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 Katie Clancy, project manager at VeSpace. In this interview, she speaks about what drew her to the events industry and her passion of widening access to the events industry for young people who haven’t taken a traditional university route.
What made you want to get involved in the industry and why?
I was drawn to the events industry because it offers something no other career quite does – the ability to bring people together to create meaningful, memorable experiences. I’ve always been someone who enjoys being organised, working with people and seeing something come to life, so events felt like a natural fit.
What really motivated me to pursue it, though, was how dynamic and hands-on the industry is. No two days are the same, and there’s a real sense of achievement in seeing an event go from an idea on paper to a live experience that delivers genuine impact for clients and delegates. I was particularly interested in how events can influence connection, learning and business outcomes all at once.
I didn’t follow a traditional university route into the industry, so I took the initiative to secure work experience and immerse myself in the environment as early as possible. That first exposure confirmed that this was where I wanted to build my career. I was inspired by the pace, the collaboration and the level of detail involved in delivering successful events.
Since then, my passion has only grown. Being part of an industry that is constantly evolving, where creativity meets logistics, and where you can see the tangible results of your work, is what continues to motivate me every day.
What is the first career highlight that comes to mind?
The first career highlight that comes to mind is delivering my first major global sourcing project for a large retail client. It was a significant moment for me, as it was one of the first times I had full ownership and responsibility for such an important enquiry.
From the outset, I was determined to make a strong impression. The project required me to manage multiple stakeholders, work to tight deadlines and ensure every detail was handled with precision. It was a real step up in terms of complexity and visibility, but I embraced the challenge and stayed focused on delivering the best possible outcome for the client.
Seeing the project come together successfully was incredibly rewarding, but what made it stand out even more was the feedback I received afterwards. The client’s lead stakeholder praised my work and confidence in leading the project, which gave me a real sense of validation and belief in my abilities.
That experience not only boosted my confidence but also marked a turning point in my career. It reinforced that I was capable of handling high-profile work and played a key role in shaping my progression into project manager role.
What have you learned about yourself since entering the events world?
Since entering the events industry, I’ve learned that I’m far more adaptable and resilient than I initially realised. Events rarely go exactly to plan, and I’ve discovered that I thrive in fast-paced, high-pressure environments where quick thinking and problem-solving are essential.
I’ve also learned how important it is to stay calm and composed, especially when managing multiple priorities or unexpected challenges. I take pride in being someone others can rely on in those moments, and I’ve found that maintaining a positive, solutions-focused mindset makes a real difference to both the team and the outcome of a project.
Another key realisation has been how much I enjoy building relationships. Whether it’s working closely with colleagues, suppliers or clients, I’ve found that strong communication and trust are at the heart of delivering successful events. It’s something that comes naturally to me and has become one of my biggest strengths.
Perhaps most importantly, I’ve learned that stepping outside of my comfort zone is where I grow the most. Taking on new challenges, asking questions and putting myself forward for opportunities has accelerated my development and given me the confidence to keep progressing in my career.
If you could give your younger self one piece of advice when starting out in events, what would it be?
Don’t wait until you feel completely ready – just say yes to opportunities and trust that you’ll figure things out along the way!
When starting out, it’s easy to doubt yourself or feel like you need more experience before stepping up, but some of my biggest growth has come from taking on challenges that felt slightly outside my comfort zone. The events industry is all about learning on the job, and no one expects you to know everything from day one.
How important are schemes such as CN 30under30 and do you believe the industry does enough to support young professionals?
Schemes like CN 30under30 are incredibly important because they shine a spotlight on emerging talent and celebrate the next generation of industry leaders. Recognition like this not only motivates individuals but also helps raise their profile within the events sector, opening doors to new opportunities, mentorship and networks that can accelerate career growth.
That said, while the industry has made strides in supporting young professionals, there’s still more that could be done. Structured programmes, apprenticeships, and work experience placements are vital, but accessibility remains a challenge, especially for those who haven’t followed a traditional academic path. Highlighting alternative routes into the industry and offering meaningful, hands-on experiences can make a big difference in helping young talent thrive.
