Celebrating Women at Hosts Global: Voices of Empowerment and Leadership
International Women’s Month and International Women’s Day are a time to pause, reflect, and recognize the incredible contributions that women make every day, both inside and outside the workplace. International Women’s Day, celebrated on March 8th each year, was first recognized in 1911 and has since evolved into a global movement to highlight the ongoing fight for gender equality and women’s empowerment. It’s a day to celebrate the achievements of women, raise awareness of gender disparities, and inspire action toward a more inclusive and equitable world.
At Hosts Global, we are taking this month as an opportunity to reflect on the incredible women who are not only breaking barriers but leading innovation and creativity in the meetings and events industry. This month is a chance to honor the women whose dedication, leadership, and creativity are reshaping our field and shaping the future.
Did you know that women make up about 80% of the workforce in the meetings and events industry but only 16% of top management roles? Despite these disparities, women are leading the way in an industry expected to grow to a $2.5 trillion market by 2035. The women at Hosts Global are among those at the forefront, paving the way for innovation, diversity, and leadership in our field.
I asked some of the amazing women in our company to share their thoughts on what this month means to them, the challenges they’ve faced, and how they’re shaping the future of our industry. Here’s what they had to say.
Q&A with Inspiring Women at Hosts Global
International Women’s Month is a time to pause, reflect, and recognize the incredible contributions that women make every day, both inside and outside the workplace. It’s an opportunity to celebrate progress, highlight ongoing challenges, and, most importantly, to inspire future generations to reach even greater heights. At Hosts Global, this month offers a chance to honor the women whose dedication, leadership, and creativity are reshaping the events industry.
Q: What does International Women’s Month mean to you?
Cameron Duke, Senior Operations Manager | Hosts DC/Baltimore:
“International Women’s Month is a time to celebrate the amazing women who have made waves in business, leadership, and beyond. For me, it’s about honoring the women who have influenced and empowered others and continuing to push for equal opportunity for everyone. It’s a time for reflection and action.”
Heather McLeod, VP of Global Sales | Hosts Global:
“It’s a reminder to celebrate women every day. It’s about lifting each other up and making sure our voices are heard, not just during this month but all year round. We still have a long way to go, but every small step matters.”
Victoria Cambise, Account Executive | Hosts New Orleans:
“International Women’s Month is not just about celebrating women, but also about creating a space to recognize the ongoing journey towards equality. We’ve made progress, but there’s still a lot of work to do—and it’s important to stay engaged and committed to that work every day.”
Franziska Stein, DMCP, Director of Sales | Spaintacular, A Hosts Global Member:
“International Women’s Month means empowerment, recognition, collaboration, support, and growth. In our industry, it’s about celebrating the incredible contributions of women who shape unforgettable experiences, drive innovation, and build meaningful connections across cultures. It’s about lifting each other up, creating opportunities, and making sure every woman’s voice is heard and valued.”
In a world where women often have to prove themselves more than their male counterparts, there are moments in every woman’s career that make them especially proud. These moments often come when they take on leadership roles, break barriers, or are given opportunities that weren’t always extended to women in the past. For many of the women at Hosts Global, those defining moments are ones they will carry with them throughout their careers as a testament to their strength and capability.
Q: Can you share a defining moment in your career that made you proud to be a woman in this industry?
In a world where women often have to prove themselves more than their male counterparts, there are moments in every woman’s career that make them especially proud. These moments often come when they take on leadership roles, break barriers, or are given opportunities that weren’t always extended to women in the past. For many of the women at Hosts Global, those defining moments are ones they will carry with them throughout their careers as a testament to their strength and capability.
Heather McLeod, VP of Global Sales | Hosts Global:
“One of the biggest moments for me was when I was asked to take on a leadership role that I felt wasn’t usually offered to women in our field. It was a chance to show that women belong at the top, too. It wasn’t easy, but it proved to me that we can overcome the doubts others may have about us.”
Jaclyn Bernstein, CEO | Empire Force Events, A Hosts Global Member:
“For me, it’s always been working in women-owned or led businesses. There’s something incredibly empowering about being part of a team that champions inclusivity, leadership, and collaboration. It made me feel seen and supported—two things I believe every woman deserves.”
Cameron Duke, Senior Operations Manager | Hosts DC/Baltimore:
“When I first stepped into the industry, I was often the only woman in the room. But I never let that discourage me. As I took on bigger projects and saw my ideas being valued, I realized just how much women are shaping this field. That realization made me proud to be part of this change.”
Women face unique challenges at every stage of their careers, from being underestimated to dealing with systemic pay gaps. Overcoming these challenges requires persistence, confidence, and a relentless belief in one’s abilities. The women at Hosts Global continue to break down barriers, proving that women are capable of leading and thriving in all corners of the business world.
Q: What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a woman in your career, and how did you overcome them?
Kim Alofs, Event Manger | World Events Consulting SA, A Hosts Global Member:
“It’s always been difficult to make my voice heard in rooms that are predominantly male. But with time, I’ve learned to assert myself confidently and to use my unique perspective to add value. Overcoming this has meant growing stronger and learning to trust my instincts.”
Heather McLeod, VP of Global Sales | Hosts Global:
“Being underestimated is something every woman faces. I had to prove myself over and over, and in many ways, I still do. But I realized that resilience is key—never letting others’ doubts affect my drive or my potential. It’s about letting your work speak for itself.”
