Liz Irving was promoted to CEO of Clarion Events in North America late last year, and a steady rise began when she joined her as vice president of marketing in 2016.
Irving worked as Registered Manager for Reed Exhibitions, beginning with the business activities industry, a job she “worked” after graduating from college. She responded to helpful ads in The New York Times.
CEO Vice President Experience and Acquisitions of Liz Irving Group CEO Irving held several roles before joining Clarion as Vice President of Marketing in 2016.
Irving is actively involved in various industry committees, including the Independent Exhibition Organizers Association (SISO) and UFI – a global association for the exhibition industry.
Clarion started with the Gift and Souvenir Event Space in 1995 and is now one of the fastest growing event companies in North America. The company serves 12 industry departments, has 7 offices and more than 200 employees.
“My curiosity about learning and accepting things that others don’t want gives me the opportunity to really learn the business, understand the process and appreciate the work our team performs and how best to help them reach their potential,” Owen said .
Women’s Meeting It is the Skift Conference Series that celebrates outstanding female leaders who not only excel in the conference and event industry but also advocate for top inclusion and diversity. We highlight women breaking barriers, lifting other women as others rise, and leaving a lasting legacy of empowerment. Through this series, we deliver on the achievements and influence of these inspiring women who make a difference in the world of conferences and events.
What does a leader mean to you?
Leadership is about creating an environment in which people can thrive and innovate. When they have a sense of purpose at work, they bring the best of selves. It has a vision of expected challenges, even if your team needs support and the intuition to make decisions that drive progress. To be a great leader, you have to be present and understand the potential needs of people and businesses. This ensures that the actions you take are both suitable for both individual and organization.
A good leader website is clear, inspires confidence and facilitates collaboration. They empower their teams to embrace change and make decisions with courage and compassion. Most importantly, great leaders build trust through transparency, accountability, and real care for the people they lead.
How will you define your leadership style?
My leadership style is collaborative, results-oriented, and stems from challenging the status quo. I believe that when I encourage teams to think differently, take smart risks based on insights and data and constantly improve smart risks, I believe. I promote innovation because we need to be ahead of an ever-evolving industry. At the same time, I emphasize accountability, which is real for me and those around me. When you empower your team and give them ownership of their work, you can really build trust and maintain high standards and get the right level of support along the way.
Resilience, adaptability and strategic thinking are crucial in my leadership journey. I have learned the importance of actively listening to drive clarity and action. Another skill I have been working on and continuing to develop is intentional. It is crucial to make decisions and lead our team on purpose. I found that I could create a transparent environment that makes people feel good and have the right to do the best work for our clients.
How has your leadership style changed throughout your career?
Early in my career, I was very hands-on and focused on execution. Don’t get me wrong, I’m the first person who still jumps in and wants to do it sometimes. But, through guidance and development, I learned that greater success comes from the strength of the delegation, trusting my team, and focusing more on strategic direction than on weeds. I also have a greater understanding of the human aspect of leadership and focus on how culture, morale and mentality can succeed every day.
As a leader, what are the challenges that will bring you to the evening?
Talent retention and ensuring that our team feels supported and inspired is always first and foremost. I also considered how we can continue to grow into a business, how we innovate, keep industry trends and bring value to our customers. Ultimately, our success is measured by the communities we serve. If we don’t consistently find ways to meet their needs, solve their challenges and connect them to meaningful experiences, then we lack value.
Which female leaders inspired you the most?
There are a lot of amazing female leaders, so I only choose some to talk about. Outside our industry, Brené Brown has done incredible work around vulnerability and courageous leadership. Over the years, I have been taught to stop emotions and not to show what is really going on inside. When I finally discovered that vulnerability and brave leadership might be my superpower, it helped me connect with more people. It’s like I lifted the weight for me and I became a strong leader.
Closer to our industry, Angela Scalpello, I’m sure many of you know they are the guiding force in my own leadership journey. She helped me to increase my sense of self, acknowledge how I showed up for the team and lead with greater intentions. She helped me define my leadership style with my own values and strengths. Ultimately, she helped me think about culture and team dynamics. Most importantly, our relationship started with a meeting at a dinner party at Stamford and has incorporated a great, supportive friendship that I have benefited greatly from all the ups and downs I face in my life.
How does mentoring help you become a leader today?
Guidance has always been priceless. Not only did I develop my leadership skills, I also found my voice on the table across the industry. I learned a lot from formal mentors and peers and I realized it wasn’t just the advice you provided. It’s about guiding creating spaces that allow you to reach your potential, challenge your thinking and build confidence in decision making. Now, I think it is my responsibility to guide others by coaching Clarion and others in the industry.
Can you share suggestions for aspiring female leaders at a conference?
Have your voice. Nan Walsh taught me a few years ago when she told me that I was in a meeting for a reason and she wanted to hear from me. Don’t wait for permission to speak, prepare for meetings and board conversations, and be confident. Be prepared, be concise, ask the right questions. Show you that you participate in the conversation and learn openly. Most importantly, support the other women in the room. The more we improve each other, the stronger we all become.
