dynamic marketing strategist who expertly orchestrates comprehensive campaigns that fuel revenue growth and lead generation across both established and emerging sales channels. Her targeted initiatives consistently accelerate pipeline development while strategically scaling both inbound and outbound sales operations.

Working in close collaboration with sales, customer success and data analytics teams, Kierra develops and implements best-in-class engagement strategies that resonate with prospects and customers alike. This collaborative approach enables seamless expansion opportunities across ASC’s portfolio.

Here, Kierra offers practical insights on fostering true collaboration between teams, implementing unified strategies, and leveraging combined strengths to dramatically improve your organization’s market impact and bottom line.

You emphasize the importance of aligning sales and marketing goals for revenue growth. What are the most common misalignments you see between these departments, and what measurable impact does proper alignment typically have on an organization’s bottom line?

Kierra: A major disconnect I see time and again is a lack of consistent communication between sales and marketing – especially around what happens after a lead is handed off. Marketing often doesn’t know if or when a lead actually converts, and sales may not provide feedback on lead quality in real time. This gap makes it difficult to optimize campaigns or understand what is truly driving revenue.

When those communication loops are closed and both teams are tracking lead progression together, you see measurable improvements: better-qualified leads, stronger conversion rates and, ultimately, more efficient use of resources. At ACS, implementing shared reporting and regular check-ins helped us refine our targeting and increase the overall ROI of our lead generation efforts.

Building effective collaboration between teams with historically different perspectives can be challenging. What specific communication frameworks or shared metrics have you found most successful in creating genuine synergy between sales and marketing professionals?

Kierra: Regular check-ins with the sales team have been one of the most effective ways to build genuine collaboration. These meetings go beyond campaign updates; they’re about understanding which products are resonating in the market, what revenue has actually been generated, how close we are to budget goals and what feedback sales is hearing directly from prospects.

That real-time input helps marketing quickly pivot messaging, prioritize high-impact products and create content that actually supports closing deals. At ACS, we’ve built a rhythm of monthly alignment meetings and shared dashboards that keep everyone informed and responsive. It’s created a culture where marketing isn’t just supporting sales, we’re building revenue together.

In the context of association management and events, how can aligned sales and marketing strategies specifically enhance sponsorship acquisition and retention?

Kierra: Associations thrive on relationships, and those relationships are often built and nurtured through events. When marketing understands the sponsorship value proposition and builds campaigns that clearly communicate those benefits, it creates a stronger case for acquisition. Meanwhile, sales teams can use marketing content and insights to deepen relationships and demonstrate ongoing value to sponsors.

At ACS, aligning our event strategies across both teams has helped us deliver more targeted outreach, consistent messaging and a more seamless sponsor experience from pitch to post-event follow-up.

Technology plays a significant role in modern sales and marketing integration. What essential tools or platforms would you recommend to organizations looking to better connect these functions, particularly for resource-conscious associations?

Kierra: For associations looking to better connect sales and marketing without overspending, I recommend starting with foundational tools that streamline both communication and project tracking. A CRM like HubSpot or Salesforce paired with a marketing automation tool like Mailchimp can help track lead behavior and nurture prospects efficiently.

For project collaboration, tools like Asana are incredibly valuable, especially for managing campaigns across departments, tracking deliverables and ensuring visibility at every stage of execution. Asana keeps everyone aligned and accountable without overwhelming smaller teams. Even using shared dashboards in Google Data Studio or regular Slack updates can go a long way in fostering transparency and keeping both sides connected to shared goals.

Change management is often the biggest hurdle in organizational transformation. What practical steps can leaders take to overcome resistance when implementing more collaborative approaches between traditionally separate departments?

Kierra: The first step is creating buy-in by showing what’s in it for each team, whether that’s more qualified leads, shorter sales cycles or greater recognition for contributions. Piloting small joint initiatives can also build trust and demonstrate early wins. Leaders should celebrate those wins publicly and use them as case studies to scale collaboration. At ACS, we also appointed liaisons across departments to keep communication flowing and ensure shared accountability. It’s not just about process; it’s about shifting the culture to value collaboration as a growth strategy.

Looking ahead, how do you see the relationship between sales and marketing evolving in the next few years, and what should forward-thinking organizations be doing now to prepare for these changes?

Kierra: The future is all about revenue teams, not separate sales and marketing silos. I see these functions continuing to merge under shared revenue operations frameworks where alignment is not optional but foundational. Personalization, data-driven storytelling and buyer journey mapping will be more tightly integrated across functions.

Forward-thinking organizations should invest now in cross-training, integrated data systems and joint planning cycles. Those that treat alignment as a strategic advantage rather than an operational fix will be the ones that lead in growth and innovation.

