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 Owen Tonks-Lewis, director at Creative Rebel CIC, business lecturer at Lincoln College and curator and co-organiser at TEDxBrayford Pool. Tonks-Lewis has always been drawn to the power of events to bring people together and spark meaningful change. What began as a passion for uniting communities quickly evolved into a deeper commitment to the events industry, once he realised it was a recognised profession, he knew it was where he belonged. Now, Tonks-Lewis is on a mission to champion the role of events as a tool for social sustainability, advocating for radically inclusive, community co-curated experiences that leave a lasting impact.
What made you want to get involved in the industry and why?
I wanted to get involved in the events industry after years of creating events that brought people together. Once I realised that it was an actual ‘industry’, I was passionate about getting involved within it, as I strongly believed in the possibility and opportunities events can create. As well, of course, it’s never a boring industry.
What is the first career highlight that comes to mind?
The career highlight that always comes to mind is hearing intro music for the first conference I designed and organised; the feeling of “I’ve actually done this!” was almost overwhelming!
How important are schemes such as CN30underThirty and do you believe the industry does enough to support young professionals?
Schemes like the CN 30underThirty are incredibly important as they provide a platform for young professionals to celebrate together and champion their influence within the industry. The schemes ensure that young professional voices are heard, listened to and recognised.
I do not believe that the industry does enough to support young professionals. There are a number of initiatives and programmes for many beginning in the professional industry, however these are often inaccessible for those who begin through grassroot events.
How do you see the events industry changing over the next five years and how do you want to be part of that change?
Over the next five years I see the events industry leaning further into seeing events as experiences. Whilst not a new concept, there has been a strong movement towards it. With the increase in digital events and hybrid engagement, events are sometimes required to feel more of a wider experience.
I want to be part of the change by ensuring that these experiences are designed with communities for high-impact movements.
What kind of legacy do you hope to leave in the industry?
The legacy I hope to leave in the industry is one of equity and bold creativity.
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 topic I want to champion in the industry is the power of events to develop social sustainability through community co-curation.
Events that are intentionally designed to be curated with their communities, that are radically inclusive, and designed with empathy and bold creativity. It is through this design process that events can be active changemakers within their communities.
Why is this particular issue or topic important to you?
This topic is important to me as I have seen the impact this has firsthand. Local events gave me opportunities I would never have had access to as a youth.
As curator for TEDxBrayfordPool and managing community events, I’ve been privileged to see how this design process can bring communities together and provide space for groups to network, connect and grow.
What do you plan to do to continue to champion/topic?
I plan to ensure that any and every event I do embeds this design process at its heart. That every event for a community, involves the community in its design.
As I continue to educate new event managers, I will champion this process with the aim for it to continue on.
What can the industry itself do to better champion this topic?
The events industry needs to include radical inclusion as a systematic change. Embedding community design practice into the core of event planning.
The CN 30underThirty is a 12-month programme that recognises and supports young talent from the conference and meetings industry. Find out more about the CN 30 under 30 class of 2025 here.
