Detroit, Michigan – February 12, 2026 – The Women to Watch Awards, founded by keynote speaker and executive coach Courtney Stanley, return for their fifth year with a renewed commitment to elevating the voices of women shaping the future of the meetings and events industry.
Created to spotlight leaders who are advancing the profession through innovation, mentorship, resilience, and measurable impact, the Women to Watch Awards have become a respected platform for peer-driven recognition. What sets the awards apart is simple: women are nominated by those who have directly experienced their leadership: the colleagues, collaborators, and community members who have been influenced by their work.
In celebration of this milestone year, the Women to Watch Awards are introducing a new partnership with Gather Voices, a leading video storytelling platform, to capture and amplify the voices of peer nominators. For the first time, nominators will have the opportunity to submit guided video testimonials sharing why their nominee deserves recognition — creating a richer, more human portrait of leadership in action.
“Recognition matters. But when peers speak to the real impact someone has had on them — that’s where transformation happens,” said Courtney Stanley, Founder of the Women to Watch Awards. “This partnership allows us to elevate the stories behind the success and ensure these women are recognized not just for what they’ve achieved, but for how they’ve led.”
By leveraging Gather Voices’ technology, the program deepens its commitment to visibility and storytelling, ensuring that the impact of women in the meetings industry is documented, shared, and celebrated in their own community’s words.
Founded in 2022, the Women to Watch Awards recognize women in the meetings and events industry who are driving meaningful progress across roles and career stages. The awards honor leaders who demonstrate excellence, innovation, mentorship, and a commitment to lifting others as they rise. Now in its fifth year, the initiative continues to expand its reach and influence, fostering a stronger and more connected industry.
Courtney Stanley is an executive coach, keynote speaker and host of the Dare to Interrupt podcast. She is dedicated to empowering professionals amplify their value, voice, and vision. Through her work, she creates spaces that champion authentic leadership, bold growth, and meaningful recognition. She founded the Women to Watch Awards to increase visibility and opportunity for women across the meetings and events profession.
Gather Voices empowers organizations to collect, curate, and activate authentic video stories at scale. Through guided video technology and user-friendly tools, Gather Voices helps associations, events, and brands harness the power of storytelling to strengthen engagement and community connection.
Nominations for the 2026 Women to Watch Awards will open on Friday, February 13th. Submissions will close on Friday, February 27th, and honorees will be announced on Friday, March 6th, kicking off the celebration of International Women’s Day and the start of Women’s History Month.
To learn more or submit a nomination, visit:
https://www.courtney-stanley.com/post/womentowatch2026
Media Contact:
Courtney Stanley
courtney@courtney-stanley.com
www.courtney-stanley.com