Click here to register for Synergizing Sales and Marketing: Unleashing Revenue Growth Through Strategic Alignment s and learn more about upcoming topics for IAEE’s webinars here. Missed a webinar? No worries! On-demand recordings are available.

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Savvy exhibition organizers fully understand that the difference between forgettable functions and industry-defining experiences comes down to one critical factor: meaningful engagement. Attendees demand personalized experiences that deliver clear value, while sponsors require measurable returns on their investments.

IAEE’s webinar on 21 May, Maximizing Engagement: Marketing Strategies That Drive Attendee and Sponsor ROI, will explore sophisticated strategies that successful show organizers employ to create engagement touchpoints throughout the entire event lifecycle – from initial marketing outreach to post-event relationship nurturing.

As the current Head of U.S. Sales for EventsAir, presenter Ross Sawai leads an organization that provides comprehensive event management software and services designed to streamline the complexities of modern exhibitions. His 20+ years in the industry span executive leadership roles in sales, marketing and operations across globally recognized firms.

What makes Ross’s perspective particularly valuable is his holistic understanding of the event ecosystem. Having worked on both the technology and service sides of the industry, he brings a rare combination of technical knowledge and practical experience. Originally from Hawaii but now based in Texas, Ross leads EventsAir’s expansion efforts in the U.S. market, giving him current insights into how organizers are addressing today’s challenges – from digital distraction to proving ROI.

Ross will moderate a panel of industry experts who will share actionable strategies for cutting through marketing noise, creating innovative sponsor activations and building engagement momentum that extends well beyond the event dates. The panelists are:

• Lauren Liles, CMP, DES | Senior Director, Event Operations and Experience | American Institute of Architects (AIA)
• Kathy Rasmussen, CMP | Vice President, Housing and Event Technology | Conference Direct
• Elaine Richardson, CMP | Vice President, Conferences and Events | National Black MBA Association

Whether you’re struggling with attendance numbers, sponsor retention or creating memorable brand experiences, Maximizing Engagement: Marketing Strategies That Drive Attendee and Sponsor ROI promises practical takeaways for events of all sizes.

Here, Ross provides insights into maintaining engagement momentum throughout the entire event lifecycle while addressing the growing demands of both attendees seeking personalized experiences and sponsors requiring concrete ROI.

You emphasize that engagement is built rather than simply ‘happening.’ What are the most common misconceptions organizers have about creating attendee engagement?

Ross: Simply setting aside time with coffee/general breaks won’t improve engagement perceptions. It is important to understand your attendee profile and day-to-day engagement tendencies to guide how you plan for maximum value.

With so many digital distractions competing for people’s attention, what audience acquisition strategies have you found most effective for cutting through the noise?

Ross: Organizers are testing new concepts such as specific networking areas throughout the event so attendees can proactively connect with others who seek similar interactions. Leveraging tools such as BrainDate to offer topics and real time collaboration has proven to be beneficial.

Sponsor ROI remains a constant challenge for exhibition organizers. Can you share some creative activation strategies that have successfully driven meaningful booth traffic?

Ross: Prominent giveaways and promotion pre- and onsite never fail to generate traffic. Airline miles, hotel points, and the latest personal technology buzz that appeal to a consumer mindset have been effective.

How has the approach to pre-event marketing evolved in recent years, and what tactics are working best to build momentum before an event even begins?

Ross: Last-minute registration trends continue which increases uncertainty for organizers to plan effectively. Organizers are testing avenues to reverse this such as packaging fees, hyping VIP speakers or events, and grass roots/digital marketing to extend reach.

Post-event engagement is often neglected. What systems have you seen work best for maintaining relationships and extending value after an event concludes?

Ross:  Year-round solutions provide access for continuous content sharing although it is more about creating ongoing conversations that allow attendees to offer diverse perspectives.

With your vast experience across different companies, how have you seen event technology evolve to better support engagement strategies?

Ross:  The biggest shift is the move from feature-rich point solutions to all-in-one consolidated data offerings. Organizers will give up enhanced features to ensure systems are easy to use, real time and data secure.

Click here to register for Maximizing Engagement: Marketing Strategies That Drive Attendee and Sponsor ROI and learn more about upcoming topics for IAEE’s webinars here.

The post How Top Event Pros Drive ROI for Attendees and Sponsors appeared first on IAEE.

In today’s fast-changing economic and business landscape, staying informed about industry trends is crucial for exhibitions and events professionals. The IAEE webinar from the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) on 14 May, Where Is the B2B Exhibition Industry Now? What is the Outlook? How to Plan When the Business Environment Keeps Changing!, promises to deliver valuable insights that can help industry leaders navigate these uncertain times.

