Women make up around 70% of the global events workforce but their stories, leadership, and influence are often underrepresented. The 70% is a weekly series celebrating the women shaping the events industry. From rising stars to seasoned leaders, each profile shines a light on the career journeys, challenges, and perspectives of women working across all corners of the sector.

This week we spotlight Anita Lowe, CEO of VeSpace. 

How many years have you been in the events industry?

My husband Chris and I set up our agency back in 1989! Prior to that I had worked on the hotel side of the industry, most recently at the Holiday Inn Swindon (now the Marriott) where I achieved their highest ever pre-opening sales record. Working with the local businesses at that time was where I really saw the demand for a personal, knowledgeable agency – before we knew it, veSpace was born! Nearly 37 years later we’re still looking after some of clients I had back then! 

How do you balance professional growth with personal commitments, and do you think the industry is evolving in terms of work-life balance?  

Events are my raison d’être so personal and professional are always blended, which is what I love. My husband Chris and I love travelling with our resident Hotel Inspector Cavachon Teddy (check out his Instagram!). We love visiting the venues we use and experiencing them first-hand and we really encourage our team to do the same – what a wonderful perk of this industry to be able to see such amazing places and increase our product knowledge at the same time. In a broader sense, at veSpace we respect and appreciate the need for everyone to work in a way that suits them best – we don’t micromanage, we offer flexible working and the ability to work from home. Organising events isn’t easy but we have an amazing culture and our office is a great place to be.

How do you see the events industry evolving in terms of diversity, equity, and inclusion?

It’s really important for us that we practice what we preach here. We have learned so much here from working with some of our amazing clients such as bp and Castrol, they’re always in search of excellence. The events industry is absolutely evolving and diversity, equity, and inclusion are now at the heart of great event design. From diverse speakers and accessible venues to inclusive content and supplier choices, our clients are prioritising experiences where everyone feels seen, valued, and welcome. Much like Sustainability, DEI isn’t a trend, it’s the new standard. 

What advice would you give to young women looking to enter and succeed in the events industry?

Build your network, your confidence and your resilience in equal measure. I’ve always been a huge advocate of the importance of mentorship, find a great mentor and take every opportunity to learn. Ask questions, offer your opinion and absorb everything around you with a good sense of humour!

How do you handle setbacks and failures?

I try to see setbacks as a learning opportunity. For example when pitching, win or lose we complete a debrief as a team – we’re never complacent and this really allows us to evolve and grow as a business.

What changes do you think are still needed to create more opportunities for women in leadership?

We need more visible role models at leadership level, cross industry mentorship programmes, and flexible working policies that support women at every career and life stage. Creating space for women’s voices in decision-making and actively challenging bias are absolutely key to opening up more leadership opportunities in the events industry.