Laura Shapiro elected as the New President of Exhibitions UK

The UK chapter of a global network of women working in exhibits, Women in Exhibitions UK, has named Laura Shapiro of CloserStill Media as its new president.

Philippa Christer, portfolio director at Montgomery Group, was replaced by Laura, portfolio director of CloserStill Media. She will guide the network in its goal to support the next generation of female leaders and empower women in the exhibition sector.

“I am delighted to be taking over the reins of Women in Exhibitions UK along with senior board members Emma Barrett from Broadway Events and Rachel Swann, the COO of DMG. I want to be able to help steer, promote, and develop the next generation of women in this industry,” said Laura.

With more than ten years of expertise in the exhibition business, Laura is also a member of the UK Organisers Working Groups and the Association of Event Organisers (AEO) Development Board.

She will guide Women in Exhibitions UK into the next phase of the chapter's development through ongoing year-round networking events, training, and an educational calendar for members. Laura also serves as a mentor for the chapter's mentoring program, which uplifts and supports the professional development of women in the business.

In February 2020, Women in Exhibitions UK officially debuted. In addition to individual members, it currently has corporate members such as Clarion Events, Montgomery Group, CloserStill Media, FESPA, Mark Allen Group, DMG Events, GES, Messe Frankfurt, ExCeL London, the NEC, and more.