Across the global exhibition industry, leadership roles—particularly at the CEO and executive level—remain predominantly held by men. While this imbalance exists worldwide, it is often more pronounced in Latin America, where cultural norms, structural barriers, and limited access to executive networks have historically slowed women’s advancement to top decision-making positions.
Industry-adjacent studies across Latin America consistently show that women are underrepresented in senior leadership, board positions, and C-suite roles. Even in sectors where women make up a significant portion of the workforce, executive leadership remains largely male. Compared to Europe and North America, the path to senior leadership for women in Latin America is often steeper and less linear.
Yet, despite these challenges, the region is experiencing a clear shift. In the exhibition and events industry, a growing number of women are leading associations, major venues, logistics companies, and international sales operations—reshaping how the industry evolves both regionally and globally.
A Changing Leadership Landscape
Latin America’s exhibition sector is highly dynamic, international by nature, and deeply connected to global markets. This environment has created opportunities for women leaders to emerge—often through resilience, long-term industry experience, and strong international engagement.
The following leaders exemplify how Latin American women are not only reaching senior positions, but also influencing strategy, growth, and global integration across the exhibition ecosystem.
Leaders Driving Impact Across the Industry
Ana María Arango — Connecting Latin America to the Global Industry
As Regional Director for Central and South America and Sponsorship & Partnerships Director at UFI, Ana María Arango plays a key role in strengthening the connection between Latin American markets and the global exhibition community. Her work supports regional development, international collaboration, and greater visibility for Latin American organizers, venues, and suppliers within the global industry.
Her leadership reflects the importance of regional representation at a global level—ensuring that Latin America is not only participating, but contributing strategically to industry growth.
Mariane Ewbank — Leadership in a Traditionally Male-Dominated Segment
With over 30 years of experience, Mariane Ewbank has built a distinguished career in exhibition logistics—one of the most operationally complex and traditionally male-dominated areas of the industry. As a partner at Fulstandig and former President of the International Exhibition Logistics Association (IELA)—the first woman to hold that position—she set a milestone for female leadership in global exhibition logistics.
Currently serving as International Director at UBRAFE, she continues to strengthen international partnerships and professional standards for Brazil’s exhibition industry.
Claudia Coelho — Commercial Strategy at Scale
As Commercial Director of Expo Center Norte, one of Latin America’s largest and most active exhibition venues, Claudia Coelho leads commercial strategy, client relationships, and long-term growth initiatives. Her background spans hospitality, consulting, and venue management, giving her a strong business-oriented perspective on large-scale event infrastructure.
Her role underscores a broader trend: women increasingly leading revenue-focused, strategic positions within major exhibition venues.
Patricia Acosta — Institutional Leadership and Industry Development
In Colombia, Patricia Acosta serves as President of AIFEC, the national association representing the exhibition and convention industry, while also acting as Director of the International Security Trade Show (ESS+), one of the region’s most established sector-specific exhibitions.
Her dual leadership role highlights the growing presence of women at both the institutional and operational levels—shaping policy, professionalization, and economic impact within national exhibition markets.
Annelize Hochmann Passos — Global Sales and International Representation
As Global Sales Director at Diper Exhibitions and IFES Ambassador for Latin America, Annelize Hochmann Passos represents Latin America within the global exhibition services network. Her work focuses on international business development, cross-border projects, and positioning Latin American companies as competitive partners in global exhibition markets.
Her role reflects a key industry evolution: Latin American women increasingly operating at global scale, bridging regional expertise with international standards and expectations.
Progress, Performance, and the Road Ahead
While men continue to hold the majority of CEO and top executive roles, data across Latin America indicates steady progress in women’s participation in senior management. Research consistently links diverse leadership teams with improved decision-making, stronger financial performance, and greater innovation—outcomes that are particularly relevant in a global, client-driven industry like exhibitions.
The exhibition industry thrives on connection, collaboration, and global reach. As more women step into leadership roles across Latin America, they are not only closing gender gaps—they are strengthening the industry’s ability to grow, adapt, and compete internationally.
Conclusion
The rise of women leaders in Latin America’s exhibition industry is not a trend—it is a structural shift. These leaders demonstrate that experience, strategic vision, and global engagement are redefining leadership across the region.
For the global exhibition industry, supporting and recognizing this evolution is not just a matter of representation—it is a business advantage.
