Women in events
Women who lead: championing change and balance in events
IN THIS SPECIAL PRINT VERSION OF HER‘ THE 70 %’ MASH MEDIA ONLINE SERIES ABOUT WOMEN LEADERS, KRISTYNA O’ CONNELL SPOTLIGHTS THREE OF THE BEST
I n an industry where women make up around 70 % of the global workforce, stories of leadership, resilience, and advocacy are plentiful, yet still too often under-represented. I spoke to three women blazing a leadership trail in the global events space.
Purpose-led beginnings
Nicole Smart, project manager, WTM London – RX Global For Nicole Smart, the journey began at RX Global over 15 years ago after earning a degree in events management. She has remained at the event organiser ever since, growing through the ranks and shaping major events from marketing and PR through to programming and production. Her trajectory offers a clear view of the business and creative sides of event-making.
Selina Donald, sustainability director at The Bulb( part of Trivandi Group) Selina Donald’ s story began with high stakes: working on England’ s bid to host the FIFA World Cup in 2008. The campaign didn’ t win, but it opened doors to high-profile global projects, from the London and Rio Olympics to international showcases across the Middle East and Asia-Pacific.
Top left: Nicole Smart Middle left: Selina Donald Bottom left: Charlotte Melia
Charlotte Melia, co-founder and CEO of global creative agency D & F Creative Charlotte Melia entered the industry at 19 as a performer with a corporate drumming company. By 22, she was managing children’ s events and, in 2013, co-founded D & F Creative, a creative agency now working across the UK, Middle East and USA.
Balancing ambition with reality All three women speak openly about the challenges of sustaining personal and professional balance in an industry known for its intensity.
Smart, a parent of young children, champions routine, communication and flexibility.“ Life, like events, is never straightforward,” she reflects.“ There are always curveballs, so embracing flexibility is key.”
Donald echoes the sentiment.“ I thrive off fast-paced projects,” she says,“ but I’ ve not always been good at switching off.”
The acquisition of her company by Trivandi prompted a welcome cultural shift, one that prioritises wellness through initiatives like monthly wellness allowances and extra health days.“ It’ s helped me recognise how important it is to look after myself,” she adds.
Melia, meanwhile, balances global leadership with being a single mother to a teenage son with severe autism and complex needs.“ It hasn’ t been easy, but I have an amazing support network and a deep sense of purpose that carries me through,” she says.“ I travel a lot for work, which gives me moments of reflection and sleep on planes.”
All three agree the industry is slowly shifting towards healthier boundaries but acknowledge there’ s still work to be done. Pushing for real inclusion While progress has been made in the areas of diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion( DEAI), the women agree there’ s far more to do.
Smart has taken a hands-on approach to embedding DEAI at WTM London.
ISSUE 137 / CONFERENCE & MEETINGS WORLD / 51