TSE 2026年度女性领袖聚焦Informa Markets活动经理Natasha Miles

CHICAGO — Our next 2026 Trade Show Executive (TSE) Women to Watch spotlight is on Natasha Miles, Event Manager at Informa Markets. 

Miles has been recognized as a future leader at her organization due to her unwavering determination, courage and hard work. 

We spoke with Miles about her passion for trade shows, her current role and how women in the events industry can find powerful mentorship opportunities.  

ANDREW: Can you tell us how you landed in the trade show industry and what has kept you here?  

NATASHA: My interest in event management began during college, though my initial vision of the industry centered around consumer events like weddings and festivals.  

To gain a deeper understanding of the profession, I pursued an evening Event Management course online while working. This program provided comprehensive insight into the field and solidified my commitment to pursuing this career path. 

During my job search, I discovered Informa (then operating as UBM). Although the company wasn’t initially on my radar, thorough research revealed it was a global leader in B2B events — exactly the type of organization where I wanted to develop my career. When a Senior Customer Service role became available, I recognized it as an excellent opportunity to enter the company and applied successfully. 

This position proved instrumental in my professional development. Working across all EMEA events, I gained comprehensive exposure to every facet of event operations, traveled extensively to shows throughout the region and collaborated with teams across all departments.  

This experience provided invaluable 360-degree insight into how large-scale trade shows are executed. 

Over five years in this role, I earned several promotions and steadily expanded my responsibilities.  

When an Event Manager position opened for The Battery Show, I was ready for the next step. Having built a strong working relationship with Event Director Robin Shelton through previous collaboration, I expressed my interest in the role.  

His enthusiasm about bringing me onto the team facilitated my transition into event management, marking my official entry into the trade show sector. 

The dynamic, fast-paced nature of bringing large-scale B2B events to life immediately resonated with me. The complexity, strategic importance and scale of trade shows aligned perfectly with my professional strengths and interests. 

What sustains my passion for this industry is the tangible impact of our work. Witnessing months of detailed planning result in successful connections between exhibitors and buyers — and knowing that real business outcomes stem from the platforms we create — is profoundly rewarding. The ability to facilitate partnerships, showcase innovation and contribute to industry advancement gives my work meaning beyond the operational execution. 

Additionally, the continuous evolution of the trade show industry, the strong relationships I’ve developed and the ongoing opportunities for professional growth have all reinforced my commitment to this sector.  

It’s a career that consistently challenges me while providing the satisfaction of contributing to meaningful business outcomes. 

ANDREW: What are some of the skills that have helped you move up in your organization, and how do you refine those skills?   

NATASHA: Several skills have been pivotal in my career advancement as an Event Manager, and I’ve found that they build upon each other in meaningful ways.  

Strategic thinking has been foundational, allowing me to move beyond pure execution to align events with broader business objectives and demonstrate clear ROI. This strategic perspective has been essential in positioning myself as a business partner rather than just an operational executor.  

Closely connected to this is stakeholder management, which has been critical for building trust and fostering collaboration across different departments. The ability to understand diverse perspectives and bring people together around shared goals has enabled me to deliver more impactful events and gain support for strategic initiatives.  

Adaptability and problem-solving have also been crucial, particularly given the unpredictable nature of events. These skills have given me the confidence to navigate challenges calmly and find creative solutions under pressure, which has been invaluable in building credibility with leadership.  

As I’ve progressed in my career, leadership abilities have become increasingly important.  

Moving from managing tasks to empowering teams has been a significant shift, and developing the skills to inspire, delegate effectively and create an environment where others can thrive has been essential to taking on greater responsibility. 

Data-driven decision making has strengthened my credibility considerably by allowing me to back recommendations with solid evidence rather than relying solely on intuition. This analytical approach, combined with strong communication skills, has been fundamental to gaining buy-in from stakeholders and influencing outcomes at all levels of the organization.  

It’s vital to continuously refine these skills through several deliberate practices. I pursue formal training and certifications, actively seek feedback from colleagues and leadership to identify blind spots, and conduct thorough post-event analysis to extract lessons learned.  

I also stay engaged with industry trends through professional networks and conferences, which keeps my approach fresh and informed.  

Ultimately, I’ve learned that continuous improvement and a willingness to step outside my comfort zone are essential to sustained career growth. Each skill reinforces the others, creating a foundation that has enabled me to take on increasingly strategic and impactful roles within the organization. 

ANDREW: What is your motivation to continue striving for excellence in your work? 

NATASHA: My motivation is deeply rooted in three interconnected commitments that define how I approach event management. 

First and foremost, I’m driven by ensuring our event doesn’t just succeed — it thrives. That means constantly pushing boundaries, anticipating industry shifts and positioning the event for sustainable, long-term growth.  

Excellence isn’t a one-time achievement; it’s the foundation that enables an event to evolve and remain relevant in an increasingly competitive landscape. 

