May 2026 | HER Collective Note
- May 6
- 3 min read
May invites us to reflect on both heritage and care.
As we recognize Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, we take time to honour the cultures, histories, and contributions that continue to shape our communities and leadership spaces. It is a moment to celebrate identity, acknowledge lived experiences, and create space for voices that deserve to be seen, heard, and uplifted.
Today, as we also recognize Global Meetings Industry Day, we are reminded of the role our industry plays in bringing people together. The spaces we design, lead, and participate in have the power to foster connection, elevate diverse perspectives, and create meaningful impact.
Alongside this, Mother’s Day reminds us of the many forms that care and guidance take. Leadership is often rooted in these acts of nurturing, through those who support, mentor, and create opportunities for others to grow.
At HER Seat at the Table, we believe that both heritage and care are foundational to how we lead. They influence how we show up, how we build relationships, and how we create spaces grounded in belonging and intention.
This month, we invite you to reflect on the stories, traditions, and individuals who have shaped your journey, and how you continue to carry that forward in your leadership.
A Reflection on SANCTUARY: What We Created Together
Following the launch of SANCTUARY at CSE Live, we extend our sincere gratitude.
This experience was brought to life by co-founders Carly Silberstein, Connie Cay-Santos, Samantha Mele, and Stacy Wyatt, with support from our partners and community.
To everyone who joined us, thank you. Your presence and openness shaped a meaningful and memorable experience.
SANCTUARY was created as a space to reconnect with leadership, creativity, and well-being. It was inspiring to see so many step into that space with intention.
As we continue to evolve SANCTUARY, our commitment remains grounded in creating intentional spaces that honour connection, empower growth, and build resilience across our community and industry.
We look forward to continuing to build together.
Upcoming Events
POP-IN Session | May
Our next HER Seat at the Table POP-IN Session will be co-hosted with Trish Knox, who will guide an open and engaging conversation centred on connection, leadership, and building your legacy.
POP-IN Sessions are designed as intentional spaces where community members can come together to exchange ideas, reflect on their leadership journeys, and support one another in real time.
There is no expectation beyond showing up as you are. Whether you choose to share, listen, or simply be present, your voice and presence contribute to the collective experience.
For future sessions, we invite members of our community to step into co-hosting opportunities, creating space for diverse voices, perspectives, and lived experiences to shape our conversations.
We look forward to having you in the room.
HER Blog
In this month’s The Leadership Edit, we explore a powerful and often unspoken dynamic within the events industry: “Kindness Is Free. Favours Are Not.”
This piece unpacks the hidden currency behind “hosted experiences” and the expectations that can come with them. It invites reflection on the balance between generosity and boundaries, and what it truly means to lead, collaborate, and show up with integrity in our professional spaces.
As our industry continues to evolve, these conversations are essential in shaping more transparent, respectful, and sustainable ways of working together.
We invite you to read, reflect, and consider how these dynamics show up in your own experiences.
HER Note
May reminds us that leadership is shaped by both where we come from and how we care for others.
It lives in the traditions we honour, the voices we uplift, and the support we extend to those around us.
Today, as we recognize Global Meetings Industry Day, we also celebrate the power of bringing people together with purpose. Our industry creates spaces for connection, learning, and impact, and it is through these shared experiences that leadership continues to evolve.
As we move through this month, may we continue to celebrate the richness of our diverse communities, recognize the impact of those who nurture and guide us, and create spaces where everyone feels seen, valued, and supported.
Thank you for being part of a community that continues to grow with intention.
Warmly,
Connie Cay-Santos
CEO & Founder
CAY VII INC | HER Seat at the Table
If this newsletter resonated with you, we invite you to share it with someone who would benefit from joining the conversation.
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