As Women’s History Month begins and International Women’s Day (March 8) approaches, we asked members of Prevue’s Advisory Board to reflect on progress made and what lies ahead.
Here, four planners share their perspectives on what it means to build a career in an industry powered largely by women. From mentorship and leadership to visibility and legacy, they reflect on the impact women have on one another and on the profession itself.
Tricia Valerio | Meeting Supervisor | Eversana
Growing up and working clerical jobs prior to my formal education, I remember some of the older women in the workplace warning me that women could be hard to work with. While I’m sure it came from a place of support and looking out for me, I’m so glad I didn’t listen—because my lived experience has told an entirely different story. The world is changing, and women need each other, especially in the workforce.
From my earliest years, I was shaped by strong women. My mother. My aunties. My sorority sisters, with whom I partnered on domestic violence awareness events in service of other women. And now, every single day, the remarkable women of this industry pour ideas, guidance, and opportunities into me—who challenge me and lift me higher than I could ever climb alone.
Women have taught me. Women have raised me up. And I believe—deeply and without hesitation—that women will always show up to mentor other women. I love being part of a women-dominated industry. Events by women are thoughtful. They feel good.
That legacy doesn’t stop with me. I look forward to the day I can pass it on, investing in the young women who will one day redefine this industry just as the women before me helped redefine me.
This Women’s History Month, I’m not just celebrating history. I’m celebrating the women who are making mine.
Heather Pilcher, CSEP, CMP | CEO & Executive Producer | Blue Spark Event Design
As a CEO in the events industry, I am constantly reminded that women are the driving force behind so much of what makes this field exceptional. I see it in the creativity, the operational precision, and the emotional intelligence that shape the experiences we design.
In a broader business environment where leadership gaps still exist, our industry is unique in the number of women who own and lead their own companies. Being surrounded by female founders and executives is both grounding and inspiring. It reinforces that leadership here is not an exception for women, but a standard.
What I value most is the spirit of collaboration among women at this level. Some of the most meaningful conversations I have are CEO to CEO, speaking candidly about growth, risk, hiring and the weight of decision-making. There is a shared understanding that comes from carrying similar responsibilities, and a genuine willingness to offer guidance without hesitation. That openness has strengthened me as a leader and strengthened our business. It is one of the reasons I believe the events industry remains such an empowering space for women.
Dahlton Bennington, CMP, CMM | Managing Director | PROfound Planning
The meetings and incentive travel industry has long been driven by talented women whose creativity, dedication, and perseverance make extraordinary experiences possible.
Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside remarkable female colleagues who consistently demonstrate leadership, resilience, and a deep commitment to excellence.
Recently, I had the pleasure of participating in the Incentive Research Foundation’s Accelerate program as a mentor to emerging leaders. It has been an extraordinary experience—not only to share knowledge and insights, but also to continue our own professional growth, as mentorship truly works both ways. It is inspiring and engaging to hear the perspectives, optimism, and even the challenges facing our future leaders.
As a woman in business, I’m proud to be part of an industry where collaboration and mentorship are deeply valued. Women continue to lead, innovate, and inspire the next generation of professionals who will shape the future of meetings and incentive travel.
International Women’s Day is a meaningful opportunity to recognize those contributions and celebrate the women whose passion and leadership continue to elevate our profession.
Jeanette Alston-Watkins | Regional Meeting & Event Manager | Soprema
When I began, information was harder to access, mentorship was not always visible, and technology did not smooth out the rough edges of planning. What I’m really hoping is that women entering the field today know they no longer have to figure it out for themselves.
They can leverage technology to streamline planning, communication, and creativity rather than spending time and energy on tasks that used to be manual and time-consuming.
They can access opportunities more easily, whether through online communities, virtual conferences, or global networks that did not really exist before.
Remember that vendors are partners, not gatekeepers; peers are collaborators, not competitors, and feedback is constructive, not discouraging.
This shift creates a culture where women can grow faster, take more risks, and feel confident stepping into leadership roles. At this time, they can focus on strategy, leadership, and innovation rather than just survival.
Wishing them a smoother journey where women do not have to dig as hard to find openings, clients, or career paths. With more visibility, more platforms, and more inclusive hiring practices, I hope they can: Discover roles that match their strengths. Enter leadership pipelines earlier. And feel welcomed into the industry rather than always having to prove they belong.
The industry continues to evolve into a place where women feel empowered, connected, and supported from the moment they enter it. I want them to experience the best of what the field can offer, which means community, creativity and collaboration, all without the barriers that once made this journey harder.
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