Women in Exhibitions Network North America Announces New Board

The leadership team will focus on deepening community and creating more in-person networking opportunities.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 7:06am

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A close-up photograph of a sleek, modern glass trophy or award resting on a plain white background, conveying a sense of professional accomplishment and recognition.A prestigious award symbolizes the growing influence and achievements of women leaders in the exhibitions industry.Las Vegas Today

Women in Exhibitions Network, a global community launched in 2018 to accelerate the careers of women working in the exhibitions industry, has announced a new slate of directors for its North America Chapter. The leadership team will serve through August 31, 2027 and plans to focus on deepening the sense of community and creating more opportunities for members to connect in person through local meetups, industry events, and behind-the-scenes access.

Why it matters

The Women in Exhibitions Network aims to connect and empower women in the exhibitions industry, which has historically been male-dominated. By providing networking opportunities, professional development, and access to industry leaders, the organization seeks to support the career advancement of women in this sector.

The details

The new North America Chapter leadership team includes President Toni Piela, Head of Strategy and M&A at RX North America; Vice President Elizabeth George, Senior Conference Lead at HIMSS Global Health Conference & Exhibition, Informa Connect; Secretary Melissa Ooi, VP of Manufacturing at Nineteen Group; Membership Director Dana Freker Doody, Owner and Principal Strategist at Inktide Solutions; and Immediate Past President Danica Tormohlen, VP Content at Informa Markets. The chapter was co-founded by Martha Donato, Partner at Mad Event Management, and Stephanie Selesnick, President of International Trade Information, Inc.

  • The new leadership team will serve through August 31, 2027.
  • Recent WIEN North America gatherings have included discussions with senior industry leaders such as Kinsey Fabrizio, President & incoming CEO of the CTA; Joyce Leveston, CEO of the Javits Center; and Heather Farley, CEO of Access Intelligence.
  • Future events include an online conversation with Money 20/20's Jessica Blue, plus in-person meetups at the Exhibition and Convention Executives Forum in Washington, D.C. and the Canadian Association of Exposition Management Conference in Toronto.

The players

Toni Piela

Head of Strategy and M&A at RX North America and the new President of the WIEN North America Chapter.

Elizabeth George

Senior Conference Lead at HIMSS Global Health Conference & Exhibition, Informa Connect, and the new Vice President of the WIEN North America Chapter.

Melissa Ooi

VP of Manufacturing at Nineteen Group and the new Secretary of the WIEN North America Chapter.

Dana Freker Doody

Owner and Principal Strategist at Inktide Solutions and the new Membership Director of the WIEN North America Chapter.

Danica Tormohlen

VP Content at Informa Markets and the Immediate Past President of the WIEN North America Chapter.

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What they’re saying

“It's an honor to serve as President of Women in Exhibitions and build on the strong foundation this organization has created. Over the next 18 months, we will focus on deepening our sense of community and creating more opportunities for our members to connect in person, through local meetups, industry events, and behind-the-scenes access to some of our industry's most innovative events.”

— Toni Piela, President, WIEN North America

“I've benefited greatly from my involvement in the Women in Exhibitions North America chapter, from being a member, volunteer, and now serving as Vice President. Each event we hold, both virtually and in-person, serves as an invaluable opportunity to meet, network and build relationships with the women who make up the events and exhibitions industry. Together we are stronger!”

— Elizabeth George, Vice President, WIEN North America

What’s next

Future events include an online conversation with Money 20/20's Jessica Blue plus in-person meetups at the Exhibition and Convention Executives Forum in Washington, D.C. and the Canadian Association of Exposition Management Conference in Toronto. Members also will be welcomed at a global WIEN meetup sponsored by Visit Detroit during IMEX America in October.

The takeaway

The new leadership team of the WIEN North America Chapter is committed to deepening the sense of community among women in the exhibitions industry and creating more opportunities for them to connect in person through local events, industry gatherings, and exclusive behind-the-scenes access. This reflects the organization's ongoing mission to support the career advancement of women in this historically male-dominated sector.