By Katie Crocombe, director, 52eight3
This year’s slogan for International Women’s Day is #BalanceforBetter. This got me thinking about the things we should celebrate when it comes to women in our industry, rather than focusing on the negative barriers we still face (and really shouldn’t) as females in business in the 21st century.
I love my job, and as a woman in the event tech industry, I really want to shout about the fantastic work we all do. We can help fly the flag for equality by simply showing our talents and the expertise we provide when it comes to creating amazing events.
I said I wouldn’t focus on negativity, but I can’t of course ignore the fact that some of largest market-leading event organising companies still have a shockingly large gender pay gap, and far fewer women in the boardroom, BUT I think now is the time we are starting to see many positive changes.
I believe it’s about having that inner confidence to celebrate our own successes – have you just put on your best event to date thanks to ideas you implemented? Was visitor registration at its highest? Smashed your targets? Then tell people – many of us (me included at times) are afraid to shout about the things we do well, but it really is the best way to get your peers and employees to see your worth. I’ve worked with many hugely talented women (and men) over the years, and it’s definitely something we can all improve on.
At this year’s International Confex last week, I also noted that there were plenty of women on panels – again, this isn’t something new, but it’s great to see so many standing up and sharing their knowledge with the industry.
2019 is a time of change for us – and I believe we can all work together – whatever our gender – to really make the event tech industry thrive.
Katie Crocombe is director at 52eight3, who provide marketing and PR services for the event tech industry. After 13 years working as an event organiser at some of the world’s largest exhibition companies, Katie set up 52eight3 to help bring together event tech and organisers.
Author: Adam Parry
Adam is the co-founder and editor of www.eventindustrynews.com Adam, a technology evangelist also organises Event Tech Live, Europe’s only show dedicated to event technology and the Event Technology Awards. Both events take place in November, London.
