Emily Zientek, MS

PCMA’s 20 in Their Twenties program honors exceptional young leaders in the business events industry. Class of 2025 member Emily Zientek, sustainability coordinator at SodexoLive!, shares the best advice she’s been given about dealing with difficult work situations.

What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve gotten?

It is easy to get caught up in your work and putting your identity in everything you do within the industry. This isn’t always a bad thing, but when there are challenges it sometimes can be difficult to separate who you are as a person with your job or your response to a work situation. With that in mind, the best piece of advice I’ve received is that when something goes wrong, emotions run high, and someone explodes in anger, that person is only getting mad at the situation, not at you — don’t take it personally.

What do you like most about your job?

I get to work directly with clients while being creative in coming up with new ideas that will help them reach their sustainability goals. This work allows me the freedom to think outside the box, stay up with trends, and try creative and innovative ways to incorporate environmentally friendly and community-involving programs and initiatives.

What made you choose the events industry as a career?

The events industry always piqued my interest, whether through event planning or working as a supplier. I love that the industry is always evolving and an exciting atmosphere for people to network, exchange ideas, or create meaningful experiences. I was drawn to my current role because I saw that I would be able to help in creating those experiences while also doing good for people and the planet.

Do you think work/life balance is a particular challenge within the industry? How do you achieve work/life balance in your position?

Working in the events industry definitely is not a 9-to-5 desk job, and I think people have to understand that when they are exploring it as a career option. For me, this was not a problem. I looked at the fulfillment and purpose I would feel in the job — and that is what continues to propel me forward. Although the schedule can involve working weekends or outside typical hours, I still find work/life balance. Make time for yourself and create boundaries that allow you to feel comfortable, happy, and fulfilled. I always make time for myself by going to the gym, taking a walk, or running. Being able to take even just 30 minutes before or after work to do something for myself helps put my mind in a more relaxed state. Outside of that, I love taking time to read books and enjoy the outdoors.

If you could transform the industry with the snap of your fingers, what would be the one thing you’d change for good?

I would like to see more events and clients putting sustainability first. I think a lot of the time they think costs will get in the way or that there is no real impact, just smoke and mirrors, so I would like to see people’s perspectives on event sustainability change. I would help them see the positive impacts and value that comes with it.

What is an opportunity and/or challenge you see on the horizon for event professionals in 2025?

Event professionals and their clients will take a deeper look at the communities where events take place. More organizations want to involve these communities with their events through various efforts such as giving back with food or furniture donations, volunteering time, raising money, or holding various drives that benefit the community. We’ve already seen groups adopting these efforts, including assembling relief kits for those affected by natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods, or wildfires. These action items not only make attendees feel good, they create positive change in the destinations. I think in 2025, even more events will participate in these activities.

How is AI changing your job or the events industry?

Events marketers already are using AI to create text and design elements that have helped gear their messaging to the right audiences. It helps me find grammatical errors or typos in emails and documents. I find it a very beneficial tool that improves my work.

What roles do you think digital or hybrid event formats play in the events industry?

I think digital and hybrid events provide a great educational opportunity to deliver knowledge to participants no matter where they are located. Many people may not be able to travel to a location on a specific day or time but attending a digital or hybrid event still allows them to get additional education from their organization.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

I see myself leading a team of sustainability professionals, working in events and expanding our environmental and human impact. I see a future where every event team has a sustainability professional who works with all contributors — I would like to be involved in making that happen.

Members of PCMA’s 20 in Their Twenties class of 2025, supported by PCMA Foundation and Experience Columbus, were recognized at PCMA Convening Leaders 2025, Jan. 12-15 in Houston, Texas.