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 Phillippa Edwards, project director at MCI UK.
What made you want to get involved in the industry and why?
I’ve always loved attending live events and festivals, and I became fascinated by what goes on behind the scenes. I studied Events Management with Arts and Entertainment at university, but my placement year was the real turning point. Working in London’s events scene gave me priceless hands-on experience and introduced me to some amazing people, which confirmed that I’d made the right choice!
What is the first career highlight that comes to mind?
There are so many! A standout moment was delivering an incentive programme at the Four Seasons Astir Palace in Athens. What has stayed with me is the incredible sense of teamwork and achievement throughout the week.
The programme included beachside team-building activities, simultaneous dine-around dinners, and a packed conference schedule, all of which required detailed planning. Seeing everything come together and knowing we had created such a memorable experience made it a career highlight.
What is the biggest challenge you have overcome?
The biggest challenge I’ve overcome is imposter syndrome. Throughout my career, I’ve been grateful to be trusted with opportunities that stretched me beyond my experience level. While that was incredibly rewarding, it also came with moments where I questioned whether I had the years of experience or credibility to meet expectations.
Fortunately, I’ve had some incredible mentors throughout my career who have encouraged me to trust my instincts. I’ve learned that experience is also measured by your ability to learn, adapt and stay open-minded.
What have you learned about yourself since entering the events world?
I’m more creative than I have previously given myself credit for. You don’t have to have an artistic background to be creative; it also comes from thinking on your feet and finding solutions by challenging the normal.
If you could give your younger self one piece of advice when starting out in events, what would it be?
Not to underestimate the value of what I bring to the table. It’s easy to compare yourself to others and feel like you need more experience before your ideas or opinions matter, but everyone has something unique to contribute. Some of the best ideas come from fresh perspectives.
Be curious, keep learning from those around you, and trust that you’re in the room for a reason. The combination of confidence, humility, and a willingness to learn will take you much further than trying to have all the answers.
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 give emerging talent a platform and a voice. This recognition doesn’t just celebrate individual achievements but also creates opportunities to connect with others in the industry and learn from people with different experiences and perspectives.
I do believe our industry is becoming better at supporting young professionals, particularly through these schemes and the willingness of experienced leaders to mentor the next generation. However, there’s always more we can do to make those opportunities accessible to everyone. Investing in young talent, creating spaces where people feel confident to share their ideas, and encouraging collaboration across all levels is key.
How do you see the events industry changing over the next five years, and how do you want to be part of that change?
The industry will continue to be challenged to keep people genuinely engaged and to create experiences that spark an emotional connection. We recently hosted clients at SXSW London and asked them, ‘When was the last time you felt truly engaged with something?’ The answer that repeated were moments that gave meaning. We will see more need for bite-sized, impactful content that resonates with the people in the room.
I want to be part of this transition because it feels like we’re at the start of something much bigger. As the way people consume media continues to evolve, our industry has the chance to evolve with it, creating experiences that are more engaging, memorable and relevant than ever.
What kind of legacy do you hope to leave in the industry?
I’d like to leave a legacy of making the events industry feel more accessible for those starting out. I’ve benefited from incredible mentors throughout my career, and I’d love to do the same for others – helping the younger generation to build confidence, trust their ideas, and make the most of every opportunity.
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?
For me, it’s important that we champion wellbeing – for those attending our events, but also for employees behind the scenes. It’s not that our industry encourages burnout; if anything, it’s because so many of us genuinely love what we do. We’re passionate about delivering exceptional experiences, but that can sometimes mean we forget to make time to switch off, recharge and look after ourselves. Whether it’s creating more balanced agendas and event programmes or fostering healthier ways of working, small changes can have a big impact.
Why is this particular issue or topic important to you?
I am definitely guilty of choosing not to take a lunch break, even though I encourage everyone around me to have a healthy work-life balance!
What do you plan to do to continue to champion/topic?
During busy delivery periods, I intend to check in with my team, support where workloads are heavy and take the time to celebrate our successes together. It’s important to lead by example, by setting healthy boundaries and recognising that rest is part of delivering great work.
What can the industry itself do to better champion this topic?
As an industry, we can do more to design event agendas that include movement and time for meaningful collaboration rather than packing every minute. It’s about encouraging quality over quantity, and curating programmes that leave attendees feeling energised and inspired.