The webinar features economic expert Adam Sacks, President of Tourism Economics, sharing key findings from this year’s CEIR Index, including outcomes for 2024 and forecasts through 2027. CEIR Vice President of Research Nancy Drapeau, IPC will complement this data with a sampling of results on performance metrics from the upcoming release from the Organizer Benchmarking Study.

To give you a taste of what to expect, we sat down with Adam and Nancy to discuss some of the pressing questions facing the exhibition industry today.

The business environment seems to be changing at an unprecedented pace. Can you provide a preview of the most significant economic factors currently impacting the B2B exhibition industry that you will be discussing?

Adam: Tariffs loom large for the exhibition industry. They threaten the global economy through various channels, including higher prices, supply chain disruption, falling confidence, and rampant uncertainty. I’ll share our current view on the range of outcomes facing the U.S. economy and how this is likely to affect the exhibition industry.

Looking at the forecast through 2027, which industry sectors show the most promising growth potential, and which ones might face challenges in the coming years?

Adam: The information technology (IT) sector is projected to grow significantly in the coming years, which should lead to stronger IT-related exhibitions. This growth is driven by ongoing investment in research and development and the increasing use of artificial intelligence, which is consistently increasing productivity.

In contrast, the manufacturing sector is facing uncertainty. This is largely due to potential issues with tariffs and risks related to international relations. Specifically, tariffs and the possibility of counter-tariffs from other countries could have a negative effect on manufacturing.

How are inflationary pressures and potential recession concerns specifically impacting exhibitor participation rates and attendee spending behavior across different industry sectors?

Adam: Exhibitor participation decreased in the first quarter of 2025, while attendee numbers are recovering slowly and inconsistently. Uncertainty caused by trade tensions and the implementation of tariffs may be reducing businesses’ willingness to participate in trade shows. Furthermore, the overall economic situation, including a weakening economy and reduced consumer confidence, is also a factor. Companies might be reluctant to allocate resources to trade shows in this environment.

For exhibition professionals trying to make informed decisions in this changing landscape, what is your advice on how insights from the CEIR Index and the Organizer Benchmarking Study can be used?

Nancy: The CEIR Index provides benchmarks for four critical metrics: attendance, exhibiting companies, NSF of paid space, and organizer gross revenues. It offers context on how macroeconomic factors, including the overall economy and sector-specific factors, have impacted and are likely to impact performance at the sector level.

The Organizer Benchmarking Study goes further by providing benchmarks on how organizer gross revenues break down by revenue source (exhibit sales, sponsorships, attendee fees, etc.). For a deeper dive into performance metrics related to exhibiting companies and NSF of paid space, it captures information on which metrics are used to track performance and the results among those using these metrics. It does the same for attendee size, detailing specific performance metrics such as registration show-up rate and attendee retention metrics, among others. Additionally, it provides a snapshot of an event team’s staffing levels by job function.

The Index and Organizer Benchmarking Study metrics complement each other. Their purpose is to support organizer strategic planning, helping organizers and event management firms frame strategic discussions, address areas needing attention, and leverage event advantages.

How does the new interactive dashboard format enhance the way users can analyze and utilize the CEIR Index data?

Nancy:  This year’s release of the CEIR Index is a game changer because it is interactive. Users no longer need to comb through over 100 pages of content. Instead, they can skip to the tab with the content of interest and drill down to specific results. Depending on the access level purchased, users can scan data going back to 2000 with the Index Pro+, which provides content on the overall industry and all 14 industry sectors. The Pro version offers the same access but only goes back to 2010. The Index Sector+ version does the same for one sector of choice. Organizers have a unique opportunity to gain access to the dashboard content for one sector at no cost. If I were an organizer, I’d jump on this opportunity.

Here are just a few examples of how the CEIR Index benefits users:

Typical Organizer Need: If I am in charge of strategic planning for an event, I can quickly jump into the dashboard, select the charts that align with my story, and kick off strategic planning. This helps address challenges and leverage strengths in the sector related to benchmarks for attendance, exhibiting companies, NSF of paid space, and revenues. I might also look at trends by event size to pull in those insights. All charts and pages are downloadable as PNG images, PDFs, or PowerPoint slides. If I don’t like the presentation of the data or want to create my own chart, I can go to the data table and pull down the data to integrate into my chart.

Consultant/Business Development Department Needs: Many companies use the Index to access data for market size estimates, which are critical for business plans and due diligence analysis when assessing prospective acquisitions or other business investments. Business development departments at organizations that run or manage events use the data for these purposes as well as for new launch opportunities. There is nowhere else to get such comprehensive analysis of market size estimates, including a three-year forecast horizon. Downloading this data is easy, just a click of a button.

The interactivity of this format gives users access to hundreds of tables at the click of a button. The Pro+ version offers even more access. We are excited about this powerful leap for the Index and look forward to users gaining an advantage by using this tool to support their business information needs and decisions.

