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 Sophia Webber, account manager at SEVEN. She speaks about one of her first highlights, onsite at Wimbledon in 2021 and her passion for ensuring that sustainability is approached in a practical and meaningful way.
What made you want to get involved in the industry and why?
What initially drew me to the events industry was the energy and variety it offers. No two days are ever the same, and you have the opportunity to work across different industries, clients, and formats, which keeps things constantly interesting. It’s also an industry where you can be both creative and strategic, which really appealed to me. On top of that, the experiences you gain, whether that’s travelling, working on unique projects, or being part of moments that really matter to clients, are things you wouldn’t get in many other careers.
What is the first career highlight that comes to mind?
One of the first highlights that comes to mind is being onsite at Wimbledon in 2021, delivering hospitality suites and private houses for a client. It was two weeks of intense, high-pressure delivery, but also incredibly rewarding. The atmosphere was amazing, and it was a real moment where I saw the scale and impact of what we do. It gave me a huge sense of pride and confirmed that I was in the right industry.
What have you learned about yourself since entering the events world?
I’ve learned that I thrive in fast-paced, ever-changing environments and genuinely enjoy the variety that this industry brings. I’ve also realised how much I value building relationships, both with clients and colleagues. The events industry is full of talented, driven people, and I’ve been lucky to work alongside individuals who challenge and inspire me. That combination of people, pace, and purpose is something I really enjoy.
If you could give your younger self one piece of advice when starting out in events, what would it be?
Say yes to every opportunity. Whether that’s attending industry events, taking on new challenges, or finding a mentor outside of your organisation, those experiences are what help shape your career. Building your network early and learning from others in the industry is invaluable, and the more you put yourself out there, the more opportunities will come your way.
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 incredibly important in recognising and supporting emerging talent in the industry. They provide a platform to celebrate achievements, build confidence, and expand your network. I feel very grateful to be part of the Class of 2026. While the industry is supportive in many ways, I think initiatives like this play a key role in giving young professionals visibility and access to opportunities that help accelerate their development.
How do you see the events industry changing over the next five years, and how do you want to be part of that change?
AI is going to play a significant role in shaping the future of events, particularly in how we personalise experiences, streamline processes, and enhance creativity. I think we’ll see agencies using AI more intelligently to support both planning and delivery, while still maintaining the human element that makes live events so powerful. I want to be part of that evolution by embracing new technologies in a way that enhances the client experience while keeping creativity and connection at the core.
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?
Sustainability is a key issue that I’m really passionate about, particularly ensuring it is approached in a practical and meaningful way. Too often it can be treated as a tick-box exercise or something that is added at the end of a project, rather than being embedded from the start. I’m passionate about helping shift that mindset so sustainability becomes a natural part of how events are planned and delivered.
Why is this particular issue or topic important to you?
My passion for sustainability really developed through mentoring with Chrissie Beck as part of the Elevate Mentoring Scheme. Her knowledge and perspective opened my eyes to the real impact our industry has and the role we play in influencing change. That experience helped me move from seeing sustainability as an added consideration to understanding it as a responsibility within our roles.
What do you plan to do to continue to champion the topic?
I believe sustainability needs to be considered from the very start of every project, not added in later. I’ve already worked on implementing strategies and approaches within my current role, and I’m focused on continuing to build on that by encouraging conversations early in the planning process. I also think it’s important to carry learnings forward, using post-event insights to improve year on year and ensure both we and our clients are continuously progressing.
What can the industry itself do to better champion this topic?
The industry can make the biggest impact by embedding sustainability into every stage of event planning and delivery, rather than treating it as an afterthought. It’s also important to be realistic and transparent, avoiding over-promising or greenwashing. There are so many resources, suppliers, and partners available to support more sustainable choices, so it’s about making use of those and continuing to educate ourselves. Collaboration and shared knowledge will be key to driving meaningful change.