One undeniable force is reshaping the world of conferences, events, weddings, and parties: women. From planners and organizers to keynote speakers and industry leaders, women are playing a pivotal role in redefining what events look like, how they function, and who they’re for.
March is Women’s History Month, and it’s a great time to celebrate the achievements and contributions of women across industries. So let’s celebrate the female leaders who are revolutionizing the way we gather, learn and connect.
The Rise of Women in Event Planning
Event planning has long been a female-dominated field with women making up a significant portion of the workforce. According to research conducted by IBTM, women represent approximately 77% of event planning professionals. However, the study found that only 17% of those women held director or above positions. But this is changing.
More women are stepping into executive roles, launching their own event businesses, and pioneering new approaches to conference and event planning that prioritize inclusivity, accessibility, and engagement. Their influence is evident in the shift toward more interactive and meaningful experiences, where traditional lecture-style conferences are being replaced with formats that encourage conversations, connections, and engagement.
Creating More Inclusive Conferences
One of the most significant ways that women are shaping the future of conferences is by pushing for more inclusivity. Historically, speaker lineups at major conferences have been dominated by men, leading to a lack of diverse voices and perspectives. Women-led initiatives are changing that by advocating for more female keynote speakers, panelists, and workshop leaders.
There are tons of resources to help conference organizers find female keynote speakers and presenters. Smaller organizations like the Women to Women Network and the National Women’s History Museum offer Speaker’s Bureau listings. Larger organizations like Big Speak and Wasserman Speakers allow you to search by topic, budget, location, and more to find the right speaker for your event.
Beyond speakers, women in event planning are rethinking how conferences cater to diverse audiences. This includes considerations such as accessible venues, childcare services, and lactation rooms so that conferences accommodate all attendees.
Women at the Forefront of Event Innovation
Women-led event tech companies are making event planning and coordination accessible, inclusive, and simple for event organizers at any level. Female-led companies like MeetGreen and Sheeco that both focus on sustainable event planning are pushing for eco-friendly solutions in event planning. From digital-first experiences that minimize waste to carbon-neutral conference initiatives, women are pushing the industry toward a more responsible and sustainable future.
The Economic Impact of Women in Conferences
Studies show that when women are involved in event decision-making, budgets are more strategically allocated to create meaningful experiences rather than just flashy productions. Women-led events also tend to prioritize social responsibility, ensuring that events support local businesses, charitable initiatives, and ethical sourcing practices.
There is a growing list of conferences designed for women. Whether they’re focused on a niche industry, networking, or leadership, there is a growing demand for spaces that cater to female professionals and entrepreneurs. Events like the Forbes Power Women’s Summit, Simmons Leadership Conference, and International Women’s Forum World Leadership Conference have gained immense popularity. These events aren’t just about inspiration; they generate millions of dollars in economic activity that helps support communities and grow funding for women-owned businesses and initiatives.
The Future is Female!
Women’s influence in the conference world is only growing. With a push for wellness-focused events, experiential learning, and better hybrid experiences, female event planners and business owners are redefining how people connect, learn, and grow. However, to keep the momentum going, the industry must continue investing in female leadership, mentorship opportunities, and diverse representation. Women aren’t just shaping the future of conferences. They’re making them more engaging, inclusive, and impactful than ever.
As we celebrate Women’s History Month, let’s recognize and support the incredible women shaping the events industry. The future of conferences is female… and it’s looking brighter than ever.
Kadi McDonald is a freelance writer, marketing strategist, and proud Cleveland sports fan.