In what other ways can exhibition professionals prepare for an unpredictable business environment and help contribute the best data possible to work with?

Nancy:  Stay vigilant. Pay attention to Adam’s insights on 14 May. Keep an eye out for updates from CEIR and join us for each CEIR Quarterly webinar. The Index Quarterly Reports will become increasingly important due to rapidly changing business conditions that may affect the industry.

If you are an organizer, please participate in the Index Quarterly Survey and answer the new question about the impact of macroeconomic factors on your event. This data is crucial for the Index model to track these impacts and can also support advocacy efforts where needed.

Click here to register for Where Is the B2B Exhibition Industry Now? What is the Outlook? How to Plan When the Business Environment Keeps Changing! and learn more about upcoming topics for IAEE’s webinars here.

The post Decoding Exhibition Trends: Industry Experts Reveal What’s Next for B2B Events appeared first on IAEE.

The Burnout Epidemic

Nearly 78% of participants admitted they operate from a “should do” rather than a “want to do” mindset – a startling revelation that highlights how many of us are disconnected from our genuine desires and instead live by external expectations. This disconnect is often the first step on the path to burnout.

Burnout isn’t simply feeling tired after a long day – it’s a state of chronic physical, emotional and mental exhaustion resulting from prolonged exposure to stress without adequate coping mechanisms. Unlike everyday stress, which can be managed with proper strategies, burnout seeps into every aspect of life, transforming enthusiasm into cynicism and productivity into procrastination.

The workplace signs are unmistakable:

• Declining quality of work and productivity
• Constant fatigue and lack of energy
• Growing cynicism toward colleagues and responsibilities
• Withdrawal from social interactions and team activities

These symptoms don’t appear overnight – they build slowly, often unnoticed until we are already deep in burnout territory.

The Path to Bliss

Contrast burnout with bliss: that state of contentment and peace that releases endorphins and dopamine, reducing stress, lowering blood pressure, and boosting immune function. Bliss isn’t just feeling good – it’s a neurochemical reality that enhances our physical health and mental clarity.

When we experience bliss, we notice:

• Enhanced creativity and motivation
• Heightened feelings of fulfillment about both work and life
• Increased resilience when facing challenges
• A naturally positive outlook that persists through difficulties

The question becomes: How do we move from burnout to bliss? The answer lies not in grand gestures but in small, intentional daily practices.

Building a Bridge From Burnout to Bliss

The journey from burnout to bliss begins with awareness. One way of raising awareness is to engage in reflective journal exercises to identify moments of joy and frustration in your life. This simple practice creates the foundation for change by recognizing what drains us and what fulfills us.

Prioritizing well-being isn’t selfish; it’s necessary. Likewise, setting boundaries around your time and energy isn’t about limiting your impact, rather it’s about ensuring sustainability so you can continue making a difference without depleting yourself.

Creating balance requires intentional action:

• Add 1-3 joyful tasks to your daily to-do list, not as rewards after work but as essential components of a balanced day
• Practice mindfulness meditation to increase self-awareness and reduce stress responses
• Take lunch breaks away from your computer to create mental space
• Reconnect with nature to reset your perspective and nervous system

Remember: these aren’t luxury activities. They are necessary maintenance for a well-functioning mind and body.

The Power of Choice

The most profound insight from the session was the revelation about the “should do” versus “want to do” mindset. Imagine how different your life would feel if you intentionally chose more activities that aligned with your genuine desires rather than external expectations.

This doesn’t mean abandoning responsibilities! It means being specific and intentional with your goals, and questioning assumptions about what is truly necessary so you can find ways to bring more joy into necessary tasks.

What if you approached your work with curiosity instead of obligation? What if you viewed self-care not as another item on your to-do list but as the foundation that makes everything else possible?

From Insight to Action

Knowledge without action creates little change. The Women’s Insights Hour concluded with participants committing to actionable steps like mindful eating and digital detoxes. These small but significant changes can make big strides in shifting the balance from burnout toward bliss.

The journey from burnout to bliss isn’t a destination but a continuous practice. It’s about creating moments of joy amid challenges, finding purpose in pressure and remembering that well-being isn’t something we achieve once but something we nurture daily.

As you reflect on your own position on the burnout-to-bliss spectrum, consider one small change you could implement today. Perhaps it’s taking a genuine lunch break, scheduling a brief nature walk or simply pausing to breathe deeply between meetings.

Remember that sustainable success doesn’t come from constant pushing; it emerges from the rhythm of engagement and renewal. In that balanced dance, we find not just productivity but also joy, not just achievement but also fulfillment.

What one joyful task will you add to tomorrow’s to-do list?

Click here to learn more about the IAEE Women’s Insights Hour, including upcoming meet times and topics!