Laura Wilkins, General Manager | Hosts Southern California:
“One of the biggest hurdles I’ve faced has been inequity in pay and recognition. It’s something that many women face, but I made the decision to advocate for myself and demand what I’m worth. Overcoming this meant speaking up, not just for myself but for others in similar situations.”
Franziska Stein, DMCP, Director of Sales | Spaintacular, A Hosts Global Member:
“I stay motivated during challenging times by focusing on the bigger picture and celebrating small wins along the way. I also prioritize taking short breaks when needed, giving myself the chance to recharge and return with a clear mind. Finding this balance helps me stay productive and keep moving forward.”
Celebrating achievements is often overlooked, especially for women who are taught to downplay their success. However, acknowledging both the small wins and the big victories is essential for boosting confidence and recognizing the hard work that leads to success. At Hosts Global, we believe in celebrating every milestone as it motivates us to continue striving for more.
Q: How do you celebrate your achievements, both big and small?
Haley Hyman, Account Manager | Hosts Texas:
“In small ways of shouting out “YAY” or popping a bottle of champagne, I celebrate the daily wins! It’s important to take a moment to appreciate the effort that goes into what we accomplish. It’s all about acknowledging the journey.”
Heather McLeod, VP of Global Sales | Hosts Global:
“I believe in celebrating progress, not perfection. Whether it’s landing a new client or solving a challenging problem, I take time to reflect on what went well. Celebrating those wins—big or small—reminds me of how far I’ve come and motivates me for the future.”
Cameron Duke, Senior Operations Manager | Hosts DC/Baltimore:
“I like to celebrate with my team. We’ve worked hard for every success, so celebrating together brings us even closer and reminds us that we’re in this together.”
Women are not just part of the events industry—they’re leading it. From creating inclusive event designs to ensuring that all voices are heard, women are driving innovation and shaping a future that’s inclusive, creative, and dynamic. The more women lead, the more we’ll see the events industry reflect the diversity and progress we need for tomorrow.
Q: What role do you think women play in shaping the future of the events and hospitality industry?
Cameron Duke, Senior Operations Manager | Hosts DC/Baltimore:
“Women are the driving force in this industry. We’re leading the charge on everything from inclusive event design to ensuring diverse perspectives are represented in the process. We aren’t just part of the industry; we are transforming it.”
Heather McLeod, VP of Global Sales | Hosts Global:
“Women have always played a critical role in shaping this industry. The more women step into leadership roles, the more we’ll see creativity, innovation, and inclusive design lead the way. The future is bright, and we’re here to make sure it stays that way.”
Laura Wilkins, General Manager | Hosts Southern California:
“Women have always had a seat at the table in the events industry. Now, we’re stepping up to take the lead and create change from within. As more women lead, the entire industry will grow more inclusive and innovative.”
To break down barriers and foster change, women must embody resilience, courage, collaboration, and confidence. It’s about taking risks, supporting one another, and creating a culture that empowers everyone to succeed. Women who embrace these qualities are the ones who lead the charge for lasting change, both in their organizations and industries.
Q: What do you think are the most important qualities for women to embody in the workplace to break down barriers and foster change?
Bridget Dalrymple, Director of Corporate Events | Hosts Global:
“Cultivate a culture of empowerment and forgo toxic competition. Supporting each other as women is key to creating lasting change in the workplace.”
Heather McLeod, VP of Global Sales | Hosts Global:
“Courage and resilience are essential. You have to be willing to take risks, push boundaries, and keep going even when things get tough. It’s that persistence that changes the game.”
Laura Wilkins, General Manager | Hosts Southern California:
“I think empathy and confidence are essential. Women have the power to connect people, and when we are confident in our decisions and actions, we set a powerful example for others.”
Women’s Month Celebration: Hosts Global’s Smart Women in Meetings Award Winners!
We are incredibly proud to announce that Hosts Global has had three extraordinary women recognized as 2025 Smart Women in Meetings Award Winners! These awards honor women who have made significant contributions to the meetings and events industry, and we couldn’t be more excited to celebrate these amazing women:
- Lizzy Styles, Senior Director of Creative Strategy & Event Design, was named Stellar Performer for her groundbreaking work in creative strategy and event design.
- Cat Damare, Senior Marketing Manager, was named Rising Star for her exceptional leadership and impact within the marketing team.
- Jaclyn Bernstein, Owner of Empire Force, a Hosts Global Member, was named Hall of Fame Inductee for her longstanding influence and leadership in the events industry.
These amazing women join Hosts very own, Jennifer Carlisle (2024 Hall of Fame and 2020 Stellar Performer) and Tina Gaccetta (2024 Industry Leader) in being recognized as Smart Women in Meetings Award Winners. We are beyond proud of all of them and the incredible work they continue to do to shape the future of the meetings and events industry.
Empowering Women, Shaping the Future
As we celebrate these incredible women at Hosts Global, we’re reminded of the strength, resilience, and vision they bring to the table every day. They inspire not only the future of our company but the future of the entire events and hospitality industry.
Their stories remind us that leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about action, impact, and making a difference. At Hosts Global, we are proud to stand with them and continue to break down barriers, inspire others, and shape the future of this dynamic industry.
Let’s celebrate these incredible women, not just today, but every day. The world is watching, and the future is bright.
