Amplifying your voice at the C-suite: insights from Cornelia Horner, CMP

As an events professional, how do you actively add value to your company and lead growth and development? Many struggle with getting their creative voice heard at the top level. We asked events executive, Cornelia Horner, CMP, for some advice on leadership and professional growth in the meetings and events industry. Horner is Chief Operating Officer for the American Land Title Association (ALTA). Read below for some of her expert insights.

1. What steps did you take to achieve a career in executive leadership?

   There are a number of things that I have done to help develop my leadership skills. Most notably, raising my hand when I can. I have volunteered in a number of roles both in the meetings industry and in my local community including serving as the president of MPI’s Potomac Chapter, which had more than 1,000 members at the time. Being in a volunteer role allows you to grow and develop leadership skills in a safe environment. I also think it’s very important to "work out loud." So many meeting professionals are busy getting things done, and they don’t talk about how important their role is to their organization. You need to be able to communicate that in a way that people in the C-suite will understand to make them care.

2. How would you describe your leadership style?

   I like to think of my style as open and collaborative. I welcome feedback and ideas from my team and want them to grow professionally.

3. What current trends do you think will majorly affect the meetings and events industry moving forward?

   I think there will be a continued focus on how we can make the attendee experience more personalized. We aren’t just competing with other live events, we are also competing for people’s experiences against companies like Netflix and Amazon.

4. How has your CMP certification impacted your career?

   I sat for my CMP as soon as I was eligible, since I had made a career change and felt it would give me a level of respect with contract negotiations. I discovered that there was so much more to it that gave me broader industry knowledge, so I was prepared to move into other jobs when the time came.

5. What advice do you have for up-and-coming professionals that are looking to have their voice heard by the C-Suite?

   Understand how your role fits with the overall mission of your company and be able to communicate that value.