CEMA Newsletter: October 2025

Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you got involved with CEMA?  

Raised on a generational Minnesota farm, I developed resilience and resourcefulness early. I built a decades-long career as an Executive Assistant to global leaders at Accenture and Oracle, managing high-stakes logistics and helping support international events. In 2025, I produced my employer’s Sales Kickoff, sparking a passion for strategic event production. This led to a permanent role and industry networking, through which I discovered CEMA and had the good fortune to join its September Study Tour in Las Vegas. 

Can you share a memorable way that CEMA has expanded your network or created new professional opportunities?  

Attending the recent CEMA Study Tour introduced me to a generous, experienced network of Event Management professionals. Their openness and willingness to support my growth in a new role was both memorable and energizing. I left with meaningful connections and a sense of community that continues to broaden my understanding and expand my opportunities. 

What are you currently learning about (either professionally or personally)?  

Following a recent move from Georgia back to Minnesota, I’m quite literally gearing up for winter—researching and selecting ski equipment to enjoy the season with my 8- and 11-year-old nephews. I’m excited to hit the slopes with them and plan to start ski lessons as soon as the snow arrives. 

What are you most passionate about outside of work?  

Outside of work, I’m passionate about health, fitness, and childhood literacy. I strength train several times a week with my coaches, which keeps me grounded and energized. I also volunteer with a middle school reading program, where I help students build confidence and a lifelong love of learning. Both pursuits reflect my commitment to growth—physically, mentally, and within my community.  

What is the best piece of advice someone has given you?  

The best advice I’ve received is: “Play the game you’ve got.” It came from both my golf instructor and several supervisors, and it’s become a guiding principle. It reminds me to lean into what makes me uniquely effective—my perspective, approach, and values. It keeps me focused on growth, delivering with integrity, and serving others meaningfully. Just as importantly, it helps me quickly accept when things don’t go as planned and pivot toward solutions with clarity and purpose. 6. As an industry leader, what challenges do you see on the horizon for the events industry, and how can event professionals collaborate to turn those challenges into opportunities? As somewhat of a newbie to this field, it appears one of the biggest challenges ahead is balancing rising audience expectations with static or shrinking budgets. While rapid advancements in technology offer a powerful opportunity to enhance engagement, to truly innovate, event professionals must also have the courage to be transparent about what doesn’t work. Sharing failures openly accelerates learning and fosters trust. By collaborating—through honest dialogue, experimentation, and shared insights—we can turn constraints into catalysts and elevate the impact of every event. 

Diane Schuler is a strategic business partner and executive operations expert with over two decades of experience partnering with C-suite leaders at global powerhouses like Oracle and OneStream. Known for bridging executive vision with operational precision, she’s led initiatives spanning M&A support, process innovation, global enablement, and event production. Diane blends high EQ with sharp business acumen; delivering results through empathy, innovation, and collaboration. Raised on a Minnesota farm, she brings grit, warmth, and a passion for health, effective communication, and purposeful leadership to every endeavor.