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 continuing to evolve in three key ways: greater integration of technology, a stronger focus on sustainability, and increased emphasis on accessibility and inclusivity.
Hybrid and virtual elements will become standard alongside live experiences, sustainability won’t just be a nice-to-have but a core expectation, and the industry will need to actively widen access to attract diverse talent and audiences.
I want to be part of that change by helping to deliver events that are not only seamless and engaging but also responsible and inclusive. On the operational side, I’m keen to embrace new tools and technology that enhance the delegate experience and streamline delivery. On a wider level, I want to continue championing initiatives that open doors for people from non-traditional backgrounds, creating opportunities and mentorship pathways so the industry can benefit from fresh perspectives and talent.
Ultimately, I see myself contributing both as a trusted advisor, ensuring events meet clients’ business objectives and as an advocate for positive industry change. By combining operational excellence with a commitment to sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation, I hope to help shape an events sector that is resilient, forward-thinking, and truly impactful.
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?
One issue I feel particularly passionate about is widening access to the events industry for young people who haven’t taken a traditional university route. While formal qualifications like Event Management degrees have value, they shouldn’t be the only pathway into the sector.
I’m committed to championing alternative routes into the industry because I’ve experienced firsthand how valuable hands-on work experience, determination, and curiosity can be in building a successful career. Early in my journey, securing a work-experience placement gave me exposure to multiple departments, senior leadership, and real client projects, which was far more formative than any classroom could have been.
Why is this particular issue or topic important to you?
This issue is important to me because it’s one I’ve experienced personally. I entered the events industry through a non-traditional route, securing a work-experience placement rather than following a formal university pathway. That opportunity gave me exposure, responsibility, and confidence and it completely shaped the trajectory of my career. Without it, I wouldn’t have had the same chance to develop my skills, take on challenging projects, or progress into a leadership track so quickly.
I’ve seen how easily talented young people can be overlooked simply because they don’t have a degree or haven’t followed a conventional path. That feels like a real loss, both for them and for the industry, which misses out on diverse ideas and energy. I want to help change that by making sure others have the same opportunities I did, opportunities to learn, contribute, and grow.
What do you plan to do to continue to champion the topic?
I plan to continue championing this topic by actively supporting and shaping programmes that give young people hands-on experience in the events industry. This includes mentoring work-experience participants, helping design more immersive placements, and ensuring they gain exposure to multiple departments and senior leadership, so they can truly understand the breadth of opportunities available.
I also want to use my voice on platforms like the micebook shadow board to advocate for inclusive recruitment and development practices, highlighting the value of alternative pathways and sharing practical ideas to make them more accessible. Wherever I can, I aim to raise awareness within the industry about the benefits of recognising potential beyond formal qualifications.
Additionally, I plan to continue seeking opportunities to mentor and support individuals entering the sector, providing guidance, encouragement, and practical insight to help them navigate their early careers. Over time, I hope to contribute to a cultural shift where the industry increasingly values curiosity, determination, and talent as much as academic credentials, creating a more diverse, skilled, and dynamic workforce for the future.
What can the industry itself do to better champion this topic?
The industry can better champion this topic by creating structured, accessible pathways for people entering events through non-traditional routes. That means expanding work experience programmes, apprenticeships, and internships that provide real responsibility, exposure to multiple departments, and mentoring from experienced professionals. It’s not enough to offer short placements; they need to be meaningful, hands-on, and designed to give participants a clear understanding of potential career paths.
The industry can also actively promote and celebrate success stories of individuals who have entered through alternative routes. Highlighting these examples helps challenge the perception that a degree is the only way in and inspires others to pursue a career in events.
Finally, organisations can embed inclusivity into their recruitment and development strategies, ensuring that hiring and promotion processes recognise potential, attitude, and curiosity as much as formal qualifications. By investing in talent development, mentorship, and advocacy, the industry can make itself more accessible, attract a diverse workforce, and benefit from the creativity and energy of young professionals who might otherwise have been overlooked.
In short, the industry has the tools and influence to open doors, and by doing so intentionally, it can ensure that talent, passion, and determination are valued as much as academic background.
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.