Second, I’m motivated by the ambition to create an experience that’s truly unmissable. 

In today’s world, where professionals are selective about where they invest their time and resources, I want our event to be the one they cannot afford to miss — where the most important conversations happen, where critical connections are made and where the future of the industry takes shape. Achieving that level of significance requires unwavering commitment to quality in every detail, from content and programming to attendee experience and exhibitor value. 

Finally, I’m driven by establishing our event as a major fixture in the industry calendar — a date that people plan their year around. That kind of status isn’t given; it’s earned through consistent excellence, innovation and a deep understanding of what our community truly needs.  

When attendees mark our event in their calendars months in advance, when exhibitors prioritize it in their annual budgets and when it becomes a touchstone for industry trends — that’s when I know we’ve created something genuinely significant. 

Beyond these strategic goals, there’s something profoundly rewarding about seeing the tangible impact of our work. 

When exhibitors forge partnerships that transform their businesses, when attendees gain insights that shift their perspectives and when the industry benefits from the platform we’ve created — that’s what makes the pursuit of excellence worthwhile. It’s not just about executing an event; it’s about creating meaningful outcomes that ripple through the entire industry. 

Ultimately, my motivation comes from the opportunity to build something that matters —an event that doesn’t just occupy space in the market but defines it, that doesn’t just attract attendees but becomes essential to their professional success.  

That vision, and the responsibility that comes with it, drives me to maintain the highest standards in everything we do. 

ANDREW: How did you help lead The Battery Show Europe through a successful edition after COVID — and how did this experience challenge you/what did it teach you?  

NATASHA: Together with the show team, we positioned the relaunch as a celebration — an opportunity for the industry to reconnect after enforced separation. This experience reinforced that events succeed when they’re festivals of commercial discovery and networking, where the enjoyment factor drives business outcomes rather than detracts from them. 

The primary challenge was navigating a disrupted ecosystem. Many suppliers had closed, experienced professionals had left the industry and pre-pandemic service standards weren’t immediately achievable.  

This required honest expectation management — being transparent about limitations while demonstrating our ability to deliver value within realistic constraints. 

The lessons were invaluable: Authentic communication builds deeper stakeholder trust than overpromising, working within constraints drives creative problem-solving and in-person connection remains fundamental to meaningful business relationships.  

Successfully executing the relaunch validated that our industry can adapt and emerge stronger from significant disruption. 

Related. Meet the 2026 TSE Women to Watch: Alexandra Lombardo 

ANDREW: Could you describe your work as Event Manager for The Battery Show Europe 2026 and what you accomplished? 

NATASHA: As Event Manager for The Battery Show Europe 2026, my role focuses on building communities — among industry participants and within our teams. I view event management as fundamentally about creating connections that drive business outcomes and industry advancement. 

My work centers on cultivating strategic relationships with suppliers, industry organizations, associations and our show team. These partnerships are essential throughout the event cycle and enable seamless execution and enhanced value for attendees and exhibitors. 

I’m committed to continuous professional development, currently pursuing my Certified in Exhibition Management (CEM) credential while learning through peer collaboration and industry research. This ensures I bring current best practices and innovative approaches to our events. 

I support and execute the strategic vision set by senior leadership, translating high-level objectives into operational excellence that advances the show’s growth and impact within the battery and electric vehicle industry. 

My key accomplishment is fostering an environment where industry professionals can connect, learn and conduct business effectively — building a thriving community that creates lasting value beyond the show floor. 

ANDREW: What’s the toughest decision you’ve had to make in your role and how did you handle it?  

NATASHA: One of the most challenging periods in my career occurred when The Battery Show’s Event Director was unexpectedly taken ill, and I stepped into the role for an extended period. This wasn’t a single decision but a sustained test of leadership under pressure. 

I suddenly found myself managing upward on P&L expectations and strategic partnerships, overseeing feature developments and guiding multiple teams—Marketing, Operations, Content—while maintaining stability during an uncertain time. The challenge was compounded by the personal dimension: supporting a colleague and friend while ensuring stakeholders remained confident. 

I approached it through transparent communication, strategic prioritization and empowering team members to elevate their contributions. I also sought guidance from mentors, recognizing that asking for support demonstrates strength, not weakness. 

This experience allowed me to gain full insight into the responsibilities of the Event Director under challenging circumstances.  

It reinforced my confidence in handling complexity and pressure, and ultimately prepared me for greater leadership opportunities. 

ANDREW: How do you maintain a healthy work-life balance to avoid burnout? How do you encourage others to do the same?  

NATASHA: Balance in event management requires intentionality. I protect time for family and activities that recharge me, plan recovery periods after major events and recognize my own burnout warning signs early. I’ve learned that rest isn’t a luxury — it’s essential for sustained performance. 

I lead by example, genuinely disconnecting when I take time off and being mindful about communication timing. We as a team are encouraged to fully use our annual leave time and create space for honest conversations about workload.  

