Empowering Women in the Events Industry

The events industry is powered by incredible women. In fact, an estimated 77-80% of the workforce is female. Yet, when it comes to leadership, the numbers tell a different story. 76% of CEO, director, or managerial positions are held by men. This International Women’s Day, we are taking the time to reflect on these inequalities, the progress we are making, and the steps Sparq is taking to drive meaningful change.

To help us explore this, we have been speaking with our Project Support Coordinator, Phoebe, who has a deep passion for gender equality. During her Master’s degree in International Events Management, she researched this topic, uncovering the barriers women face and the progress being made.

The Challenges Women Face in the Events Industry

Despite being the backbone of the industry, women still face invisible barriers commonly referred to as the glass ceiling. The glass ceiling represents the unseen obstacles that prevent women from rising to the highest levels of leadership, despite their qualifications, experience, and achievements. These barriers can limit career progression, access to leadership roles, and opportunities for professional growth.

A key challenge is the lack of female role models in senior positions which can impact the confidence and aspirations of young women entering the industry. Without visible examples of women leading the way, it is harder for the next generation to see themselves in those roles.

The Shift Towards Progress

The good news is that change is happening. More organisations are stepping up to support women in events, with mentoring programs such as Fast Forward 15 and NOWIE providing vital career development opportunities. Research highlights the importance of mentorship in boosting confidence, refining leadership skills, and helping women break into senior roles.

On a broader scale, more women are enrolling in higher education and postgraduate courses, equipping themselves with the knowledge and skills to take on leadership positions. The industry is also starting to challenge hierarchical gender norms, creating space for more women to step into decision-making roles.

 How Sparq is Advocating for Change

At Sparq, we are committed to breaking the mould. We believe in rewarding career progression, ensuring that our talented female team members have equal opportunities to thrive in leadership roles.

We have taken significant steps toward a more balanced leadership team. We recently appointed Helen Elam as our joint Managing Director and saw Sara Rogers step into the role of Operations Director. Alongside Helen Wheatley, our Sales and Marketing Director, these inspiring women are leading the way at Sparq, standing alongside their two male director counterparts. This balance is also reflected across our senior leadership team, where both our Production Lead and Creative Lead are successful women shaping the future of our industry.

But leadership is not just about titles. It is about creating an environment where women are encouraged to step forward and take opportunities. That is why we actively provide training and education on gender equality, ensuring that every team member, regardless of gender, understands the importance of an inclusive workplace.

 A Future of Equal Opportunity

While challenges remain, we are seeing real momentum for change. Women are increasingly stepping into leadership roles, mentorship programs are growing, and businesses are recognising the value of diverse leadership. The events industry is evolving, and at Sparq, we are proud to be part of that movement.

This International Women’s Day, we celebrate the remarkable women who make our industry thrive. But more importantly, we reaffirm our commitment to creating a future where gender equality is not just an aspiration, it is a reality.