On Sunday, October 6, 80 young professionals under age 35 gathered ahead of IMEX America for SITE's annual Young Leaders Conference at the Golden Nugget, Las Vegas. 

Among the highlights was the "NextGen Panel," where five panellists shared their personal experiences, insights on overcoming early career challenges, and strategies for managing work-life balance. It was a candid and enlightening discussion that gave these emerging leaders the tools to thrive in the competitive world of incentive travel.

In the "Next Gen Panel" Panelists Taylor Smith, Karim Milad, Windsor Crawford, Heidi Dillon, and Kev Shannon shared candid stories about what it was like when they first joined the industry. 

Taylor, for example, described the imposter syndrome she felt and how she was turned away from events early on, unsure if she belonged. 

Karim, who entered the family business, spoke about not being listened to by older generations, a struggle Windsor also echoed when older colleagues would undermine her with comments like “I have shoes older than you!” 

Heidi recalled working with a partner who ignored her input, even though she knew the client better. Kev, having grown up in a family-run business, admitted to adopting a “fake it ’til you make it” attitude, but said his father’s best advice was to simply "be yourself."

As the discussion shifted to work-life balance, the panelists reflected on the difficulty of setting boundaries in a demanding industry. 

Taylor admitted she’s still learning how to manage her time and her team has allowed her to adjust her hours, knowing she’s more productive later in the day. 

Heidi described a moment when she realized she didn’t need to do everything herself, a “light bulb” moment for her. 

Karim shared the challenges of working in the Middle East, where the workweek differs and expectations can stretch across weekends. 

Kev focused on the concept of “work-life integration” rather than balance, ensuring time for family while remaining available for work outside of those hours. 

Windsor, having experienced burnout, spoke about transitioning into a part-time role and taking control of her schedule to maintain a healthier work-life balance.

One of the recurring themes in the panel was the importance of company culture and understanding your personal priorities. 

Windsor shared that writing down her goals helped her assess her true needs, deciding to take her position on her own terms. 

Ashley, moderator for this session, emphasized the significance of evaluating a company’s culture when interviewing and not being afraid to ask for what you want, including benefits like sabbaticals. She noted that staff turnover is expensive, and companies should realize they’re fortunate if they retain employees for even five years. 

The panel agreed that mental health is a top priority for younger generations, and many professionals now make decisions about employment based on a company’s values and support systems.

The discussion also touched on managing relationships with employees who have been in the company for decades, especially when those younger professionals rise to leadership positions. 

Kev’s advice was simple: be yourself, while Heidi recommended being curious and listening. 

Ashley added that it’s important to stand up for yourself in such situations. These approaches, they agreed, are crucial for gaining the respect of long-standing colleagues and ensuring a smooth leadership transition.

In closing, the panelists reflected on the importance of planning and communication during peak work seasons. 

Karim admitted that he doesn’t focus much on balance during those periods, choosing to power through. 

Windsor and Taylor, however, rely on meticulous planning to ensure time for both work and rest, with Taylor using a large wall calendar to plot out her entire year, including vacations. 

Heidi added that having someone to hold you accountable is key to maintaining a balance during busy times. 

Ultimately, the panel emphasized that while the industry can be demanding, clear priorities and good support systems can make all the difference in achieving both personal and professional fulfillment.

In addition to the insightful discussions, the conference featured a meaningful CSR activity organized by Mike Wallace and Firefly Team Events. Mike provided backpacks and the necessary contents, and the Young Leaders delegates filled the bags, preparing them for distribution through a local homeless shelter. This hands-on initiative gave the attendees an opportunity to give back to the community, further reinforcing SITE’s commitment to social responsibility.

Photo credit:  John Wolfsohn Photography and Video:  Official SITE SoCal photographer and chapter member