When someone is overwhelmed, we problem-solve together. I push back on unrealistic expectations when needed, because protecting the show team’s capacity is a strategic responsibility. After intense periods, I explicitly encourage rest.  

Sustainable high performance requires taking care of ourselves — it’s not optional, it’s essential. 

ANDREW: What do you think the next big thing in the events space is going to be?  

NATASHA: AI will undoubtedly transform our industry, but the challenge — and opportunity — lies in integrating these technologies in ways that enhance rather than replace human interaction.  

At our core, we facilitate face-to-face connections that drive business outcomes, so the question isn’t whether to adopt AI, but how to use it strategically to amplify the value of in-person engagement. 

I see two major developments shaping the future. First, intelligent personalization — using AI and data analytics to create more relevant, targeted experiences for attendees and exhibitors.  

This means smarter matchmaking, personalized content recommendations and predictive insights that help participants maximize their time and ROI. 

Second, curated networking is becoming essential. Attendees increasingly expect sophisticated tools that facilitate meaningful connections between buyers and sellers, moving beyond random encounters to strategic introductions.  

We’re investing in technologies and formats that refine these opportunities — whether through AI-powered matchmaking platforms, structured networking sessions or enhanced data that helps exhibitors identify and connect with their ideal prospects. 

The events that will thrive are those that seamlessly blend cutting-edge technology with the irreplaceable value of human connection, creating experiences that are both more efficient and more meaningful. 

ANDREW: What strategies have you found most effective for building a strong professional network within the trade show community? 

NATASHA: I would say building a strong professional network relies on three fundamental strategies: reliability, generosity and authentic connection. 

Be consistently reliable. In our industry, your reputation is your most valuable asset. Being someone who delivers on commitments 100% — meeting deadlines, following through, solving problems under pressure — makes you indispensable.  

When people know they can count on you, you become their first choice for collaboration and opportunities. Reliability builds the trust that underpins every strong professional relationship. 

Share expertise generously. Make yourself available to provide advice, guidance and support to colleagues.  

Help peers troubleshoot challenges, share lessons learned and connect people who could benefit from knowing each other. This generosity positions you as a valuable resource and builds lasting goodwill within the community. 

Foster genuine connections. Be sociable and inclusive — attend industry events, engage meaningfully and make efforts to include others. Build relationships across all levels: senior leaders, suppliers, venue staff and peers.  

Treat everyone with respect and genuine interest. The strongest networks are both broad and deep. 

Ultimately, effective networks are built on trust, mutual respect and authentic relationships. Focus on being someone people genuinely want to work with, and your network will grow organically. 

ANDREW: What role does mentorship play in your career development, and how can other women seek and cultivate these relationships? 

NATASHA: Mentorship has been crucial in my career, addressing knowledge gaps beyond formal training and helping me develop essential skills like commercial awareness and negotiation.  

Conversations with experienced professionals often reveal blind spots and provide perspectives that shift how you approach challenges. 

For women in male-dominated industries, accessing mentorship can be challenging due to fewer female leaders in senior roles.  

However, women are successfully creating support systems through industry groups and professional networks that provide mentorship, peer support and collective wisdom. 

I recommend three approaches: 

1. Formal mentors who provide guidance and help navigate career decisions based on their experience. 
2. Peer networks with other women facing similar challenges. These relationships often provide the most practical, real-time support. 
3. Sponsors — senior leaders who actively advocate for you when you’re not in the room. Unlike mentors who advise, sponsors use their influence to create opportunities and champion your advancement. This is often the most impactful relationship for career progression. 

To cultivate these relationships, be proactive: Reach out to people you admire, join women’s professional organizations, participate in industry associations and demonstrate your value consistently. Strong mentorship and sponsorship relationships are built on mutual respect and authentic connection. 

ANDREW: How do you stay updated on industry trends and changes, and what resources do you recommend to your peers? 

NATASHA: I stay current through internal collaboration, industry associations and strategic supplier partnerships. 

Informa’s global scale creates a highly collaborative environment where insights and innovations flow quickly across teams and regions. This collective intelligence keeps us at the forefront of industry developments and allows rapid adoption of effective practices. 

I’m actively engaged with the Association of Event Organisers (AEO), a vital source of U.K. industry intelligence. Through AEO working groups, I access peer insights, regulatory updates and emerging best practices. I strongly recommend peers join their regional industry associations for the invaluable networking and knowledge-sharing opportunities. 

Our supplier relationships provide another critical innovation source. Suppliers often lead in areas like sustainability solutions, registration technologies and attendee experience enhancements. I maintain regular dialogue with key partners to understand emerging developments and evaluate their application to our events. 

I also recommend industry publications, attending conferences as a participant, and pursuing professional development opportunities like a CEM certification. Continuous learning is essential in our rapidly evolving industry. 

To get more 2026 Women to Watch Q&As, subscribe to TSE’s free e-newsletter on LinkedIn or through your email.         

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