With Generation Z set to be the most populous generation ever globally, we bring together a group of Gen Z event professionals to find out what drew them to the industry and their hopes for its future.
CAMERON TOWNSLEY
Creative & Events Manager at The Digital Voice
As an undergraduate, I completed a BA in Philosophy, which I thoroughly enjoyed, but it was during my extracurricular activities that I found my passion for events and decided to study MSc Events Management which I have recently completed.
Fast forward two years and I am now Creative & Events Manager for the same fantastic PR agency The Digital Voice, and I get to lead an incredible team on numerous corporate events for 15 clients!
For the future of events, I would like to see two things. Firstly, and everyone should think this, the events industry needs to act harder to improve its environmental impact. Secondly, and this relates to my experience, I would like to see the corporate event sector think a bit less seriously about themselves – be bold, be colourful and draw in the attention of the attendees.
What is the user experience from start to finish? No more boring expos please!
“I would like to see the corporate event sector think a bit less seriously about themselves.”
FREYA BENNETT-NIELSEN
Event Producer at Global Grooves
I feel like every single day I learn something new, and that could be from a colleague I talk with daily or it could be from someone I’ve just met who specialises in a certain element of the industry. I’ve found a real joy in the build- up and working really hard to make (what you hope to be) a really great event, and it’s the cherry on top when it’s enjoyed by audiences and participants. But there could have always been more, and that’s what you take forward to the next one!
Although my job is behind the scenes, I love the anticipation and dreaming about what could be. It’s also a real privilege to have the opportunity to connect with so many different people who work in different pockets of the industry to bring your specialisms together to produce a really great outcome.
“I’d like to see further opportunities to feel valued and empowered at every level of experience and background.”
I think there’s a huge amount of learning in the industry that can only be drawn from experience and opportunities to get hands on and push to develop your skill set further. How is that possible to access, or even consider, if those with the experience and opportunities are not generous?
ROSIE HUTCHINSON
Event & Content Executive at The Digital Voice
As a newcomer to the events industry, my experience can be described only as positive, eye-opening, and engaging. Within this industry, not only are the events themselves so exciting and varied, but there is a huge scope for learning opportunities from both the content, as well as the people you meet.
Having completed my degree in Law, I had the opportunity to work in events at The Digital Voice and decided to move into this industry for two reasons. Firstly, the events industry is so unique in how it allows you to make professional face-to-face connections, discussing your careers and industries in a fun and engaging atmosphere. Secondly, my decision to move into event planning stemmed from the fact it allowed me to combine precision, organisation, and an analytical eye, with creative freedom, a combination of artistic disciplines, and a working day that is never the same twice.
“Moving forwards, I would like to see events advance in their focus on sustainability and green impact.”
As an industry that attracts so many different other trades and disciplines, it has the ability to have a hugely positive impact and create ripples that encourage others to follow suit.