Over the course of the CN 30underThirty 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 industry.
This week, meet Natasha Mason, senior project manager at Principal Global Events. In this interview Mason discusses her career so far, as well as her passion for workplace wellbeing.
What made you want to get involved in the industry and why?
I’ve always been quite organised, and I knew early on that I could handle pressure and stay calm when it matters, so events felt like something I’d naturally be good at. Even at school, I loved the energy of events and the idea of bringing people together. The mix of creativity, logistics and human experience is what keeps me excited about the work.
What is the first career highlight that comes to mind?
I’d like to think the real highlight is still to come, but last year I led a user conference in Europe for one of our top clients, which was the largest they had ever done. It was a huge moment for me, with over 3,000 delegates, high expectations, and a fast turnaround. What made it a highlight wasn’t just the scale, but how smooth it felt on the day. Seeing it come to life and knowing how much work went in behind the scenes was something I’ll always be proud of.
What have you learned about yourself since entering the events world?
I’ve definitely learned how resilient I can be. This industry has a way of throwing the unexpected at you with tight deadlines, last-minute changes, and things that are completely out of your control. I’ve learned to stay calm in the chaos, focus on solutions, and keep perspective even when things feel overwhelming. I’ve also realised the value of trusting your instincts and backing yourself, especially when things move fast.
If you could give your younger self one piece of advice when starting out in events, what would it be?
I’d probably say: it’s really not that deep. When you’re just starting out, it’s easy to get caught up in the pressure and take everything really seriously. But the reality is, things go wrong and that’s okay. The important part is how you respond and move forward. Taking a step back and looking at the bigger picture has helped me so much, both professionally and personally.
How important are schemes such as CN 30under30 and do you believe the industry does enough to support young professionals?
Schemes like CN 30underThirty are so important; not just for the recognition, but for the sense of community they create. It’s encouraging to know that there’s a space where young people in the industry are being seen and supported. I’m now at a point in my career where I’m seeing the next generation come into the business, and initiatives like this really matter to them too. They help create a culture where young people feel valued, supported, and excited about building a future in the industry.
How do you see the events industry changing over the next five years, and how do you want to be part of that change?
Sustainability is becoming more than just a consideration, it’s a requirement. I’m already seeing the shift in how we plan and deliver events, particularly when it comes to travel and waste. I want to be part of the group that makes practical, lasting changes in that space, not just ticking boxes.
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?
Workplace wellbeing is something I care deeply about. This industry moves fast, and the pressure can build quickly. That’s not something we should just accept. I believe we can be high-performing and still look after each other in the process.
Why is this particular issue or topic important to you?
After losing my mum last year, I had a real shift in perspective. It reminded me how important it is to make space for life outside of work, whatever that looks like for each person. In events, it’s easy to get swept up in long hours and high expectations, but it’s not sustainable. I want people in my team and around me to feel supported and seen.
What do you plan to do to continue to champion/topic?
I’ve already started introducing small changes with my team such as encouraging breaks, giving people space when they need it, and leading by example. We’ve talked about implementing a wellbeing allowance for everyone at Principal, and I’d love to see more structured initiatives that put people first.
What can the industry itself do to better champion this topic?
The industry has a role to play in setting the tone for what’s acceptable and sustainable when it comes to wellbeing. That could look like embedding wellbeing criteria into awards and accreditations. or offering more accessible mental health resources. Right now, I still feel like there’s an unspoken pride in pushing through exhaustion, but we should be celebrating teams that deliver great work and look after each other while doing it.
It’s about more visibility, more honesty, and more support across the board. If the industry leads by example, businesses will follow. And when wellbeing is seen as a shared priority, not just a personal one, real change can happen.
