Cristina Lowenfeld, CMP, CMM

I attribute my success to a combination of mindset and collaboration. I’ve always been a naturally positive and optimistic person, and I strive to bring that energy into everything I do. Maintaining a calm, steady presence, especially under pressure, has been critical in this role and helps me navigate challenges effectively.

Equally important has been surrounding myself with the right people. I recognize that no one has all the answers, and I place a high value on learning from others and building strong, supportive partnerships. By fostering a collaborative environment and working with people who bring diverse strengths and perspectives, I’m able to contribute to outcomes that are stronger and more impactful than any one individual effort.

The best career advice I’ve received is to actively seek out opportunities that push me beyond my comfort zone. Stepping into unfamiliar situations fosters growth, expands your skill set, and introduces you to new people and perspectives. While not every experience will be the perfect fit, each one helps you better understand your strengths and interests, and sometimes leads you to opportunities you may not have otherwise considered. Discomfort often signals that you’re learning and evolving, so it’s important to embrace those moments.

Another piece of advice that has stayed with me is to take each day as it comes. Challenging days are inevitable, but dwelling on them can carry that negativity forward. I’ve found it’s more productive to acknowledge the experience, learn from it, and move forward with a fresh perspective. Approaching each day with intention and a focus on making the most of it has been key to maintaining both resilience and balance.

My advice to young women entering this industry is to prioritize building and nurturing your network. Be proactive about connecting with others, seek out conversations, attend events, and don’t be afraid to put yourself in situations that feel a bit outside your comfort zone. Those experiences are often where the most meaningful growth and learning happen.

While technical knowledge and expertise are important, success is often driven by a combination of what you know and the relationships you build along the way. Expanding your network not only opens doors to opportunities but also creates a strong support system you can lean on throughout your career.

I’ve seen firsthand, both through my own experience and as a mentor, how impactful networking can be. Whether through digital platforms or in-person events, making those connections can significantly accelerate growth and confidence. Ultimately, investing in your network and building a supportive community around you is incredibly valuable.

I would say one of the biggest challenges in the event industry today is effectively managing stakeholder expectations. Our work is often shaped by a range of constraints, whether related to time, location, budget, or broader external factors such as economic or regional dynamics. Navigating these variables requires not only careful planning, but also a strong emphasis on communication.

Clear, consistent communication is truly at the heart of success in this field. Setting expectations early, aligning on priorities from the outset, and proactively communicating any changes along the way are essential to keeping stakeholders informed and engaged. When everyone has a shared understanding of what’s possible, it creates a stronger foundation for collaboration.

Ultimately, when expectations are thoughtfully managed and communication is handled with transparency and confidence, teams are better positioned to achieve successful outcomes. It ensures that stakeholders feel supported and aligned throughout the process, leading to more positive experiences and stronger overall results.

The values that matter most to me, both professionally and personally, are honesty and trust. I place a high value on transparency and open communication, and I appreciate working with individuals who are candid, whether it’s recognizing strong performance or offering constructive feedback. I strive to embody those same qualities, as I believe trust is built through consistency, integrity, and a willingness to have honest conversations.

Another core value for me is teamwork. While it may seem fundamental, I truly believe that collaboration is what drives the best outcomes. I enjoy working alongside others, leveraging different strengths and perspectives to achieve shared goals. Whether I’m directly contributing to a project or supporting colleagues along the way, fostering a collaborative, encouraging environment is something I deeply value and actively contribute to.