WOMEN IN EXHIBITIONS
Laura Shapiro knows she is lucky to work for an exhibition organiser with a 50:50 gender split on its board .
Moreover CloserStill Media , where she has propelled through the ranks in the past 11 years and is now portfolio director has 55 % women to 45 % men across the company as a whole .
However Shapiro recognises that there are discrepancies across the industry where “ the maths does not stack up ”. Just 15 % of CEOs are female – whereas 80 % of entry level positions are held by women .
Women in Exhibitions ( WIE ): a membership body that supports and empowers women throughout their
Laura Shapiro
Presidential address
careers in events and exhibitions was launched five years ago to redress the balance and empower , invest in , and nurture women .
Women in Exhibitions president Laura Shapiro talks to Emily Wallin about her hopes for the organisation and dreams of a more inclusive industry
“ Tell them you advocate for women , you are aware that there is a problem and aware that you have to keep on your toes about it ”
Shapiro joined WIE with a drive to improve her own career- but having now progressed to president she wants to champion the careers of many more women .
“ I wanted to be mentored ,” she says of the decision to initially get involved . I still want to be mentored , but now I want to be mentored by CEOs . How do I go from where I am , to being a CEO and actually , I don ’ t know that yet .”
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