The Utility Expo announces Show Director Brianne Somers has been named a 2026 Woman to Watch at Trade Show Executive's Gold 100 Awards & Summit, earning national recognition for her contributions to some of North America's largest and most respected trade shows.
“I'm incredibly grateful to receive this recognition,” said Somers. “It was an honor to celebrate alongside so many accomplished professionals in our industry at the Trade Show Executive's Gold 100 Summit. This recognition would not have been possible without the dedication and hard work of our outstanding team at the Association of Equipment Manufacturers.”
As senior director of Exhibitions Services, Somers oversees operations for AEM's portfolio of industry-leading exhibitions, including ConExpo-Con/AGG, The Utility Expo and World of Asphalt. In her role as show director for The Utility Expo, she guides the strategy and execution of one of the fastest-growing events serving the utility construction and infrastructure industries.
"Brianne doesn't just manage events, she creates experiences, builds partnerships, develops people and advances our industry,” said AEM President & CEO Megan Tanel. “She is exactly the kind of visionary leader the Women to Watch award was created to recognize."
Throughout 2025, culminating in The Utility Expo that fall, Somers led the event through a period of growth and expanded its attendee experiences, strategic partnerships and programming focused on workforce development, safety and industry advancement. Her leadership was especially evident during that show when severe flooding disrupted outdoor exhibit areas and created significant safety and operational challenges. Somers and her team activated emergency response plans, coordinated venue and contractor efforts, communicated with stakeholders and led a recovery that allowed the event to continue.
"Brianne is among the most collaborative and effective event leaders I have worked with,” said Kentucky Venues Chief of Staff Matthew Johnson. “She brings together venue partners, contractors, exhibitors, and event teams around a shared vision and executes with remarkable professionalism. Her calm leadership during challenging situations, combined with her ability to solve problems quickly and build trust among stakeholders, makes her an invaluable partner and a respected leader throughout the industry."
Somers also championed The Utility Expo's multi-year partnership with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. The initiative generated more than $24,000 for suicide prevention programs and elevated awareness of mental health resources across the construction and utility industries.
Mark your calendar: The countdown to the next The Utility Expo is on, with just over a year to go. The Utility Expo returns to Louisville, October 5-7, 2027.
