The Network of Women in Events CIC (NOWIE) delivered the third edition of its flagship mentoring programme, Level Up, largely thanks to headline sponsorship from Arena and Safe Events Global. Designed to support women navigating the complex and competitive nature of the events industry, the programme paired mid-career professionals with experienced mentors over a structured period from January to June 2025.
Originally launched in 2013 and relaunched as a Community Interest Company in 2023, NOWIE aims to improve representation, access, and opportunity for women across the events sector. The 2025 edition of Level Up marked a significant step in that mission, uniting 45 mentees with senior industry mentors, including founders, freelancers, and executives from top-tier agencies and event companies.
Under Arena and Safe Events Global’s sponsorship, the programme kicked off in January with a networking event, and since then, mentees have been taking part in 1:1 check-ins with their mentors, covering topics such as goal-setting, confidence-building, financial wellbeing, and personal branding. The flexible structure allowed participants to tailor their journey to suit their individual goals.
Reflecting on Arena’s involvement, Managing Director Ross Robertson commented:
“Partnering with NOWIE on the Level Up mentorship programme has created an extraordinary ripple effect across our organisation. It’s prompted us to review internal policies and build safer, more supportive environments, especially for our onsite teams. This collaboration has sparked positive change well beyond our expectations. We’re proud to have played a part in such a vital initiative – as an industry, we must keep raising the standard for all women working within it.”
Throughout the programme, mentees celebrated key milestones, some transitioned into self-employment, others secured speaking opportunities or stepped into leadership roles. The feedback reinforced how transformational mentoring can be for career development, confidence, and building a sense of community.
“Being part of Level Up with NOWIE has been an incredible experience,” explains Jessica Sariak, mentored by Showbock’s Operations Director, Emma Rainbow. “The 1-on-1 meetings with my mentor provided me with invaluable guidance, support, and encouragement, helping me to grow both professionally and personally. Most importantly, this programme created a safe and supportive space where I felt empowered to take action, step outside my comfort zone, and truly give it a go!”
The programme received overwhelming demand, reaffirming the industry’s need for structured, supportive professional development and meaningful networking opportunities. With the backing of Arena and Safe Events Global, Level Up successfully delivered its third cohort, with 65% of respondents rating their experience 5/5, laying even stronger foundations for future editions.
We’re exclusively announcing that the 2026 edition of Level Up will also welcome male mentors for the first time, expanding the programme’s reach and engaging with more men, while continuing to centre the development of women and non-binary professionals.
Applications for Level Up 2026 open this November. Mentee places remain exclusive to NOWIE members, while mentor roles will be open to anyone who shares our values and commitment to building a more inclusive industry.
For more information, visit https://www.nowie.org/ or email pr@electriccat.co
Author: Kizzy Allott
Kizzy Allott is Publisher at Event Industry News, where she has been a driving force behind the brand for over a decade. With a deep understanding of the events sector and a passion for storytelling, Kizzy leads the platform’s commercial and content strategy, connecting the industry through news, insights, and meaningful conversations. She is dedicated to championing innovation, amplifying industry voices, and ensuring event professionals stay informed, inspired, and future-focused.
