Amanda Armstrong is the senior vice president of communications and industry relations at Encore. Her career spans senior planning roles at Enterprise Rent-A-Car before joining Encore, with a wealth of operational and strategic experience. She also led Meeting Professionals International (MPI) as chair of the international board of directors. At Encore, she has been instrumental in driving initiatives around diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DE&IB). She also contributed to the company's recent certification as a Great Place to Work in seven regions. Central to Armstrong's role is advocating for a healthier work-life balance within the events industry. "If I could wave a magic wand, it would be to eliminate the stress of event planning while preserving the thrill of execution," she stated. She believes that although technology will continue to play a significant role in shaping events, the essence of in-person connections will prevail. Encore's commitment to nurturing talent is evident through its internal programs like Encore University. Another example is its WAVE (Women in Audio, Visual, and Events) program, which is aimed at creating more inclusive opportunities within the traditionally male-dominated AV field. Its focus on career pathing reflects a growing awareness of workforce retention challenges. It is keenly aware of the evolving expectations of professionals seeking a rewarding career journey. Armstrong stressed the importance of illustrating a clear career trajectory. Furthermore, she believes providing a fair, equitable, and fulfilling work environment is essential to attracting new talent. Reinforcing her belief in continuous learning, she encourages event professionals to become "ever learners," remaining open and adaptable to change. As Armstrong looks ahead, she envisions events that break the mold of traditional formats. To do this, she prioritizes personalized attendee experiences and embraces the unpredictability of human nature. Ultimately, she's driven to ensure every event fosters a sense of belonging, reflecting Encore's ethos for its clients and employees. Armstrong is committed to improving the industry's standards for event professionals and participants. Subscribe to ensure you don't miss an episode of the Skift Meetings Podcast. Skift Meetings is defining the future of business events. Visit our website for the latest news, reports, reviews, and events.