Carina Bauer

2018: CEO of IMEX. Industry Icon. Mother, wife, daughter, friend. No matter how you describe Carina, what you will find when you meet her is a woman who is curious, thoughtful, encouraging and forward thinking. She is unfailingly pleasant, even when the line up for coffee is thousands of people long, as we moved with the throngs entering the IMEX18 trade show floor to head for the Colombia stand where insiders know the best coffee is to be had.

Carina and their team have led the industry forward in big issues including sustainability, legacy, women in leadership, mindfulness, and more through example, one show at a time. They have collaborated with every major industry organization in myriad ways through on-site partnerships at many shows including bringing the world together at both IMEX shows so we can all make the most of our time together. There has been ample shared research covering issues facing all of us which make us stronger moving forward as we show our place in the value chain across industries.

Just as importantly, they have built a team of people who want to work together to grow collectively and who know the value of hard work plus the value of fun at work, on the show floor and in life. Carina has an unwavering curiosity that manifests itself in her approach to life, to every conversation and to being the best leader she can be, and we are all richer for it. As this IMEX winds down, I already look forward to the next iteration.

2020: Now that I have experienced the power of Carina in her role as the SITE Foundation President, it has only reinforced the power of a leader who listens, has humility and deeply cares about all aspects of the MICE Industry. Carina understands that Partnerships with Purpose are critical for all of us to grow forward, and that we need to understand our symbiosis and reliance on each other – no matter how we ‘label’ our buyers and supplier partners – we are in this together. now more than ever.

All of us are suffering from the challenges of postponements and cancellations, and none of us could have imagined that IMEX would be one of the first to fall victim to this virus, changing for many of us what is the rhythm of our year. The thoughtfulness and grace that this was done with once again set a benchmark for all of us.

Sustainability has never been just a word to IMEX, it has been an approach. Their focus on Nature and the very fast creation of #PlanetIMEX has been phenomenal to watch, and they have indeed lived up to one of their presenter’s tenets. In the words of Robert Dunsmore they have delivered Extreme Sustainability, Accessibility and Likeability. Bravo.

We have also learned that in addition to her leadership awesomeness, she is also a mom, at home with her farmily. Next time you see here, ask about Carina’s incredible cake baking capabilities and competitive nature in the neighborhood bake-offs! We look forward to seeing how this cake competition becomes a featured event when we are serving food to guests again!

We look forward to the closing of PlanetIMEX with our first Virtual SITE NITE Europe which benefits the SITE Foundation with our 2020 President Carina- see you there!