The Network of Women in Events (NOWIE) is back bolder than ever. Established in 2013, NOWIE continues to strive to create better opportunities for women within the events industry through networking, community, and fighting for improved representation of women in the workplace, on panels, at awards, and in the media. After teasing followers with a rebrand over the past few months, NOWIE 2.0 officially launched today, donning a complete rebrand, memberships, community, and a clear strategy for the future. Under the leadership of Chair and renowned events professional, Cat Kevern, NOWIE is a not-for-profit organisation turned Community Interest Company, championing gender equality and opportunities for women in the events industry.
Over A Decade of Nurturing Talent and Opening Doors
NOWIE has spent over a decade nurturing a flourishing online community. With over 10,000 current members on Facebook and LinkedIn, their efforts to create accessible, welcoming networking opportunities for women have led to nationwide regional events celebrating International Women’s Day, city-wide scavenger hunts, and their signature ‘Speed Networking’ sessions appearing at various industry events. The mission? To create a more equitable landscape for women in the events sector. Whether by offering affordable mentoring and upskilling to entry/junior level professionals, advocating for improved gender representation in senior management roles, or creating industry pay guidelines in an effort to increase pay equity, NOWIE’s commitment to enhancing professional opportunities for female event professionals has been second to none.
Transition to a CIC
The organisation has also announced the transition to a registered Community Interest Company. Kevern shared, “After being entirely volunteer-run for over a decade, this feels like one of the most significant changes we have made for NOWIE. We’re now moving towards a model that enables us to pay our team for their time, which we’ve always been deeply passionate and outspoken about!”
A New Model: Membership & Sponsorship Opportunities
Going forward, NOWIE will be offering a membership area with new features, with industry-heavyweight Safe Events Global already confirmed as a sponsor. “The work Cat and the team at NOWIE do is both important and inspiring. In Safe Events Global, the majority of our full-time team is female. We’ve seen firsthand over the years the challenges women in the industry can face and we believe those doing great work to address that should be supported. So we are delighted to partner with NOWIE and are very excited to see their plans for the organisation come to fruition in the coming months and years.” Explains Mark Breen, Director of Safe Events Global.
“Our Facebook community group will remain free, we always want there to be an option that is accessible to absolutely everyone,” adds Kevern. “We have affordable options for individuals, corporate membership packages, and even ally memberships for those looking to support NOWIE’s mission. This system will enable us to level up our offering, best support our community, and drive significant change in the industry. It will also allow us to invest in our team, ensuring that we can hire and fairly compensate skilled professionals who are dedicated to NOWIE’s success. This will enhance our operational efficiency and provide even greater support for our community. Watch this space – we’ve got big plans.”
Kevern comments, “NOWIE’s purpose is creating better opportunities for women (by women!) in the events industry, at all career stages. This relaunch has been invaluable, getting us laser-focused on our aims for the future.” Known for its thriving online community, eclectic in-person networking events, and prominent ‘Level Up’ mentoring scheme, NOWIE has already made waves in its efforts to improve the career landscape for women in live events; this rebrand is only the start of what’s to come next. The launch was officiated at the Showman’s Show where Kevern gathered attendees and NOWIE members to explain the relaunch and answer questions.
NOWIE is still open to new sponsorship and partnership collaborations. To learn more, visit https://www.nowie.org/sponsorship-and-partnership-opportunities
All membership packages are available from 23rd October; enrollment can be done via NOWIE’s website https://www.nowie.org/
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.