The post From Burnout to Bliss: Reclaim Your Well-Being appeared first on IAEE.

Mastering the art of sponsorship marketing can make the difference between stagnation and extraordinary growth for exhibitions and events. Discover how to leverage sponsorship opportunities as powerful catalysts for enhancing your brand’s visibility and accelerating growth, while optimizing your marketing initiatives through strategic sponsor partnerships in IAEE’s upcoming Sponsorship Marketing Masterclass Series – a comprehensive webinar experience led by Paula Beadle, Founder and CEO of the Sponsorship Marketing Association.

This three-part transformative series will equip marketing professionals with cutting-edge strategies, proven sales processes and career-building frameworks to excel in the dynamic world of sponsorships. From navigating current industry trends to mastering the art of sponsorship sales and building a thriving career in this field, participants will gain actionable insights to propel their initiatives to new levels of performance.

To give you a taste of what to expect, we sat down with Paula for an exclusive interview in which she shares some of the insider knowledge she has honed in her 30+ years as a partnership marketing thought leader and trailblazer. Read on to learn what she has in store for participants and be sure to save the following dates so you can capitalize on the knowledge, tools and strategic insights you need to take your sponsorship marketing to new heights!

8 May 2025
PART 1 – NAVIGATING THE CURRENT SPONSORSHIP LANDSCAPE

15 May 2025
PART 2 – MASTERING THE ART OF SPONSORSHIP SALES

22 May 2025
PART 3 – BUILDING A THRIVING SPONSORSHIP CAREER

In your first session, you will be exploring current sponsorship landscape trends. What major shifts have you observed in how organizations approach sponsorships in the past few years, and how can professionals best adapt to these changes?

Paula: Since COVID, sponsorship has significantly transformed. We have moved from logo placement to creating partnerships with real purpose that align with brand values. Measurement is more sophisticated and sponsors want clear ROI (return on investment), not just impressions. And now, savvy marketers are looking for experiences that blend digital and physical elements.

To keep up, you need strong data skills, authentic storytelling abilities and you’ve got to position yourself as a strategic partner, not just a salesperson. The most successful teams are the ones showing real business impact.

You will explain the art of positioning sponsorships as a “strategic growth driver” for organizations. Could you share an example of how you have seen a company successfully transform their approach to sponsorships from a basic marketing tactic to a core business strategy?

Paula: The game-changer is getting sponsorship out of its marketing silo. Smart companies are using sponsorships to solve specific business challenges across departments. It’s about repositioning sponsorship from a marketing expense to a business strategy that drives measurable results across the company. It happens when people start asking the right questions about broader goals.

This is part of the Amazon culture. Sponsorships at Amazon began as a community relations effort but expanded to include other initiatives such as employee engagement and climate. Amazon’s transformative approach was demonstrated with the naming rights of the Climate Pledge Arena – we’ll talk more about this in our session.

Your second session covers a nine-step sales process for sponsorship acquisition. Could you give us a sneak peek into one or two commonly overlooked steps in this process that tend to make the biggest difference in securing partnerships?

Paula: Two steps people constantly rush through are preparation and discovery. Too many sellers skip research and jump straight to sending emails. And during those early conversations, they are so eager to pitch their assets that they don’t take time to understand what the sponsor actually needs.

The best sellers spend 70% of those initial meetings asking smart questions rather than presenting. This leads to co-creating solutions where sponsors feel ownership in the ideas. When they feel it’s their vision, not just buying your assets, you are much more likely to close the deal.

Decision-making factors for sponsors have evolved significantly. What surprising motivations have you discovered that drive sponsor decisions today that might not have been as important five to ten years ago?

Paula: What’s fascinating is how companies are now using sponsorships for talent recruitment and retention rather than just consumer marketing. With the job market so competitive, partnerships are being evaluated on how they’ll engage employees and reflect company values.

Social impact has become another huge driver behind sponsorship decisions. So many companies are focused on reinforcing their social impact initiatives through their partnerships, like sustainability.

And don’t forget content creation – sponsors want partnerships that generate compelling material for their digital channels. These newer priorities require different metrics and involve departments beyond marketing.

The third session focuses on career development in sponsorship. What qualities or skills have you found separate truly exceptional sponsorship professionals from those who merely survive in the industry?

Paula: Four things set the stars apart in this field. First, thinking beyond marketing to how partnerships can impact multiple business functions. Second, designing creative activations that solve problems while creating memorable experiences – not just flashy ideas without purpose. Third is building relationships that can survive budget cuts and leadership changes. And finally, looking ahead by studying trends in other industries, not just reacting to what’s happening now.

The good news? These aren’t innate talents – you can develop all of these skills, which we will cover in session three.

For someone just beginning to explore sponsorship marketing as a potential career path or growth strategy for their organization, what foundational mindset shift would you recommend they make before attending your masterclass series? Alternately, what new nugget can you offer experienced marketers?

