Vice-President / Coach
Women in Exhibitions
Sonia Thomas is VP of Women in Exhibitions (WiE) International. Women in Exhibitions is a professional network that focuses on supporting and empowering women working in the exhibition industry. This network provides a platform for networking, mentorship, knowledge sharing and career development opportunities for women at all levels in the industry. By fostering connections and providing resources, Women in Exhibitions aims to advance the careers of women professionals, and create a more inclusive and supportive environment for everyone.
Sonia is also a fully qualified executive and team coach, and a consultant for the events and exhibition industry. She is a lecturer in international human resources management, and is a startup coach for HEC Business School (EMSIE program).
Until March 2021 she was Chief Operating Officer at UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, where she spent 15 years in total. She has a Bachelor (Hons) in Hospitality Management and a Masters in Coaching. She is also certified by the London School of Economics in Inclusive Leadership.
Sonia was born in Northern Ireland and lives in Paris. She is married with two children.
Date

Co-created with Women in Exhibitions International & Women in Exhibitions DACH
The exhibitions and events sector faces significant challenges in advancing diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), and in promoting female leadership. Protectionist policies and restrictive immigration laws can hinder DEI, while demographic shifts can add further strain. And the rise of the gig economy, though offering flexibility, often leaves women in precarious roles with limited career progression opportunities. Initial industry research by Women in Exhibitions (WiE), in partnership with Clarasys, highlights systemic barriers to women’s career advancement.
Learning outcomes:
Increase your awareness of the DEI challenges facing the exhibitions and events industry
Gain insights from WiE industry research
Understand the systemic barriers to women’s career advancement