As summer rolls around, it’s not just the season of sunshine and festivals, it’s also when thousands of graduates take their first steps into the world of work and interns begin testing the waters of potential careers.
In an industry as dynamic and demanding as events, the early years can feel like a whirlwind of steep learning curves, big dreams and even bigger doubts. That’s why Conference News asked three agency leaders to share the wisdom they wish they’d had when they were starting out.
What’s striking across all three reflections is a shared theme: evolution. Whether it’s climbing the ranks from brand ambassador to CEO, opening an office after years of dreaming, or stepping far outside your comfort zone to grow personally and professionally, each story highlights how constant evolution is at the heart of a fulfilling career. In the ever-changing events industry, it’s not about having it all figured out from the start, but about being willing to learn, adapt and keep moving forward.
From confidence killers to career-defining moments, here’s what Sarah-Jane Benham, Megan Anstee, and Hayley James want the next generation to know.
Sarah -Jane Benham – CEO of Kru Live Global
What is the biggest thing you wish you had known at the start of your career?
I wish I’d worried less about what people might think. The fear of how you’re perceived can hold you back more than any real failure. These days, I try to live by Mel Robbins’ ‘Let Them’ theory. You can’t control other people’s opinions, so let them. As a classic people pleaser, this mindset helps me stay focused on my own path and stop wasting energy trying to manage what others think.
And on a more practical note, I really wish I’d started contributing to my pension earlier!
What has been the biggest lesson for you so far in your career?
Know what you don’t know. Passion, hard graft and a relentless focus on our staff and clients can take you far, but growing a business means stepping back and bringing in experts. Focus on what you do best, and let others do the same.
Fewer, bigger, better clients really is the game changer. Be brave enough to say no to the wrong fit to make space for the right opportunities.
What has been your biggest career highlight so far?
Becoming CEO was a major moment, especially starting out as a brand ambassador in the field. But selling the business to BPG to help unlock our next phase of growth has to be the standout. It’s been incredible to see how far we’ve come and where we’re heading.
If you could sum up your career in one word what would it be?
Evolving. Every stage has brought new challenges and new energy. This industry keeps you on your toes!
What advice would you give to someone just starting out in their career in the events industry?
The graft you put in during your twenties sets the tone for your thirties and forties. Show up, work hard, stay curious and enjoy the ride.
Invest in your relationships. The junior clients and coordinators you work with early on will grow alongside you in their own careers. Many will go on to lead agencies or brands and they’ll remember how you made them feel and how you solved a challenge. Build trust from day one.
How you look after your people is everything. The way you treat your team directly impacts your bottom line. Great service starts from within.
Megan Anstee – Co-founder and director, The Intrepid Collective
What is the biggest thing you wish you had known at the start of your career?
That a step forward is always a step in the right direction. Sometimes I was paralysed with fear and scared of making the wrong choice or embarrassing myself. But just taking small steps forward with lead you on the right path (with a few wiggles up and down of course).
What has been the biggest lesson for you so far in your career?
That people like working with hard-working, decent people. You don’t have to be smartest, most talented in the room. But you do need to show up, show consistency, commit to doing a great job and be a good person. And making it fun is always a plus too!
What has been your biggest career highlight so far?
Eeek, I have so many! Moving into our first office in January this year was a big moment. To have a team base, both culturally and operationally has been a game changer. It’s literally the office I dreamed of five years ago…I need to remind myself of that more often.
If you could sum up your career in one word what would it be?
Evolving.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out in their career in the events industry?
Just go for it! Apply for the job, attend the event, tell someone you admire them, take the opportunity. Don’t let fear hold you back, just give it go and you never know what could happen.
Hayley James – Global Business Development Director, Sense Marketing
What is the biggest thing you wish you had known at the start of your career?
Don’t be afraid to network. I know it can feel awkward or forced (or dare I say ‘cringe’ to us Brits), but ultimately, building genuine relationships can open doors you didn’t even know existed.
At the simplest level, connect with everyone you meet along the way on Linkedin. Think about who you in your network might be useful or interesting to them, and offer introductions. Send those ‘saw this and thought of you’ messages. Always send follow ups. Be helpful without expecting anything in return – if something comes of it later, that’s a bonus.
What has been the biggest lesson for you so far in your career?
Great things happen when you step outside of your comfort zone. Do the thing that scares you. Say yes to the challenge, even if your inner voice is screaming “nope”! What’s the worst that could happen?!
What has been your biggest career highlight so far?
In 2017, I moved to New York to help launch our office there with three colleagues. It was a dream I’d had since my teens (thank you, Friends and Sex and the City) and it ended up being the best decision of my life. It taught me valuable lessons I couldn’t have learned anywhere else – about entrepreneurship, diversity and resilience – and gave me unforgettable memories, experiences and friendships. If you get the chance to work abroad, take it!
If you could sum up your career in one word what would it be?
Evolving.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out in their career in the events industry?
Grit will get you everywhere in the event industry, as it will in life. It’s not just about talent or hard work, it’s about sticking with things when they get tough, showing up when others might not and pushing through when you feel like giving up.
In our world, this means offering to stay late to help work on agency pitches, keeping a cool head when you’re faced with tricky on-site challenges and having a smile on your face – even after your 10,000steps on that overnight rig!
It’s that perseverance that sets people apart – especially before the skills catch up.