Paula: Don’t think of sponsorship as just another marketing channel; it’s a business ecosystem. Put your sponsor’s customer and your audience at the center of everything – your objectives, development and execution – and everyone wins. When you balance what sponsors want, what audiences experience and what properties need, you create value across the board.

And if you’re thinking, ‘I am not a salesperson, so sponsorship isn’t for me’ – that’s outdated thinking. The best sponsorship pros think like marketers (actually more like business executives) but apply sales discipline to their work. That’s where excellence comes from.

For the veterans out there, don’t get complacent! Ask yourself: are you just surviving or are you thriving? Taking your game to the next level comes down to mindset, high-performance habits, and how you manage your focus and time. Keep growing and perfecting your craft.

Click here to register for the Sponsorship Marketing Masterclass Series and learn more about upcoming topics for IAEE’s webinars here.

The post Unlock Sponsorship Superpowers to Transform Your Marketing Strategy appeared first on IAEE.

Last month, IAEE celebrated International Women’s Day by featuring industry leaders who shared practical wisdom on advancing gender equity at IAEE’s monthly Women’s Insights Hour. Moderated by IAEE President and CEO Marsha Flanagan, M.Ed., CEM, panelists included:

• Marie Brown | Group Vice President | RX Global
• Julie Kagy, CEM | Executive Director | Exhibition Services and Contractors Association (ESCA)
• Joyce Leveston, CMM, CVP | Chief Executive Officer | The Javits Center
• Elaine Williams, CMP, CEM-AP | Chief Commercial Officer | New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center

Their collective message was clear: we must move beyond awareness and into action. Let’s examine the insights that emerged from this inspiring session.

Why Acceleration Matters

International Women’s Day celebrates women’s achievements globally while acknowledging the persistent barriers many face, particularly women of color. The day promotes gender equality, empowers women to amplify their voices, fosters solidarity across communities and serves as a catalyst for meaningful change.

The reality is that despite over a century of recognizing International Women’s Day, many of the original challenges persist. Women continue to face different standards of leadership evaluation than their male counterparts; working mothers encounter persistent biases; and women of color face compounded obstacles.

Practical Lessons for Accelerating Action

The panel’s insights offer actionable steps we all can implement in our professional and personal lives:

For Individual Growth

• Communicate your worth clearly: Don’t shrink yourself or your accomplishments. Articulate what you want and need with confidence.
• Confront barriers directly: When facing gender-based obstacles, step deliberately into that space and shift the energy rather than retreating.
• Advocate for fair compensation: Challenge offers that undervalue your contributions. Even if you don’t immediately succeed, you will know you fought for your worth.
• Transform uncomfortable moments: Turn instances of stereotyping into teachable opportunities. Many people don’t realize their biases until they’re addressed directly.
• Seek mutual mentorship: Share experiences both formally and informally. Create scheduled opportunities to learn from others while offering your own insights in return.

For Organizational Change

• Examine hiring practices: Review your recruitment process for hidden biases and adjust accordingly.
• Audit for pay equity: Regularly assess whether people performing similar work receive equal compensation.
• Create intentional diversity programs: Develop initiatives specifically designed to address inequities in your organization.
• Question absence: When women aren’t present in important discussions, ask “Why not?”
• Amplify marginalized voices: Use your influence to ensure women from all backgrounds are genuinely heard, not just superficially included.

Making “Accelerate Action” More Than a Slogan

True acceleration requires consistent effort across multiple fronts:

1. Start at home: Have open conversations about gender equity with family members. Teach daughters their worth and sons the importance of allyship.
2. Create transparent workplaces: Push for openness about compensation and advancement opportunities.
3. Challenge outdated norms: Identify and confront biases in real-time, noting specific issues rather than accepting the status quo.
4. Diversify leadership: Ensure women and underrepresented groups have pathways to decision-making positions.
5. Practice active allyship: Support isn’t passive – it requires speaking up when discrimination occurs and making space for others to be heard.

Remember that leadership isn’t about claiming the spotlight alone. True leadership involves “bringing others to the table, pulling up more chairs, making room and leaving the door open to also allow others to grow and shine.”

The Path Forward

The journey toward gender equity demands persistence. We must collectively reject the notion that incremental progress is sufficient when generations of women still face systemic barriers.

A powerful reminder is to “Go where you are appreciated and not where you’re tolerated.” This applies not just to individual career choices but to our broader commitment to creating equitable spaces.

By implementing these lessons and strategies – addressing unconscious bias, promoting women in leadership, closing wage gaps, creating inclusive cultures, practicing allyship and empowering through education – we can create workplaces and communities where women feel genuinely valued and empowered.

