Fast Forward 15

Here at Conference News , we ’ re passionate about mentorship and supporting the next generation of eventprofs , and that ’ s why we ’ re partnering with Fast Forward 15 , a not-for-profit mentoring programme for women in the travel , events , and hospitality industry , which was founded by Fay Sharpe in 2014 .

“ Mentorship is particularly important in our industry because very often people get stuck ,” says Sharpe . “ Women in particular don ’ t put themselves forward for things , ask for things , or communicate as well as they could with their managers . This leaves them in their role feeling not as fulfilled as they could be , or not progressing as quickly as they would like to ,” she adds .

Sharpe tells me that Fast Forward 15 is a programme designed to “ help mentees look beyond today and tomorrow and look at what they want to achieve in 10 to 15 years ’ time ”.

The Bingo Ball

In support of this programme , we ’ ll

be sponsoring Fast Forward 15 ’ s charity event which takes place on 8 March from 6:30-10:30pm . “ Our charity event will also take place on International Women ’ s Day ,” Sharpe points out , “ so there couldn ’ t be a better day to run the event .

“ As part of the mentorship programme , mentees are responsible for organising a charity event . The idea is to bring them together as a cohort , so they work together , and the event simultaneously allows them to give back ,” explains Sharpe .

So , what can eventprofs expect from the event ? “ This year ’ s mentees came up with the concept : ‘ The Bingo Ball ’,” reveals Sharpe . “ Think RuPaul ’ s Drag Race , inspirational speakers , cocktails , an incredible auction , raffle prizes and lots of networking opportunities with the events

“ Being named a CN30underThirty doesn ’ t mean you just win an award , it means you are part of a lifelong community of young , talented eventprofs .”

l Applications for the FF15 2022 programme close on 10 March . Apply now at : fastforward15 . co . uk

industry ,” she explains . All of the funds raised will go to MindOut , a mental health charity that offers support for the LGBTQ + community in the UK . But why did Fast Forward 15 select MindOut as their chosen charity ? I ask Sharpe .

“ We selected it for two reasons . One is that mental health is really important and , in the past , it ’ s been normal for people to not talk about it , but now we ’ re beginning to see a change . According to MindOut , the LGBTQ + community are more likely to experience mental health issues ,” she explains .

From reaching out to people alone on Christmas Day to its dedicated online support , “ MindOut is all about equality , diversity and helping people , which we thought was a really great thing ,” says Sharpe .