Research has shown strong evidence of the under-representation of women in leadership positions in across industries and borders, and despite the outsized role women play in the meetings space, there is a gender equity and leadership gap that needs further exploration, according to researchers at High Point University and the University of South Florida.

The universities plan to do a quantitative survey of top meeting and event industry association members to establish if there are specific barriers for women in leadership roles and to assess the impact of these barriers on employee outcomes.

Take the survey here.

It is widely known that women earn lower pay, experience less career development and are offered less training and advancement opportunities. This research will assess the career barriers women face in the event industry and investigate its impact on employees’ attitudes and behavior. Participants will benefit by sharing their experiences about the current barriers that exist in the meeting and event industry.

The data will be collected using online surveys based on Qualtrics software platform. Participants will complete a survey online, and should take about 15 minutes to complete. Survey participants will be placed in a drawing to win free registration to MPI’s Women in Leadership: Executive Skills Certificate Program - Break Down the Bias and the Barriers.

"Not only is it important that the event industry serves all people equitably, we have a responsibility as industry leaders to ensure equitable opportunities for leadership advancement for all people within the events industry."

“As you can imagine this research is timely and deeply important,” said Dr. Brianna Clark, an assistant professor at High Point University. “Not only is it important that the event industry serves all people equitably, we have a responsibility as industry leaders to ensure equitable opportunities for leadership advancement for all people within the events industry.”

And now is a precarious time for events-based research. “A great deal of event management research is being placed on hold due to the inability for events to occur. Our research can advance the knowledge of the industry,” said Dr. Jessica Wiitala, an assistant professor at High Point University.

Related certificate course: Women in Leadership: Executive Skills

Participants must be at least 18 years of age and be employed in the event and/or meeting industry for at least 12 months to be eligible. MPI will raffle one free tuition to an upcoming Women in Leadership certificate course for a randomly selected survey participant.

Click here to participate.

If you have questions, concerns or complaints, please contact Dr. Trishna Mistry, Assistant Professor, University of South Florida at trishna@usf.edu; Dr. Brianna Clark, Assistant Professor, High Point University at bclark1@highpoint.edu; or Dr. Jessica Wiitala, Assistant Professor, High Point University, at jwiitala@highpoint.edu.