Here's how you can move from an entry-level role to a leadership position in Conference Organization.

Leadership is the art of navigating not just your own course, but also inspiring others. It is important to have the knowledge of leadership, I have come across many seniors and colleagues who are experts in their own area of event management but are not capable of being leaders, they would do best of best in their capacity when it comes to event planning but often lack leadership qualities. Gaining expertise in ways of leadership is important. I am currently on the same path, hoping to be a great leader some day :)

Networking is super important in the conference/meetings/event industry. Building a strong professional network and connections will allow you to be seen, access insights and information otherwise won’t be available elsewhere.

Soft skill development is ever evolving, learning ways to be empathetic and a good listener is helping me. I have recently started to learn more about the newer trends in leadership and often it is said that a leader cannot achieve their vision without other people's contributions. It's a leader's ability to motivate and collaborate with people that helps them to deliver that vision. Effective leadership relies on people skills, but this relies on an organizational climate of trust and confidence. Hence, develop self, develop all.

Actively participating in team meetings can be taken to the next step, by offering to lead a presentation, and discussing project requirements and processes with the rest of the team, offering new ideas and sparking new discussions and collaborations within the team!

Enthusiasm is very high at the beginning of the new project but it is a leader who guides their team till the end and equip them with the right tools to get there. Adaptability is an essential discipline for leaders, introducing and delivering the vision will require new stance, processes and roles and time for adjustment. I am learning how and when to adjust focus, and embracing change.

My learning from various sources including the L&D that I undertake in my organization, I have learnt that there has been an enormous shift in attitudes towards leadership. The effective leaders of today and tomorrow will consult, collaborate and distribute their power in order to get the best from themselves, their people, and the organization as a whole. As a leader I know that it is intimidating to the people I lead but I am learning the ways and taking steps to mitigate that. :)