A new initiative designed to support men across the live events, experiential and MICE sectors has officially launched, responding to a growing need for honest conversation and connection in a high-pressure industry.
MEN – Meetings & Event Network has been created as a confidential, professionally supported space where men can talk openly about the realities of work and life, without judgement, expectation or pressure.
The events industry is known for its energy, creativity and pace, but behind the scenes it can also be demanding, isolating and emotionally intense. MEN has been developed to acknowledge that reality and provide something many feel has been missing – a space to talk, or simply listen, without needing to perform. It also reflects a broader challenge around men’s attitudes to mental health, where many still feel pressure to appear resilient and are less likely to open up or seek support.
The initiative has been founded by Robert Kenward and James Hitchen, with James Capell-Abra and Mark Green as ambassadors.
Speaking about the launch, Robert Kenward, co-founder, MEN said: “Since the pandemic, I have had my own challenges with my mental health, and I had nowhere obvious to turn apart from professional help. Through that process, something became clear. There isn’t really a space for these conversations to happen openly in our sector. This is about creating one.”
MEN is built around facilitated, in-person sessions held quarterly in small groups. Each session is co-hosted with a trained therapist, counsellor and professional safeguarding specialist ensuring a safe and structured environment where participants can speak freely or simply listen. Importantly, MEN is not positioned as a mental health intervention or replacement for professional support. Instead, it sits alongside those services, offering connection and shared understanding within an industry-specific context.
James Hitchen, co-founder, MEN added: “I didn’t feel like there was anywhere to go when I was struggling in the industry. MEN is about creating something that just didn’t exist then – somewhere people can talk or feel less on their own.”
Mark Green, ambassador MEN added: “MEN is a vital and well-timed safe space for our industry. Having somewhere judgement-free where people can open up and connect is hugely important.”
James Capell-Abra, ambassador MEN said: “I’ve seen the toll this industry can take and the barriers men put up. MEN creates a space where those barriers can come down and conversations can happen properly.”
The first MEN session will take place on 13th May in London, with places limited to ensure a safe and supportive environment. Those interested in attending can register at https://meetingandeventnetwork.com to secure their place and be notified of the venue.
MEN is open to all men, and those who identify as male, working across all areas of the events, experiential and MICE ecosystem, regardless of role, seniority or career stage.
Sessions are confidential, not recorded or repeated on social media, and built on clear principles of trust, respect and discretion.
At a time when the industry continues to evolve, with increasing commercial pressure, hybrid working and heightened scrutiny, MEN aims to quietly rebuild something many feel has been lost – a sense of community where honesty doesn’t come at a cost.
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
