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, we meet Abigail Crockett conference executive at Trinity Event Solutions.
What made you want to get incolved in the industry and why?
My first ever job was a waitress at a small hotel and I remember clearly, that one day we had a small wake in. By the end of that event, I knew I wanted to start a career in events, watching everything come together, and the space truly transform into something that looked nothing like the starting product was just incredible to me. I will always remember the feeling of rushing around, and putting these successful events together!
What is the first career highlight that comes to mind?
I think a huge highlight for me was attending my first ever international Fam trip, or tradeshows. The fact that I had been personally invited and was being invited to something to prestigious was a real pinch me moment that I can do anything I put my mind too!
What have you learned about yourself since entering the events world?
That I CAN do it! I have learnt that I am capable of pushing myself outside of my comfort zone and when doing so only brings success!
If you could give your younger self one piece of advice when starting out in events, what would it be?
PERSERVIRANCE!! I would tell myself that even when things aren’t simple and straight forward, to not give up on it. There is always another route or path to explore and that I have the capabilities to execute this.
How important are schemes such as CN 30under30 and do you believe the industry does enough to support young professionals?
I believe that CN 30under30 is extremely beneficial to the younger generation. Not only does it recognize and support young talent but it gives us visibility and confidence early in our careers which is so important. I think having schemes like 30under30, really highlights to the younger generation on what is possible if we put our minds to it and is really encourages us to keep going and to stick at it! The scheme opens up connections that may not have previously been possible so overall I would so it is vital to supporting younger professionals.
How do you see the events industry changing over the next five years, and how do you want to be part of that change?
I think we have seen such a rise in sustainability over recent years, which will only continue to grow and expand. With AI on the rise I think we will see more technology being used to personalise experiences. I think post covid, we saw a lot of business having a high focus on budget and costs, whereas we are slowly coming out of this now and business are really focusing on the venue itself now and how the event will be executed over solely focusing on budget.
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?
A challenge I feel passionate about improving is definitely accessibility and inclusivity within the events industry and venues. I think raising awareness on hidden disabilities is such a crucial element as time moves along. We see more and more neurodivergent people attending events and equality should be shouted from the rooftops! It is so important that awareness is raised for people with hidden disabilities, when venues are actively supporting these individuals by creating wellness, quiet and sensory rooms it allows delegates to feel respected and seen and will positively impact the overall experience. Not only does it positively impact the individuals, but having these spaces onsite builds such a strong and positive reputations for the venues also. Again, with accessibility, nowadays we see the majority of venues having wheelchair access, but there are still venues I come across that do not! It is so important when talking to clients about their event to ask them questions about their delegates to ensure everyone will have an equal experience.
Why is this particular issue or topic important to you?
Equality! I believe that every single person, no matter their background or lifestyle deserves to be treated with respect and kindness and that is the underline of being accessible and inclusive to your guests!
What do you plan to do to continue to champion the topic?
Ensure I am always having those conversations with my client and venues. It is very important that venues are aware that the request for rooms such as a wellness room is on the rise so me shouting about it, posting on LinkedIn where my audience can engage are all ways to make it known how important this topic is today.
What can the industry itself do to better champion this topic?
Again, I think shouting about the importance of supporting everyone who walks through a properties door is such a good way to champion the topic of improving inclusivity and accessibility. Venues posting and highlighting about their facilities, they need to make it known that they have these spaces and I really do believe that more and more clients will be impacted positively by having access to these quieter, wellness spaces.
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 2026 here.