Over the course of the CN 30 underThirty programme, Conference News will be speaking to members of the programme about their professional journey and the causes they’re championing to shape a more inclusive, forward-thinking events industry.
In this edition, we sit down with Alice Bartram, strategic meetings lead at ZS, a management consulting and technology firm. Drawn to the power of human connection, Alice found her calling in events through early experiences in sports and music. Committed to authenticity, inclusion and innovation, she champions data-driven, sustainable event design, aiming to leave an impactful legacy. Her journey is one of embracing individuality, leading with empathy and pushing the industry toward more intentional and meaningful progress.
What made you want to get involved in the events industry and why?
My journey into the industry began with a fascination for shared experiences and the meaningful human connections they spark. In my younger years, this passion was nurtured through sports and music; spaces where community, emotion and collaboration thrive. I later formalised my interest with a university degree and from the moment I stepped into the industry, it made sense, professionally and personally. Events allow me to blend creativity, strategic thinking and purpose into one powerful platform. At its core, it’s about people; bringing them together, creating impact and shaping moments that matter.
What is the biggest challenge you have overcome?
Learning to lead authentically. Early in my career, I felt pressured to conform to traditional norms and suppress traits that didn’t fit the conventional leadership mould. But as I led more diverse teams and complex projects, I began to recognise that what I once perceived as obstacles (systematic thinking, deep empathy and an instinct for optimisation) were in fact powerful assets. Embracing my differences not only made me a more effective leader but also empowered me to build inclusive, high-performing cultures where everyone is encouraged to bring their whole selves to the table.
If you could give your younger self one piece of advice when starting out in events, what would it be?
Embrace your uniqueness. The industry thrives on diverse perspectives, and it’s those who bring authenticity, thoughtfulness and a willingness to challenge the status quo that drive real change.
What kind of legacy do you hope to leave in the industry?
I hope to leave a legacy rooted in purpose and inclusivity; where innovation is bold, impact is intentional and people feel seen. If I’ve helped shape a better path for others and moved the industry in the right direction, I’ll carry that with pride.
What is an issue or topic within the industry that you think is important and want to champion? Can you explain a bit about it?
The integration of data analytics to drive responsible, inclusive and sustainable event design. Harnessing data from audience demographics and engagement patterns to carbon footprint metrics and accessibility insights enables a more intentional and accountable approach. This is about shifting from reactive to predictive and from performative to measurable, by embedding analytics as a core design principle rather than a post-event evaluation tool.
Why is this particular issue or topic important to you?
Because better decision making starts with better understanding and data enables that. I’ve seen firsthand how assumptions can jeopardise event design; relying on intuition and tradition is not enough. By leveraging data to understand who is in the room, how they engage and what they need, we can move beyond guesswork to create experiences that are truly impactful and equitable. With events sitting at the intersection of high consumption culture and carbon intensive logistics, data also plays a fundamental role in managing environmental impact. For me, it’s a tool for accountability and a foundation for designing more thoughtful events.
What do you plan to do to continue to champion this topic?
At ZS, I’m developing a centralised analytics dashboard that consolidates key metrics across engagement, financials, environmental impact, and inclusivity. The aim is to facilitate evidence-based decision making, embed continuous learning into the event lifecycle and foster a culture of curiosity and empowerment.
What can the industry itself do to better champion this topic?
The industry needs to make it easier for people to do the right thing. That starts with standardised metrics, accessible reporting frameworks and tools that make data accessible, not overwhelming. We should celebrate those using data to advance sustainability, equity and inclusion, not just ROI. Investment in data literacy and ethics is essential too, so everyone feels confident in this space. But above all, humility is key. Progress is not about perfection, it’s about being honest, listening more and learning together.
The CN 30under30 is an annual programme that recognises and supports young talent from the conference and meetings industry. Find out more about the CN 30 underThirty class of 2025 here.
