Claire Connects

An icon in our industry and a woman who is madly respected around the globe for her viewpoints on creating an industry that is sustainable in every sense of the word, this is Claire. She continues to champion an industry that is changing the world, one event at a time. Claire has quietly mentored many women in our industry, and a few men too, because she is open to everyone making our industry better and always has time for the conversations that allow for growth. Her understanding of the complex needs of clients across organizations and associations of all sizes has continued to build on a foundation of understanding and knowledge that serves the needs of planners globally and is information she shares readily with colleagues internationally. As the current chair of PCMA (2018) and the first woman and the first supplier partner in this role, she has continued to act as a beacon for ideas that raise the profile of both association and more importantly, our industry. As a human being she has endless compassion for puppies and empathy for friends and colleagues and is always ready for an open conversation about how she can help someone directly or connect the dots to help solve a challenge. All of this makes her sound very serious, but don’t worry – she also knows how to have fun and is always up for an adventure and a good laugh. I feel fortunate to have had Claire as an early mentor and appreciate today how she continues to find time for travel, work, wine and friends and inspires others to do the same.