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 Olympia Parmenter-Lyon, project manager at Emota.
What made you want to get involved in the industry and why?
All I know is people – everything I enjoy in life surrounds others. I am the type to talk to strangers on public transport. I love to hear stories and create valued relationships. I didn’t think there was an industry that I could be a part of professionally that also encompassed that feeling of community, and then I found events, from pharma to festivals there is always a common denominator.. People! Creating a lasting impact and leaving with new stories an connections is what I thrive for and have found within the event industry.
What is the first career highlight that comes to mind?
Running my first congress, single handedly as a project manager at Emota. I had to manage 100 people’s registrations, accommodation and multiple additional events surrounding, over the course of 5 days. Another was when I managed over 900 bedroom nights across 9 hotels with 100% accuracey with no people missed or incorrect dates.
What have you learned about yourself since entering the events world?
As someone that has always been a little chaotic and not the most process driven, the industry has highlighted that these aren’t necessarily negative traits as multitasking is crucial. Although it did highlight the struggles I do have with collecting my thoughts, priorities and tasks cohesively which is also required in events! It was this that pushed me to look into an ADHD diagnosis. Since being diagnosed, I have been able to manage my brain in a different way to what is typically expected that works for me and the way my brain functions. This has of course brought challenges but ultimately let me explore how I work and grow in confidence both professionally and personally.
If you could give your younger self one piece of advice when starting out in events, what would it be?
Give yourself more patience. Events are human led. There is no such thing as a perfect event; mistakes will happen, it’s how you handle them. Give yourself grace and let it push you to be better, not to tell yourself you aren’t good enough!
How important are schemes such as CN 30under30 and do you believe the industry does enough to support young professionals?
I think schemes like CN 30under30 are so important for young professionals to know that their effort and work make an impact. It is easy to forget you can make an impact with events in an industry so huge and can be overwhelming. Recognition enables a new wave of people to know they are making a difference with their presence! I think the industry, and general job market at the moment is proving difficult and can be daunting for young professionals especially when there are so many talented people in the industry with years of experience behind them, I think bigger companies can remind YP’s that that will one day be them. It’s an ever-growing industry that will not waver.
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 I can see the events industry growing larger, since the COVID-19 pandemic, obviously events we’re hit pretty hard. There has definitely been a steady growth of the industry’s come back, but I feel we are reaching the pinnacle; in the next few years the industry will not just continue to thrive but become bigger. I feel like Young Professionals and those looking into starting their professional journey will be drawn to events unlike before, when I studied Event Management and Manchester Met University, Event’s was quite a niche choice, I feel now it is gaining so much traction and becoming a leading career choice for many.
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?
I think, as in all industries, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, is an ongoing topic that needs to be championed always, but especially at the moment. We cannot separate the political climate and the workspace when it comes to people being able to show up to their work authentically, comfortably and celebrated as everyone should.
Why is this particular issue or topic important to you?
I am both part of the LGBTQIA+ community as a proud lesbian, and a late diagnosed neurodivergent person. These topics are personal for me, but also something I have always been passionate about, my existence is political, and it’s so important for me to champion myself and others that may not be as confident or seen in the workplace for people to recognize themselves and to feel encouraged to be themselves, everywhere, especially at work where you spend the majority of your time.
What do you plan to do to continue to champion the topic?
I was a part of our DEI working group, and now a part of our Neurodiversity BERG at my current workplace. I will always find a way to show up for my own communities and others that need to be championed. I’m also vocal outside of work in my personal life.
What can the industry itself do to better champion this topic?
I think the industry can help move things forward, firstly, with slowly moving away from traditional event ‘looks’ – it was the norm to expect women to wear heels, pencil skirts and make up and men suits – we need to encourage people to show up as their authentic selves, without fear of feeling excluded because of the way you present yourself, I don’t believe we should be regulating individuals on how to wear their hair, piercings or tattoos. Self-expression needs to be the new norm within the industry; this doesn’t mean people will look or be any less professional. Internally at workplaces, encouraging working groups as a chance for community to be felt is so important for people to feel heard, recognized and accepted as they are within a company. Creating spaces for connection, through internal events, like celebrating pride, Autism awareness, and black history month – all important and all to be championed.
