ABOUT SUZETTE WILSON SAMUELS

Suzette Wilson Samuels is a seasoned and passionate leader with over 20 years of Global Event and Project Strategist expertise. She has consulted and managed large event teams of over 350 members, with budgets ranging from $50,000 to over $80 million, and has executed more than 500 B2B and experiential projects for major brands. SWS Consulting helps elevate strategy and operational excellence in events that support our community.

Deeply committed to her Caribbean culture, women’s leadership, and diversity, she is a fervent advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), playing pivotal roles in industry conversations and initiatives. Her dedication has earned her notable recognition, including being named among the top 100 Black Professionals in the events industry and receiving the prestigious Bronze Stevie Award for Female Executive of the Year. She holds a DES certification (Digital Event Strategist) and continues to propel her vision for inclusive communities and opportunities.

As the founder of The Poise CollectiveTM, she is committed to driving positive change and inclusivity within the events and marketing industry. This dynamic network empowers underrepresented voices through mentorship, workshops, and collaborative opportunities, championing diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Always one to give back, Suzette has turned pain into purpose through lessons and struggles. She is releasing her first book, “Strength, Wisdom, Soul: A Guide to Building Resilience, Gaining Insight, and Nurturing Your Spirit,” which will be a readers guide that enhances their resilience, deepens their wisdom, and nurtures their spiritual well-being.

Suzette KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Global Event Management

Oversees multiple teams producing events worldwide, including managing large event teams of over 350 members for single events with budgets ranging from $50,000 to over $80 million. Maintains strategy transparency and collaboration with clients to surpass expectations consistently.

Extensive Project Execution

Executed over 500 B2B and experiential projects for major brands such as IBM, Nike, NetApp, Apple, SAP, Merck, Johnson & Johnson, Samsung, and many others.

Recognitions and Awards

Recognized among the top 100 Black Professionals in the events industry by @BlackInEventsNetwork. Received the Bronze Stevie Award for Female Executive of the Year and was nominated for Empowerment & Leadership by peers in the inaugural Caribbean Posh Woman Icon Awards.

High-Profile Collaborations

Worked with some of the largest headliners and speakers, including Maroon 5, Sheryl Crow, Magic Johnson, OneRepublic, Elton John, Will Smith, Serena Williams, Queen Latifah, Malcolm Gladwell, Gwen Stefani and more.

Industry Speaker

Speaker at BizBash and other notable events and academic institutions, sharing insights with the event community on budgeting in the new era of events, entering the event workforce, and more.

Here are just a few words from some of Suz’s biggest fans:

“Suzette isn’t just a boss—she’s a leader. She inspires through her generosity and fairness.  She not only listens but seems to see more clearly than most.  Suz exhibits a natural warmth and softness and, at the same time, an unflappable, steely resolve; a no-nonsense approach to getting things done.  Those that are lucky enough to work with her know that Suz is the secret sauce—the magic glue that holds teams and projects together.

To her Drury colleagues, she is “mama-bear,” office therapist, soothsayer, and 24/7 workstream navigator.  To our clients, she is a three-dimensional chess player, problem solver, team builder, matchmaker, and passionate agent of change.

In short, Suz is the milk & honey in an otherwise acerbic dark & stormy tonic!”

Laurence Paverd, Director of Production, Drury Design

Here are just a few words from some of Suz’s biggest fans:

“I have had the pleasure of working with Suzette for over 10 years. She has a passion for success in every client engagement that is contagious across her team and extended team. She is incredibly collaborative and will do whatever it takes to get the job done. She is constantly looking for creative ways to transform every event experience. Regardless of the circumstance, Suzette always has time to connect to work out solutions, and always with a positive attitude and a smile for everyone. It is a pure pleasure to work with Suzette on every event that we do.”

Colleen Bisconti, VP of Global Conferences & Events, IBM

Here are just a few words from some of Suz’s biggest fans:

“In the realm of influential event professionals, Suzette is as good as it gets. She exemplifies a profound commitment to her personal and professional brand in this field.

She’s a mentor, leader, and visionary with a superhuman ability to nurture and influence individual growth amongst her teams.

She demonstrates strength, compassion, and loyalty in her everyday functions, all while evolving with the ever-changing times, industry trends, deliverables, and standards. It’s no surprise that Suz was born and raised in the Caribbean island of Trinidad, because she meets every person and task with the vibe of an island breeze and the strength of the ocean.”

Merissa Miranda-Birot, Senior Producer/Project Manager, Drury Design

WHAT OTHERS HAVE SAID