Celebrating Women in Events: A Founder’s Perspective
LONDON
At Neon Touch Events, we will always take pride in celebrating women in the events industry, recognising the resilience, leadership, and innovation they bring to this fast-paced world. As International Women’s Day 2025 approaches, I have looked back on my journey as a female founder, entrepreneur, and working mother, and the inspiring women shaping luxury event planning in London today.
The events industry is one where women thrive, yet leadership roles and recognition still often lags behind. As someone who has built a business from the ground up, balancing a career with motherhood, I understand first-hand the challenges women can face in the corporate events and wedding planning sectors.
My Journey as a Female Founder in Event Planning
My career in events began in 2001, when I joined European Events as a Sales Executive. It was my first experience working in London’s corporate event planning sector, and I was instantly hooked by the energy and creativity of the industry.
It was there that I met Caroline Stewart, an exceptional event planner with 20 years of experience. She became my mentor, teaching me the art of delivering high-end events, from concept to execution.
Together, we co-founded Vivid Minds, a luxury event management company in London, specialising in corporate events, gala dinners, and brand activations. During this time, I was also navigating life as a new mother, balancing the pressures of business ownership with family life - something many female entrepreneurs in events can relate to.
Rebuilding After COVID: The Birth of Neon Touch Events
Like many businesses in high-end event management, Vivid Minds faced significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. As live events came to a halt, Caroline decided to retire, marking the end of an era.
For me, this was an opportunity to reinvent and reimagine event planning for a new era. In 2021, I launched Neon Touch Events, a boutique event agency in London, curating immersive, luxury experiences for corporate clients, charities, and private events. Neon Touch focuses on delivering bespoke event solutions, with creativity and flawless execution at the forefront of every project.
Women in Event Planning: Breaking Barriers in 2024
The event management industry has long been powered by women, yet leadership opportunities remain imbalanced.
77% of event professionals are women, but men still dominate executive positions, according to an IBTM Report.
Women-led businesses are on the rise - in 2022, over 150,000 women launched businesses in the UK, doubling the number from 2018 (Prowess Report).
Despite this growth, less than 2% of venture capital funding goes to female-founded businesses, highlighting the ongoing challenges in access to funding (UK Government Report).
These figures highlight why visibility, mentorship, and opportunities for women in luxury event planning are crucial.
Balancing Business and Motherhood as a Female Entrepreneur
As a woman in event planning, running a high-end event agency while raising children has been one of the biggest challenges of my career, while also bringing me the greatest rewards.
The event industry is not a typical 9-to-5 job. It requires long hours, high energy, and adaptability. Finding balance is not always easy, but with the right mindset and support network, I have found that it is possible.
1. The Power of Female Mentorship in Event Planning
Having a mentor like Caroline Stewart shaped my career. Now, I prioritise supporting and hiring women in corporate event management, encouraging the next generation of female event planners.
2. Delegation is Key in High-End Event Management
As an event business owner, it’s tempting to oversee everything, but successful event planning relies on trust. I’ve built a team that I trust to deliver seamless corporate events and luxury weddings.
3. Setting Boundaries in a Fast-Paced Industry
In London’s luxury event planning sector, the demand for perfection and 24/7 availability is high. However, setting boundaries - whether for family time or personal wellbeing - is essential for long-term success.
4. Adapting to Change: Reinventing Event Planning Post-COVID
Launching Neon Touch Events was a bold move, but embracing change is crucial for business growth. The best event planners in London continuously evolve, stay ahead of trends, and bring fresh ideas to the table.
Empowering Women in Event Management
At Neon Touch Events, we are committed to supporting and uplifting women in the events industry. This includes:
Hiring and mentoring female event planners.
Partnering with women-led event suppliers when possible.
Creating luxury event experiences that celebrate female leaders and entrepreneurs.
This International Women’s Day, I will be celebrating not just my own journey but also the thousands of women redefining event planning, corporate events, and luxury experiences in London and around the UK.
Looking to work with a female-founded, luxury event agency in London? Get in touch with us here.