Women make up 77% of the global events workforce, yet hold only 16% of leadership roles. The imbalance is well known, but the women driving this industry forward are still too often overlooked.
The 70% is a weekly series dedicated to changing that. Each instalment profiles a woman whose work, insight, and ambition shape the events sector – from emerging talent to established leaders. Through their stories, we explore the pathways, challenges, and perspectives defining what leadership looks like today.
This week, we meet Lee-Anne Caldwell, group managing director at emc3 Collective.
How many years have you been in the events industry?
I have been in the industry for over 25 years.
How do you balance professional growth with personal commitments, and do you think the industry is evolving in terms of work life balance?
This is something I feel really passionate about. The events industry is tough but rewarding too, and it can make or break you. The risk of burnout is real, but I think the industry has really evolved over the last 20 years, with much greater emphasis on flexibility, wellbeing and creating sustainable careers.
As a business with a strong US presence, we work across time zones (UK 10am – 6pm, and US 8am – 4pm), so I make the most of my mornings, exercising, watering the garden, or tackling personal priorities before the working day begins, that way, if work requires more time, I have already achieved my personal to-do list.
I have worked hard over the years to achieve a work-life balance. Making time to do things that nourish me is important, and having boundaries is key. When I’m on holiday, I delete Slack to avoid the temptation to constantly check what is going on – and I demand the same of my team.
You need time out to replenish in order to deliver and grow professionally. Likewise, my weekends are for me and my family. The team knows how to reach me in an emergency, and, leading by example, I won’t message them outside of hours unless it’s an emergency either. Gone are the days of being available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year – and that’s a really positive shift in the industry.
Across the emc3 Collective, people are always the priority. We want our team to have the space to rest, recharge and enjoy the experiences that make this industry so special. Ultimately, sustainable success comes from looking after people properly — when people feel supported, trusted and energised, they do their best work.
How do you see the events industry evolving in terms of diversity, equity and inclusion?
I think the industry has evolved hugely in recent years, with far more businesses and agencies making DEI a genuine priority rather than a tick-box exercise. There are now so many more creative solutions and opportunities to make experiences more inclusive and accessible for wider audiences.
Within the emc3 Collective, we’re fortunate to have our dedicated holistic sustainability consultancy, From Now, which works with brands, suppliers, venues and agencies to help embed meaningful DEI solutions and achieve long-term goals. Experiences also don’t just exist in the room anymore. They live before, during and long after an event, so it’s essential to design with every audience need in mind.
What advice would you give to young women looking to enter and succeed in the events industry?
The events industry is already full of incredibly talented women making a huge impact, which is really inspiring to see. My advice would be to stay proactive and solutions focused. This industry moves fast, and you’ll constantly face challenges, pivots and last-minute changes, so being creative, agile and calm under pressure is invaluable. At the same time, trust your instincts and stand strong in what you believe in. The people who make the biggest impact are often the ones who back themselves, push ideas forward and bring others with them.
Also, don’t be afraid to push yourself outside of your comfort zone. I’ve been very fortunate to have had some amazing female role models and managers who have encouraged me to try different things, and I’ve truly had rounded experiences and varied job roles that have allowed me to do what I do now. Be patient and be willing to learn.
How do you handle setbacks and failures?
I think setbacks and failures are inevitable in any fast-paced industry, especially events, where there are so many moving parts. For me, it’s about staying calm, focusing on solutions and learning from the experience rather than dwelling on the problem. Challenges often lead to better ways of working, stronger teams and more creative thinking. I also believe transparency and communication are key – owning mistakes, adapting quickly and moving forward builds growth, both personally and professionally.
What changes do you think are still needed to create more opportunities for women in leadership?
I think we’ve made real progress, but there’s still more to do around creating environments where women feel empowered to step into leadership and be heard. It’s also about creating cultures where different leadership styles are valued and where opportunities are accessible. I’m fortunate to work in an industry with many inspiring female leaders already making an impact, but continuing to champion, support and elevate women at every level is what will drive lasting change.