Insights

Women In Exhibitions Network Appoints Kimberly Hardcastle as Board President

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Industry veteran and mdg, A Freeman Company President Kimberly Hardcastle is adding one more title to her resume — board president of Women in Exhibitions Network North America (WIEN). Effective April 1, 2023, Hardcastle will replace outgoing President Martha Donato, founder and president of MAD Event Management, and serve alongside incoming Secretary Danica Tormohlen and Treasurer Elizabeth George. Hardcastle will work closely with Donato as well as outgoing Treasurer Laura Purdy, general manager of Exhibition Place, and Secretary Stephanie Selesnick, president of International Trade Information, during a transitionary period to ensure the legacy and vision of the chapter founders will be honored under the new leadership. Simultaneously, she will engage current and prospective members in a dialogue about how WIEN should evolve to meet their needs.  

According to Donato, “I can’t think of a better candidate to help grow and elevate this organization. Kimberly has a reputation for being a successful business leader and, more importantly, for creating a culture within her organization that empowers and uplifts women. She cares deeply about the events industry and the people behind it and is always willing to provide advice, facilitate connections and support colleagues and industry friends however she can.”

Over the past 20 years, Hardcastle’s role at mdg has afforded her an opportunity to work with association and independent event organizers on event strategy, marketing and attendee and exhibitor acquisition. Kimberly is a CEM faculty member, a Krakoff Leaders Institute alumna, a columnist for PCMA’s Convene magazine, a presenter of industry seminars on strategic planning and a mom, runner, reader and believer in civil rights.

Hardcastle said of her new role, “It’s an honor to serve an organization that helps connect women in our industry to mentors, resources, information and friends that may currently exist beyond their professional networks. I’m excited to get to work alongside Danica and Elizabeth to build upon the great work that was done by the chapter’s Founders.” 

For more information about WIEN, visit www.womeninexhibitions.com.