I’m thrilled to sit down with Katarina Railko, our esteemed hospitality expert who has honed her craft in the travel and tourism industry. With a deep passion for entertainment and events, Katarina brings a wealth of knowledge to the table, particularly in the realm of expos and conferences. Today, we’re diving into the exciting launch of the XChange Board by Principal. Global Events, an innovative initiative aimed at empowering rising talent and fostering groundbreaking ideas. Our conversation explores the inspiration behind this advisory group, its unique role within the company, the goals of sparking creativity and inclusivity, and how it aims to shape the future of the events industry.
What inspired the creation of the XChange Board at Principal. Global Events?
The idea for the XChange Board came from a desire to bridge the gap between our emerging talent and senior leadership. We noticed that while we had a lot of passionate, creative individuals in the company, there wasn’t always a direct channel for their ideas to influence larger business strategies. We wanted to create a space where fresh perspectives could challenge the status quo and drive innovation. It was really about addressing that missing link and ensuring every voice could contribute to our future.
How does the XChange Board stand out from other initiatives within your organization?
Unlike some of our other programs, which focus on community building or specific interests like sustainability or education outreach, the XChange Board is uniquely positioned as a strategic advisory group. It’s not just about connecting over shared hobbies or causes; it’s a deliberate platform for rising talent to impact long-term business decisions. The value it brings is twofold—employees feel empowered to shape the company’s direction, and the business benefits from diverse, bold ideas that might not surface through traditional hierarchies.
Can you share more about the core mission of the XChange Board and how it aims to spark innovation?
At its heart, the XChange Board is about three key pillars: sparking innovation, creating inclusivity, and empowering talent. When it comes to innovation, we’re encouraging our members to think big—think industry-shaping ideas that push boundaries. We’re fostering an environment where no idea is too out there, and we’re giving them the tools and confidence to pitch concepts that could redefine how we operate in the events space. It’s about inspiring that boldness and turning it into actionable change.
How are you ensuring that the XChange Board feels like a safe and inclusive space for open discussion?
Inclusivity is critical to this initiative. We’ve designed the board to be a trusted, respectful environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing their thoughts, even if they’re unconventional or critical. Part of that comes from the structure—having a small, diverse group of six members helps build trust. We also meet offsite, which creates a more relaxed, neutral setting away from the day-to-day office dynamics. And importantly, outcomes are shared with leadership anonymously, so there’s no fear of judgment or repercussion.
What steps are in place to empower rising talent to influence the company’s long-term strategy through this program?
Empowerment is really about giving our next-gen voices a real seat at the table. We’re not just listening to their ideas; we’re ensuring there’s a clear pathway from discussion to implementation. The board’s outcomes are regularly communicated to senior leadership, with feedback loops to show how ideas are being considered or actioned. This isn’t a token gesture—it’s about giving these talented individuals the ability to shape our strategic direction, knowing their input has weight and can drive real results.
Can you tell us about the practical setup of the XChange Board and why an offsite setting was chosen for meetings?
Practically speaking, the board consists of six members who meet regularly in an offsite location. We chose an offsite setting because it helps everyone step away from the usual office environment and mindset. It’s a chance to reset, think creatively, and speak freely without the typical workplace pressures. These meetings are a dedicated space for brainstorming and collaboration, and being away from the office just naturally fosters a different kind of energy and openness that’s essential for this kind of work.
How do you see the XChange Board helping Principal stay relevant in today’s ever-changing events industry?
The events industry has transformed dramatically over the past few decades, from how we use technology to the expectations of clients and attendees. Staying relevant means being agile and forward-thinking, and the XChange Board plays a huge role in that. By bringing in fresh perspectives from our rising talent, we’re tapping into ideas and trends that might not be on senior leadership’s radar. It’s this blend of new thinking with seasoned experience that ensures we’re not just keeping up but leading the way.
What’s your forecast for the impact of initiatives like the XChange Board on the future of the events industry?
I believe initiatives like the XChange Board are going to be game-changers for the events industry. As we move forward, companies that prioritize diverse voices and empower their emerging talent will be the ones setting trends and driving innovation. I foresee a future where these kinds of programs become standard, creating a more dynamic, inclusive industry that’s better equipped to adapt to change. The impact will be seen not just in individual companies but in how we collectively push the boundaries of what events can achieve.
