Women make up 77% of the global events workforce, yet hold only 16% of leadership roles. The imbalance is well known, but the women driving this industry forward are still too often overlooked.
The 70% is a weekly series dedicated to changing that. Each instalment profiles a woman whose work, insight, and ambition shape the events sector – from emerging talent to established leaders. Through their stories, we explore the pathways, challenges, and perspectives defining what leadership looks like today.
In this weeks edition, we meet Kym Wynne, country manager at Verve Live Agency.
How many years have you been in the events industry?
My entire career has been rooted in client-servicing roles on the agency side. The common thread has always been creativity – spanning design, retail, and advertising, before transitioning into events three years ago.
How do you balance professional growth with personal commitments, and do you think the industry is evolving in terms of work–life balance?
I don’t necessarily relate to the traditional idea of balance. For me, growth has come from understanding my own energy levels and what I need in order to show up as my best self.
Different seasons of life demand different things, and acceptance plays a big role in navigating that. When work is particularly demanding, I make a conscious effort not to overextend myself elsewhere. I think the industry is beginning to recognise this more – there’s a growing acknowledgement of wellbeing, boundaries, and sustainable ways of working, and I feel good leadership today requires recognising that everyone’s capacity is different.
How do you see the events industry evolving in terms of diversity, equity and inclusion?
There’s definitely a stronger and more intentional focus on DE&I across the industry. From neurodiversity to accessibility to cultural representation, the conversation is becoming more nuanced. Clients are increasingly setting expectations and leading by example, which is pushing agencies and suppliers to elevate their standards as well. There’s still work to be done, but the lens is much broader than it used to be.
What advice would you give to young women looking to enter and succeed in the events industry?
Stay curious, speak up, and trust your instincts. The events world moves fast, and your perspective is valuable, even if you’re just starting out. Build relationships early, because this industry thrives on collaboration.
Remember that events are ultimately about the attendee experience. Pay attention to the details; how a space feels, how people move through it, where moments of connection happen. The small things shape the overall impact. Developing that instinct for detail, while keeping the bigger picture in mind, will set you apart.
How do you handle setbacks and failures?
I’m a great believer that challenges in life only present themselves when you’re ready to overcome them. With that in mind, I try to view setbacks as an opportunity to grow. My first step is to pause and reflect – what is this moment trying to teach me? Being intentional in processing and focusing on actionable learnings before moving forward.
What changes do you think are still needed to create more opportunities for women in leadership?
We need more intentional pathways for progression, clearer visibility on how women can move into senior roles, and support systems that don’t rely solely on self-advocacy. Mentorship and sponsorship are critical, as is fostering environments where women are encouraged to lead authentically rather than conform to outdated leadership models.