Following a sold-out debut in September that welcomed more than 160 event professionals, Eventful Conversations returned this month with a clear purpose: to create space for real stories, genuine connection and open conversation across the events industry.
Founded by Elly Walsh (I Am Recruitment) and Jenny McNeill (Feast & Fable) Eventful Conversations brings together in-house brand teams, agencies, creatives and suppliers in one room – encouraging honest dialogue about the realities of building a career in events, from the wins to the wobbles and everything in between.
The inaugural edition proved there is strong appetite for connection that moves beyond curated panels and polished LinkedIn posts, selling out within a week. The latest event, once again hosted by White Rabbit Studios in Shoreditch, built on that momentum, welcoming nearly 200 event professionals.
A dynamic panel of industry leaders shared candid insights and career reflections, including:
Kia Hanly, Shopify
Megan Monaghan, Airbnb & Cape Creative
Philippa Murphy, Google Cloud
Louisa O’Connor, Seen Presents
David Ogiste, Nobody’s Café
The evening also featured drinks from Sam & Paul Keighley at Mix and Match Ltd, interactive canapés by Feast & Fable, and a reflection mirror inviting guests to respond to the prompt: “What I wish I knew earlier” or “What I haven’t cracked yet.”
Among the standout responses:
“A joyful, honest and warm evening”
“It was like group therapy, a lovely reassuring conversation!”
For many attendees, the value extended far beyond the stage.
Elly Walsh, Founder of Eventful Conversations and I am Recruitment said:
“Eventful Conversations started with a simple shout out on LinkedIn.. I spend my days talking to people about their careers the good, the bad and the ugly and I found myself thinking, wouldn’t it be powerful to get these stories on a stage and into a room together?
“The response was insane. The industry didn’t just like the idea, they wanted to build it. Partners like White Rabbit Studios, Mix & Match and Feast & Fable jumped straight in, and before we knew it, nearly 200 event professionals were in the room. TWICE!
“It’s clearly struck a nerve. There’s a real appetite for honest, unfiltered conversations about what this job really looks like. On the night, the room was buzzing because people recognised themselves in the stories being told. It wasn’t just a panel; it was a collective exhale. A reminder that we’re all juggling the chaos, navigating the pressure and figuring it out as we go. Bringing those realities into the open is what made it powerful – and why it won’t be the last.”
Jenny McNeill, Co-Founder of Eventful Conversations and Founder of Feast & Fable, said:
“Eventful Conversations is the kind of space I wish had existed when I was starting out – then maybe networking wouldn’t have felt so petrifying. Building a career in events can feel exhilarating and overwhelming in equal measure, and creating room for honest, generous conversations about that journey really matters.
“Through Feast & Fable, we’re always thinking about how experiences can make people connect and feel something – this felt like a natural extension of that. If people leave feeling less alone and more energised about what’s possible, that’s a mega win.”
Kia Hanly, Shopify, added:
“Joining the panel at Eventful Conversations was an energising reminder of our industry’s superpower: the people. The dialogue didn’t stop on stage – the real impact was in the conversations that followed, proving how deeply the insights resonated and how vital these shared moments are. It was an uplifting testament to the energy and passion that defines our industry.”
Louisa O’Connor, Seen Presents, added:
“There’s no shortcut in this industry, it’s graft, resilience and teamwork. Eventful Conversations cuts through the polish and lets people talk honestly about what it really takes.
“The room was buzzing because people recognised themselves in the stories. The highs, the headaches, the hero moments in between.
“That’s what Eventful Conversations does. It gets us in a room, strips it back and reminds us why we do this in the first place – together.”
For many, the event successfully transformed digital connections into meaningful in-person exchanges.
Eventful Conversations will most certainly be returning later this year.
Eventful Conversations could not have been brought to life without the generosity of the sponsors:
Feast & Fable – brand identity, event co-ordination, food
Mix & Match ltd – bar servicesHels Angels – staffing
RobotProof – videography
KSS – audio & production
and finally, the venue, White Rabbit Studios.
Author: Sam Hyland
Sam is the assistant content manager for Event Industry News (EIN). Sam is involved in publishing news stories, videos and podcasts. Sam also collates the latest stories for the EIN e-newsletter. If you have a press release or story you think we might be interested to know about please email features@eventindustrynews.com
