Confidence, visibility and authenticity take center stage in this live recording of Meetings Today’s podcast Dare to Interrupt. From navigating career challenges and leading with courage to advancing neuroinclusion, belonging and communication that inspires change, powerhouse women share unfiltered stories and strategies shaping the future of the meetings, hospitality and tourism industries.

Learning outcomes:

Explore strategies for building unshakable confidence and communicating your unique value in high-stakes professional environments

Apply principles of neuroinclusion and belonging to create environments where diverse perspectives drive innovation and psychological safety

Construct a personal approach to brave leadership by integrating resilience, authenticity and strategic visibility into your career path

This session is approved for the following certifications.

* ICCA Skills Domain CICS/CICE: Module 7: Building the Value and Impact of the Convention Industry, 1.0 credits

What does it take for high-achieving professionals to thrive without burning out? Yush joins moderator Ryan Hill to explore the 2e profile, a mix of extraordinary strengths and hidden challenges often found in creative, high-pressure industries like events.
Unpack why so many professionals struggle to set boundaries, how to spot the early signs of strength overuse, and how a neurodivergent lens can reveal strategies that support everyone. Expect relatable stories, science-backed insights and practical takeaways all designed to help us rethink inclusion from the inside out. Bring your questions and experiences to share.

As younger audiences increasingly question why they should leave home for experiences they could access online, the answer lies in creating immersive storytelling experiences that make attendees feel part of something unique and different, something they can't experience at home alone or in the digital world.

Draw on cultural traditions to foster deeper connections, boost satisfaction and create memorable experiences that keep attendees returning. Guided by neuroscience insights and human-centric design experts, experience some of these cultural traditions while learning how to adapt them for their own events. Leave equipped with practical tactics to design events that are more resilient, human-centered and compelling.

Learning outcomes:

Design for emotional connection and resilience

Implement neuroscience-backed engagement strategies

Draw inspiration from global cultural traditions

This session is approved for the following certifications.

* ICCA Skills Domain CICS/CICE: Module 7: Building the Value and Impact of the Convention Industry, 0.50 credits

* CSEP Approved

Surface-level fixes won’t solve burnout or disconnection. Most event professionals - and their attendees - are masking, performing just to fit in. That hidden cost drains energy, stifles creativity, and weakens ROI.

Rethinking inclusion from the inside out begins with a shift from conditional to unconditional acceptance. When people feel safe to show up authentically, masking gives way to belonging and engagement, innovation, and connection follow.

In this interactive workshop, you’ll experience how nervous system safety and neurodivergent-informed design replace performance with authenticity. Together, we’ll explore strategies that transform event culture today and future-proof human connection in an AI era.

Learning outcomes:

Recognize how masking and strengths overuse fuel burnout for event professionals and weaken engagement at events

Experience a simple nervous system reset that restores focus and energy and learn how micro-practices like this can be integrated into event design

Apply neurodivergent-informed strategies to design psychological safety and authentic connection

This session is approved for the following certifications.

* ICCA Skills Domain CICS/CICE: Module 7: Building the Value and Impact of the Convention Industry, 0.75 credits

* CMP/CEU Approved: Domain F: Talent Management, 0.75 credits

In a world of rapid change—socially, technologically and politically—one principle holds true: people are at the heart of everything we create. So how do we design events and travel experiences that are truly accessible, relevant and empowering for everyone? US-based entrepreneurs with expertise in accessibility, neurodiversity, inclusive leadership and event design share how human-centered strategies are already transforming business models, leadership cultures and global collaboration—along with practical tools to apply these approaches across markets and regions.
Expect international best practices, inclusive planning tools and insights that go beyond checklists—helping you create events that foster belonging, innovation and resilience.

Learning outcomes:

Inclusive leadership is the new foundation for trust and innovation

Accessibility and neurodiversity are not trends—they're requirements

Belonging is not a coincidence—it’s intentionally designed

This session is approved for the following certifications.

* ICCA Skills Domain CICS/CICE: Module 7: Building the Value and Impact of the Convention Industry, 0.75 credits

* CMP/CEU Approved: Domain C: Sustainability and Social Impact Plan, 0.75 credits

* CSEP Approved

Experience first-hand the power of Story-Sharing™, powered by the Wheel of Belonging™. You'll be introduced to a deeply connective method that builds empowerment, relationships, teams and shared understanding. Leave inspired to find belonging for yourself and design it for others, using your personalized Wheel of Belonging report and the Belonging Playbook.

Learning outcomes:

Experience the Story-Sharing method for making new meaningful connections

Use the Wheel of Belonging for team building and to capture story data

Gain insights to guide your event strategies and design

This session is approved for the following certifications.

* ICCA Skills Domain CICS/CICE: Module 3: Destination Promotion, 0.50 credits

* CSEP Approved