From Invisible to Visible — Changing the Events Industry Forever

Every so often, a woman comes along whose passion, perseverance, and purpose create a ripple effect that changes lives far beyond her own. On Long Island, that woman is Laura Paltek — a dynamic force who turned a moment of crisis into a movement of empowerment. From trade show floors to government halls, she has made it her mission to shine a light on an entire industry that once operated in the shadows.

Born in South Windsor, Connecticut, and later raised in Brooklyn before putting down roots in South Huntington in the early 1980s, Laura Paltek has long called Long Island home. Married for 23 years, with three children and three grandchildren, Laura’s journey from student to trailblazer proves that one woman’s vision can create lasting change for thousands.

Laura attended the Harry Van Arsdale School of Labor Studies in New York City. She has spent 35 years in the events industry, mastering every facet of trade shows, design, and production. For the past 23 years, she has owned and operated her own business, Trade Show Solutions Center (tssolutioncenter.com), where she and her team provide exhibitors with top-tier branding, consulting, exhibit design, graphics, and project management. Now, Laura is taking her company to new heights with a rebrand: Event Pro USA, expanding her expertise beyond trade shows.

It was the pandemic of 2020 that transformed Laura from a successful business owner to a national advocate. When the world shut down, so did the events industry — and the people behind the scenes suddenly became invisible. “They couldn’t collect government funds, had no health care, and weren’t even recognized as part of the economy,” Laura recalls. “It was devastating.”

Rather than watch silently, Laura took action. She founded the nonprofit Events Education & Workforce Development Federation (EE-WDF) (www.ee-wdf.org) to fight for the rights, recognition, and future of those who make events possible. With the rallying cry “Let’s go from invisible to visible,” Laura built a coalition that brought together all six major verticals of the industry — B2B events, personal events, fairs and festivals, performances, sports, political conventions, and fundraising — under one powerful umbrella.

Invisible Industry Tour in Philadelphia, photographer Nadia Fairbairn

Through the Federation, Laura and her 12-member Board of Directors successfully worked to create government codes that now formally recognize the events industry. These codes didn’t just make the invisible visible — they opened doors for schools to receive funding to teach hospitality, leisure, and event management. Thanks to her efforts, high schools can now include this field in their curriculum, giving students new opportunities to build stable, fulfilling careers in a billion-dollar industry.

“My whole life has prepared me for this moment,” Laura says with pride. “I wanted to make a difference and didn’t stop until I did.”

But Laura’s mission extends far beyond the workforce. She’s also inspiring a new generation of mentors — especially women over 55 — to share their life experience with students. Through the Federation’s volunteer program, retirees can become mentors in high schools, helping guide young adults toward meaningful careers. “If you’ve ever attended an event, you qualify!” Laura says with a smile. “We’ll train you. You’ll feel a huge sense of purpose knowing you’ve helped shape a student’s path.”

To volunteer, call 888-713-2083.

And Laura leaves us with this beautiful reminder:

“Life after 60 is magical. We are experienced, knowledgeable, witty, and good-humored. Embrace this chapter of your life with us. Volunteer, mentor, and you’ll have an everlasting impact on the life of a young adult.”

Laura Paltek reminds us that it’s never too late to reinvent yourself, to lift others, and to turn experience into impact. Her leadership proves that visibility is not just about being seen — it’s about being valued, respected, and remembered.
On behalf of Long Island’s women who continue to make waves long after midlife, we applaud Laura for transforming invisibility into influence and for showing that life after 60 truly is magical — especially when you use it to light the way for others.