LEADERSHIP LAB

About

In August 2024, a group of ESCA members gathered around a shared vision to empower the next generation of leaders in the exhibitions and events industry. That spark became the ESCA Rising Leaders Committee, a place where passion met purpose.

These leaders poured their time and expertise into building a community where young professionals and newcomers could grow, connect, and thrive. While the Rising Leaders Summit provides in-person learning and skill-building, the new Leadership Lab webinar series was born to offer a year-round space for sharing ideas, exploring trends, and gaining practical guidance.

November 2025

Navigating the Top 4 Current HR Challenges: Retention, Compliance, Benefits, and AI

The HR landscape continues to evolve at record speed — and employers are feeling the pressure to keep up. From attracting and retaining top talent to navigating new compliance mandates and adapting to benefit plan changes, 2026 is shaping up to be a defining year for HR leaders.

What this session covers:

  • Employee attraction and retention best practices
  • Common employment compliance issues
  • Benefit plan updates, including 401(k) plans and GLP-1 medications
  • Employee use of Artificial Intelligence

📢 Speakers:

• Griffen Wilson, Vice President of HR, Employco USA

• Jason Eisenhut, Vice President, Employco USA

Key takeaways
October 2025

A Tale of Two Politics: An Advocacy Update from ECA

“It was the best of times. It was the worst of times.” Policy and political developments continue to significantly impact the industry, both positively and negatively. What’s the latest from Capitol Hill? What should ESCA members expect going forward? How can you get involved? Join Tommy Goodwin, Executive Vice President of the ESCA-supported Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance (ECA), as he shares the latest news from Washington, D.C. on the 4 “Ts” impacting the industry: taxes, talent, tariffs, and travel.

📢 Speakers:

• Tommy Goodwin, Executive Vice President, ECA

• Rachel Rodean, Director of Education & Events, ESCA

Key takeaways
September 2025

Closing the Loop: The Path to Sustainable Events

Sustainability is reshaping the trade show and events industry, moving from a trend to a business imperative. This session will explore how to shift from a linear model of consumption and waste to a circular approach that maximizes resources, reduces environmental impact, and boosts efficiency. An industry leader will share the current state of sustainability, areas of progress, and persistent challenges. You’ll learn strategies for waste reduction, zero-waste goal setting, and designing sustainable event spaces—plus how these efforts can enhance client decisions and brand reputation. Leave with practical steps to help your organization build a more sustainable future.

📢 Speakers:

• Elizabeth Fretheim, VP of Sustainability, Freeman

• Will Estes, Sustainability Manager, Emerald Carpets

Key takeaways