The time for acceleration is now. What action will you take today to help close that 133-year gap?

Click here to learn more about the IAEE Women’s Insights Hour, including upcoming meet times and topics!

The post Turning International Women’s Day Insights into Year-Round Impact appeared first on IAEE.

Here, leadership experts at this year’s IAEE Women’s Leadership Forum Armida Ascano, Futurist and Chief Content Officer at TrendHunter; Sherron Washington, Chief Executive Officer at The P3 Solution; and Mori Taheripour, Negotiation Expert, Author and Faculty at The Wharton School, discuss the intersection of human capability and AI, and how today’s professionals can take full advantage of the opportunities it presents.

The Evolution of Leadership Currency

“The influence of AI continues to reshape the modern workplace, demanding a new approach to organizational culture,” observes Armida Ascano, Chief Content Officer and Futurist at TrendHunter. This transformation isn’t just about technological adaptation – it’s about redefining what makes a leader effective in an AI-enhanced world.

The new leadership currency doesn’t involve technical expertise alone, but rather a sophisticated blend of capabilities that technology cannot replicate:

Navigating complex human dynamics requires leaders to understand and manage the intricate web of relationships, personalities and motivations that drive organizational success. This includes reading subtle social cues, managing competing interests and fostering collaboration across diverse groups.

Nurturing genuine connections means building authentic relationships that go beyond surface-level interactions. Leaders must create environments where team members feel valued, understood and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives.

Making nuanced decisions that consider both data and human factors involves balancing analytical insights with emotional intelligence. Leaders must weigh quantitative metrics against qualitative human experiences, understanding when to prioritize one over the other.

Building and maintaining trust across diverse teams requires consistent demonstration of integrity, transparency and cultural competence. Leaders must create psychological safety while navigating different communication styles, cultural norms and working preferences.

Emotional Intelligence: The Un-Automatable Advantage

Sherron Washington, Chief Executive Officer at The P3 Solution, emphasizes the critical role of emotional intelligence in leadership effectiveness. “The integration of personal branding and emotional intelligence competencies is crucial for impactful leadership,” she notes. This combination of self-awareness and social skills creates a leadership presence that no algorithm can replicate.

Key aspects of emotional intelligence that distinguish human leaders include:

Reading and responding to unspoken emotional cues involves detecting subtle shifts in tone, body language and group dynamics. Leaders must interpret these signals accurately and respond appropriately to maintain team harmony and productivity.

Adapting communication styles requires the ability to shift between different modes of interaction based on the audience and context. This includes knowing when to be direct versus diplomatic, formal versus casual and detailed versus big-picture focused.

Managing and motivating teams through change demands a deep understanding of human psychology and the emotional stages of transition. Leaders must provide appropriate support, clear direction and meaningful recognition throughout the process.

Building authentic relationships across organizational boundaries involves creating genuine connections that transcend hierarchical structures. This includes developing trust with peers, superiors and subordinates while maintaining professional boundaries.

The Negotiation Edge

The human element becomes particularly crucial in negotiations and conflict resolution. Mori Taheripour, Negotiation Expert, Author and Faculty at The Wharton School, emphasizes that “the essence of bargaining isn’t the transaction but the conversation and human connection.” This insight reveals why even in an AI-driven world, the ability to turn conflict into collaboration, build trust through authentic communication and create win-win solutions through emotional understanding remains irreplaceable.

Building Your Human Skills Portfolio

As AI continues to evolve, professionals need to intentionally develop their human skills portfolio. Consider developing these skills that will emphasize connection with your team members.

Communication Mastery

• Storytelling ability
• Active listening
• Nonverbal communication awareness
• Cross-cultural sensitivity

Emotional Intelligence Development

• Self-awareness practices
• Empathy exercises
• Stress management techniques
• Relationship building skills

Adaptive Leadership

• Change management capabilities
• Team dynamics understanding
• Conflict resolution expertise
• Innovation facilitation

Future-Proofing Your Career Through Relationship Building

The future of work isn’t about competing with AI – it’s about complementing it. As Armida reminds us, success lies in “adapting to a culture that fosters collaboration, communication and employee satisfaction in the era of AI.” Here are a few strategies that can help future-proof your career.

Invest in Relationship Building Skills

Actively seek opportunities to connect with colleagues, mentors and industry peers. This includes developing your networking abilities, maintaining professional relationships, and building a strong personal brand that emphasizes your human capabilities.

Develop your Emotional Intelligence

Make a conscious effort to understand and manage your own emotions while effectively responding to others’. This involves regular self-reflection, seeking feedback and practicing empathy in your daily interactions.

Practice Adaptive Communication

Hone your ability to convey messages effectively across different platforms, contexts and audiences. This includes mastering both traditional and digital communication channels while maintaining authenticity and impact.

