Connie Cay-Santos is the CEO and Founder of CAY VII INC and the Founder of HER Seat at the Table. She brings more than 20 years of leadership experience across retail, technology, and the events industry, where she has led national programs, brand activations, and large-scale experiences with measurable business impact.
Her work spans national initiatives and strategic partnerships that have delivered meaningful growth, operational excellence, and long-term value. Connie is recognized for designing event ecosystems that balance creative innovation with financial discipline and audience engagement.
As a juror, she evaluates excellence through the lens of engagement strategy, inclusive design, accessibility, and clear return on investment. She believes the strongest events are those where innovation is intentional, inclusion is embedded, and every element serves both purpose and performance.