Industry Innovators 2026: Hillary Foster

The head of events at Tailscale designs strategic, community-driven experiences that connect highly technical audiences.

Mar. 23, 2026 at 6:56pm by Ben Kaplan

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Hillary Foster, the head of events at Tailscale, a secure connectivity platform for developers, IT, and security teams, is being recognized as an industry innovator in 2026. Foster's career in events began in 2010 with internships in the music industry, and she later transitioned into the tech industry, building global event programs from the ground up. At Tailscale, her focus is on creating strategic, high-impact experiences that connect deeply technical audiences with meaningful in-person brand moments.

Why it matters

Foster's approach to event design and innovation highlights the evolving needs and expectations of tech-focused audiences. As travel and professional development budgets shrink and virtual attendance becomes more common, event organizers must find ways to make the in-person experience truly valuable and memorable. Foster's emphasis on creating frictionless, educational, and fun experiences that foster community and human connection showcases how event professionals can leverage technology and creativity to stand out in a crowded market.

The details

Foster's career in events began with internships at The Folk Alliance and The Recording Academy, where she explored different paths within the music industry. She later produced events for nonprofits, media organizations, and agencies, building experience across multiple formats and audiences. In 2021, she transitioned into the tech industry, joining the Irish-based company Cloudsmith to build their global events program from the ground up. This experience solidified her interest in scaling event strategy inside fast-growing tech organizations. Today, she leads global events and trade shows at Tailscale, where her focus is on building strategic, high-impact experiences that connect deeply technical audiences with meaningful in-person brand moments.

  • This article is being published the same week Foster's team is exhibiting at RSAC in San Francisco.
  • TailscaleUp, Tailscale's user conference, is happening on August 26, 2026 in San Francisco.

The players

Hillary Foster

The head of events at Tailscale, a secure connectivity platform for developers, IT, and security teams.

Tailscale

An Irish-based company that provides a secure connectivity platform for developers, IT, and security teams.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Innovation is the reason I fell in love with events in the first place. No two days are ever the same. There is always something new to test, learn, or improve.”

— Hillary Foster, Head of Events

“[Innovation is] about designing experiences that are educational, frictionless, and genuinely fun while meeting our audience exactly where they are.”

— Hillary Foster, Head of Events

What’s next

TailscaleUp, Tailscale's user conference, is happening on August 26, 2026 in San Francisco.

The takeaway

Hillary Foster's approach to event design and innovation in the tech industry highlights the evolving needs and expectations of highly technical audiences. By creating strategic, community-driven experiences that leverage technology and creativity, she is setting a new standard for how event professionals can engage and connect with their audiences in a crowded market.