Women powering IMN: How Mira Ciganek is leading the next generation with creativity and collaboration

In celebration of Women's History Month, we are proud to shine a spotlight on one of our rising stars: Mira Ciganek, Conference Producer for IMN. Mira’s journey at IMN began as a college student balancing her studies and her first professional role on the VIP team. Since then, she has transitioned into conference production, where her creativity, collaboration, and passion for sustainability have made a lasting impact. As a young professional, Mira is not only shaping the future of real estate and events but also paving the way for women in the industry. Her story is a testament to the power of mentorship, hard work, and the next generation’s ability to drive innovation and change.

Can you share your journey at IMN, starting from your role on the VIP team to becoming a conference producer? What inspired you to make this transition?

I was still in college when I joined IMN. It was fall of 2022 and I was finishing up my last few semesters of journalism school here in New York. One of my good friends was kind enough to recommend me for a role on the VIP team. By some miracle, I landed the job and worked part time until I graduated. Scattered freelancing and waitressing aside, this was my first real job.

There was definitely a learning curve. The corporate world is a beast in and of itself and I had so much to learn when it came to real estate and finance. But I really do enjoy a good challenge. The exceptional team at IMN and the regular travel to warm places didn’t hurt either.

After we merged with Informa in summer of 2024, it felt like the right time to start thinking about my career progression. My role on the VIP team afforded me a solid foundation, but I was looking for something more creative and more involved. Another good friend and coworker put my name in to be a conference producer.

Now, I’m about six months into this new chapter and genuinely couldn’t be happier. I’m interviewing prospective speakers, all veritable experts in their fields. I’m drafting and editing agendas, which really scratches the type A part of my brain. And yes, I’m still emailing constantly, but you can’t win them all. What began as the job I managed to secure out of college turned out to pull heavily from my journalism background. It all feels very full circle.

What are your personal career goals, both short-term and long-term, as a conference producer? How do you see your role evolving in the future, and what impact do you hope to make in the conference production industry?

Looking at the immediate future, my goal is to simply learn how to be a good producer. I’m still so new to this field and am grappling with more work and more personal investment.

Eventually, I’m looking to transition out of the real estate sphere and work instead on events that focus on food and beverage, hospitality, or travel. My events portfolio focuses largely on sustainability and affordability in real estate: a space dedicated to feminism and diversity. Ideally, I can bring some of the same values of social and environmental responsibility to any future roles.

What has been your proudest moment or accomplishment so far in your career at IMN?

It’s an easy answer, but I’m very proud of joining the production team at IMN. Every day brings something new to learn or someone new to meet. There’s also an undeniable thrill in telling people I’m a producer at the ripe age of 25. I’ve never been very good at talking myself up, which I know is a crucial skill in corporate, or in any job for that matter. But it really does feel like my hard work is paying off.

Are there any hobbies or activities that help you stay creative and energized in your role as a conference producer?

When I log off for the day, getting active is the first thing on my mind. It sounds corny, but exercise is my saving grace. Yoga, lifting weights, rock climbing, a good old-fashioned walk in the sun and fresh air. You name it. Personally, it’s an instant reset and mood booster.

Outside of work, I’m usually spending too much money at restaurants in the city or spending time with my family, my friends, and my lovely little dog, Cashew.

Are there any specific initiatives or changes you’d like to see in the industry to create more opportunities for women?

We’re experiencing such a unique time for women in the workplace. So many of our mothers and grandmothers weren’t afforded the luxury of pursuing a career. Those who worked still faced the pressure to first and foremost be mothers and grandmothers.

Sure, there are professional initiatives I would love to see implemented within Informa and at a larger scale. Dedicated networking opportunities and encouraged parental leave are just a few I can think of off the top of my head.

That said, I think one of biggest things we can do to create more opportunities for women happens on a more personal basis, rather than an institutional one. We need to be looking out for one another and promoting one another. An increased level of transparency and mentorship between the women in this industry is crucial to our career advancement. I’m lucky to work with so many smart, capable women at IMN and I know I wouldn’t have gotten to where I am today without them.

What unique perspectives or approaches do you think younger professionals bring to the table in conference production and real estate?

One of the event series I produce, ESG & Decarbonizing Real Estate, is a twice-yearly meetup of the biggest names in real estate sustainability. There has been a recent push to really bifurcate the summer and winter events. My first thought was to make each one seasonally themed. Naturally, this was not a hard sell to the events team, largely made up of other twenty-somethings.

We began brainstorming and now this year’s summer agenda includes bespoke sessions on warmer, western climate concerns in real estate AND sponsored swimming and boating excursions. Once a strong foundation of targeted content and audience has been established, why not play with the promotional and marketing side of things? And who better to do so than young professionals?

Gen Z and millennial women are the backbone of IMN. We’re chronically online and constantly collaborating. We’re plugged into current trends worldwide. It would genuinely be a disservice to not take advantage of this.

Are there any women who have inspired you in your career, and how have they influenced your journey?

I wouldn’t be where I am today if it weren’t for the strong network of women I have surrounded myself with. My third-grade teacher helped me get published in a children’s magazine. My college professors pushed me to be an editor for the school's magazine. My college friends gave me a roadmap for making it in New York and quite literally got me the job at IMN. My colleagues continue to inspire, promote, and educate me. The least I can do is return the favor.

A huge thank you to Mira for her hard work, dedication, and the incredible energy she brings to IMN. Her passion for creativity, collaboration, and making a positive impact inspires not only her colleagues but also the broader community she serves. Mira’s journey is a shining example of the talent and drive that power IMN’s success.

If you’d like to learn more about IMN and the work we do, visit our website.