Carrie Davenport: Behind the Scenes and Ahead of the Curve

Carrie Davenport has built a career at the intersection of high-profile event management, advocacy, and mentorship. As lead event manager for the industry engagement team at Altria Group Distribution Company, she oversees large-scale experiential events that leave a lasting impact. 

Beyond her corporate role, Davenport is deeply invested in shaping the events industry itself. She co-founded the Association for Women in Events and launched the Events Industry Sexual Harassment Task Force, now under the stewardship of the Events Industry Council (EIC). A champion of diversity, equity, and inclusion, she has also served on the EIC’s Equity Taskforce.

Her leadership extends to advisory positions on several boards, including the Virginia Tech Hospitality & Tourism Management advisory board, where she guest lectures and mentors the next generation of hospitality leaders. Davenport’s career journey, leadership philosophy, and dedication to mentoring others make her an inspiring voice in the industry.

How did you land in the world of events? 

My journey into meeting planning was a blend of curiosity, opportunity, and a genuine love for bringing people together. I actually started out studying psychology, but a friend pointed out that, with my organizational skills, I should consider event planning. At first, I didn’t even realize it was a real career. Once I discovered it could be a profession, I spent a year studying events abroad in Australia. After returning, I landed my first meeting planning role through a Virginia Tech job fair. I’ve been deeply in love with the industry and my career ever since. 

Early on, I realized how much I enjoyed the behind-the-scenes work, coordinating details, solving problems on the fly, and creating experiences that leave a lasting impact. I’m a puzzle solver at heart, and planning each event feels like the ultimate puzzle. Over time, what began as a job became a true calling, and I’ve been grateful ever since to help shape meaningful events and mentor the next generation of industry leaders.

What keeps you up at night? 

As a perfectionist, a lot keeps me up at night, but as a leader, it’s always making sure that we’re staying innovative in our events and providing experiences that are in line with our brands and our customers’ desires.  

As a mentor, I hope this industry is able to attract the next generation of leaders. In an evolving world where people are looking for greater work-life balance, events can be a tough sector to get into. Events happen at all times, on weekends and over holidays and on tight deadlines and sometimes tighter budgets. 

The industry also has a perception issue, and at times, we aren’t compensated for the fast-paced, high-stress strategic work that we put in. I think we have to figure out exactly what an event professional does in clear business terms and make sure that is common knowledge across industries, which is no small feat. 

What are the qualities that make a good leader? 

The best leaders are curious, humble, open to collaboration, and able to give grace and empathy to their teams.

How would you define your leadership style?

I hope others would call me passionate, firm but fair, and always willing to explore new ideas and opportunities. 

How has your leadership style changed throughout your career? 

My leadership journey has shifted significantly. I thought early in my career that it was all about winning awards and having the loudest voice on any given topic. Today, it looks more like quiet leadership. I realize that I am only as good as those I surround myself with, and that elevating others is truly my purpose.

What skills have you developed that have helped you grow into the leader you are today?  

I think the hardest part was realizing that I’m not the only one who can do what I do, and that learning to let go of control is what makes the best leaders. Learning to trust has been an integral skill in my ever-evolving leadership journey.

Which female leaders have inspired you the most? 

There are so many! 

My co-host for Like an #EventBoss and events industry coach, Juliet Tripp, comes to mind. She is a powerhouse and is changing the way women work and lead in the industry.  

Keynote speaker Rachel Sheerin is an incredible example of servant leadership, and she gives back constantly to others in a mind-blowing way. 

My people leader at AGDC, Danielle Holloway, is a prime example of an amazing female leader who leads with grace, power, and care. 

I am lucky to be surrounded by so many power-house women. I’ve also grown up in the industry alongside some amazing women like Sarah Soliman, Jeanne Procope, and Courtney Stanley, all women leaders forging their own paths very successfully.

Has mentorship been a part of your journey?

Well, to be fair, the lack of mentorship actually pushed me into being a mentor and leader. I often call myself an “accidental leader” because I developed the Association for Women in Events as I struggled early in my career to find representation in female C-Suite leadership. I wanted to change that by giving my time to those coming up in the industry and helping pull up a seat at the table for others, and to help carve out a clearer pathway to success.

What is your advice for aspiring women leaders?

Find your champions! Don’t be afraid of reaching out to anyone; we are all human. Learn to hear no and get comfortable with it. The faster you get comfortable hearing no, the faster you can shift to what’s next instead and pivot.