Cultivate Human Centric Leadership Abilities

Focus on the aspects of leadership that machines cannot replicate such as inspiration, empathy, ethical decision-making, and the ability to build and maintain trust through genuine human connection.

What You Can Do to Determine Your Future

In an age where artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly sophisticated, the most successful professionals will be those who excel at being uniquely human. By developing and deploying these irreplaceable human skills, you’re not just preparing for the future of work – you’re helping to shape it.

Remember: Technology may drive efficiency, but it’s human skills that drive impact, innovation and meaningful change.

Want to learn more about IAEE’s Women’s Leadership Forum on 1-2 May 2025 at the MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, MD? Get complete details here!

The post Why Human Skills Matter More in the AI Era appeared first on IAEE.

Here, we explore how modern leaders are redefining their path to professional fulfillment drawing insights from the distinguished speakers at the upcoming IAEE’s Women’s Leadership Forum. Through valuable perspectives shared by experts like Dr. Rebecca Heiss, Author, Speaker, Stress Physiologist and CEO of Rebecca Heiss, LLC; Marcella Mollon-Williams, BFA, Licensed Behavioral Financial Advisor and Co-Founder of Legacy Builder Group, LLC; Yvette Simpson, MBA, Esq., CEO of Yvette Simpson, LLC; and April LeJeune, Senior Vice President, Client Relations & Strategic Sales Planning for Freeman, we examine how success metrics are shifting from conventional markers like titles and salaries to more holistic measures including personal growth, work-life integration and meaningful impact.

These thought leaders guide us through the essential elements of creating a new professional GPS that aligns with our individual values and goals, while challenging traditional notions of career advancement.

Rewriting the Rules of Career Navigation

The journey to professional fulfillment isn’t always linear, and that’s okay. Dr. Rebecca Heiss, a renowned stress physiologist, suggests that what we often perceive as obstacles might actually be opportunities for growth. “By embracing stress as a competitive advantage,” she notes, “we can perform better, all while deepening our connection to purpose.”

This perspective challenges traditional notions of career progression, suggesting that:

• Lateral moves can be as valuable as promotions
• Skill development might outweigh title changes
• Personal growth can be more meaningful than professional advancement

Financial Freedom vs. Career Freedom

The relationship between financial success and career satisfaction is evolving. Marcella Mollon-Williams, Co-Founder and Licensed Behavioral Financial Advisor at Legacy Builder Group, LLC, emphasizes how “financial priorities change over the course of careers and life stages.” This insight suggests a more nuanced approach to career planning that considers:

• Long-term financial security
• Work-life integration
• Personal fulfillment
• Professional autonomy

The goal isn’t just to earn more, but to create a sustainable career that supports your desired lifestyle while providing meaningful work.

The Identity Shift: From Achievement to Fulfillment

“Learning to harness the power of saying no and embracing the Joy of Missing Out (JOMO) is essential for leading a fulfilling and purpose-driven life,” shares Yvette Simpson, CEO of Yvette Simpson, LLC. This perspective represents a fundamental shift from external validation to internal satisfaction.

Key aspects of this identity shift include:

• Defining success based on personal values rather than external metrics
• Prioritizing impact over image
• Focusing on sustainable achievement rather than short-term wins
• Building a career that aligns with personal purpose

Creating Your Success Metrics

To navigate this new professional landscape, it’s essential to develop personal metrics for success. Here are a few metrics to consider as you define your parameters for success:

Impact Measurements

• How does your work affect others?
• What positive change are you creating?
• How are you growing personally and professionally?

Satisfaction Indicators

• Work-life integration quality
• Personal growth opportunities
• Professional relationship depth
• Alignment with personal values

Sustainability Factors

• Long-term career viability
• Physical and mental well-being
• Financial security
• Professional resilience

Building Support Systems for Non-Traditional Paths

April LeJeune, Senior Vice President, Client Relations & Strategic Sales Planning for Freeman, emphasizes the importance of “integrating personal branding and emotional intelligence competencies into leadership practices.” This integration becomes particularly crucial when pursuing a non-traditional career path. Essential support systems include mentorship networks, professional communities, personal development resources and financial planning expertise.

The Road Ahead

The new professional GPS isn’t about following a predetermined route to success – it’s about charting your own course based on personal values, goals, and definitions of fulfillment. As you navigate this journey, remember that success is increasingly about finding your own path rather than following someone else’s.

By redefining success on your own terms, you’re not just changing your career trajectory – you’re contributing to a broader transformation in how we think about professional achievement and personal fulfillment.

Want to learn more about IAEE’s Women’s Leadership Forum on 1-2 May 2025 at the MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, MD? Get complete details here!

The post The New Professional GPS: Redefining Success on Your Own Terms appeared first on IAEE.