Shattering the Glass Ceiling: Strategies for Women to Reach Senior Leadership Roles   

Are you ready to break through barriers and claim your seat at the leadership table? Despite women’s invaluable contributions to the events industry, the path to the C-suite remains challenging, with only 32% of women holding executive committee, director, and board positions. 

 Join us for an eye-opening hour that will arm you with the tools to reach new heights in your career: 

• Inspiring stories from trailblazing women who’ve navigated the path to senior positions 

• Practical strategies and guidance to overcome gender-based obstacles and advance your career 

• Connect with like-minded professionals determined to rewrite the leadership playbook 

Our panel of accomplished leaders will share their hard-won wisdom, offering a roadmap to success that’s both practical and motivating. Join us in fostering a more diverse and inclusive leadership landscape in the events industry. Your participation could be the first step toward reshaping the future of executive representation. 

Meet the Speakers

HOST

Tammy Moore, CMP, CMM PCMA Event Leadership Institute | Senior Director, Product Innovation

Tammy Moore, CMP, CMM, is a leader in events and education with 22+ years of experience. As Senior Director of Product Innovation at PCMA Event Leadership Institute, she drives learning initiatives that empower professionals. She holds CMP and CMM certifications.

At KPMG US, Tammy led teams managing $100M+ in event spend and streamlining processes for 120 professionals. Her leadership fostered collaboration, achieving high retention and internal mobility rates.

Tammy teaches Advanced Event Design & Strategy for the Event Leadership Institute. Recognized for strategic vision, she has led initiatives like KPMG Lakehouse, a $450M innovation center, showcasing her commitment to professional growth and development.

MODERATOR

Sherron Washington, MA, Founder and CEO, The P3 Solution; PCMA ELI Instructor 

Sherron Washington is a seasoned marketing and communication expert with over two decades of experience. As the founder and CEO of The P3 Solution, a Washington, DC-based marcomm firm, she specializes in simple, results-driven strategies and training. A sought-after speaker, author, and facilitator, Sherron blends strategy, learning theory, and technology to create impactful marketing solutions.

A natural connector, she excels at fostering authentic interactions that generate synergy and growth opportunities. Known for her energetic and engaging presence, she inspires audiences to embrace clear, effective communication that drives meaningful engagement and results.

PANELIST

Michelle Allgauer, CAE, CMM, CMP, Senior Vice President, Education and Engagement, Financial Services Institute, Inc. (FSI) 

Michelle is a respected leader in education, engagement, and association management with 30+ years of experience in professional development, events, and strategy. As SVP of Education & Engagement at the Financial Services Institute (FSI), she leads meetings, educational programs, and marketing to equip financial professionals for success.

A champion for women in leadership, Michelle has thrived in male-dominated industries, transitioning from hotel management to senior association roles. She has served on destination advisory boards and the Events Industry Council’s CMP Governance Commission and holds a Bachelor of Science from Ithaca College.

Passionate about fostering inclusive leadership, Michelle empowers the next generation of women to lead and succeed.

PANELIST

Marni Puente, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, SAIC 

Marni Puente drives SAIC’s marketing strategy across defense, space, civilian, and intelligence markets. With 25 years of experience at organizations like KPMG, Accenture, and Booz Allen Hamilton, she excels in shaping innovative, results-driven marketing programs. Marni is known for building high-performing teams, leading insights-driven innovation, and aligning marketing strategies with business goals.

She holds a Master’s in Communication Management from Towson University and a bachelor’s from Johns Hopkins. Passionate about inclusion, Marni advocates for women and individuals with disabilities, has served as a National Delegate for Vision 2020, and held leadership roles in diversity-focused groups. She sits on the boards of Autism Speaks and the Cape Henlopen Education Foundation. Outside of work, she enjoys Rehoboth Beach with her two sons and dog, Molly.

PANELIST

Robin Preston, CEM, DES Managing Director, Events, The American Institute of Architects (AIA); 2025 PCMA Board Member

Robin Preston is a highly accomplished events industry professional, known for her passion, energy, and ability to deliver exceptional results. With a proven track record of leadership, she has successfully managed teams of 25+ employees, overseen multi-million-dollar budgets, and developed effective event strategies. Her expertise in event production is evident in her successful delivery of more than 450 events, ranging from intimate gatherings to conferences with 18,000+ attendees, all marked by her through attention to detail and strategic planning.  

Over nearly three decades, Robin has made significant contributions to the industry by serving on various Boards of Directors, participating in customer advisory boards for DMOs and CVBs, speaking at numerous professional events, and mentoring individuals who have gone on to successful careers. Her dynamic leadership style and unwavering commitment to excellence continues to drive her success in the business events industry. 

PANELIST

Dionne Bishop, CSEP, Founder and CEO, Events by Dionne, Inc.  

Dionne Bishop is an award-winning event planner, recognized with the 2023 Smart Women in Meetings Award and the 2022 MPI Toronto Planner Member of the Year accolades. With over 20 years of experience in the event and marketing industries, Dionne founded Events by Dionne Inc. She has planned corporate and social events across major markets in Canada and the United States, collaborating with esteemed organizations such as Road To Racing Canada, Canadian Independent Music Association, The Maven Collaborative, Lifelong Crush and Everest Funeral Concierge.  

Dionne’s commitment to the industry extends beyond her role as an Event Strategist by serving as the Secretary of the Board for the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO). Additionally, Dionne has held leadership positions, including President and Gala Chair of the International Live Events Association (ILEA) Toronto Chapter. She has been actively involved in Destination Toronto and the Black in Events Network. Her dedication to excellence and industry advancement continues to significantly impact the Canadian events landscape.