Get involved – you won’t regret it!

“Your comfort zone is a wonderful place, but nothing ever grows there,” is one of my favourite quotes I remind myself of when putting myself forward for new opportunities.

When I started out in the events industry, it was nerve-wracking thinking beyond my job role and taking those first steps to becoming part of the MICE community, but I would recommend it to everyone. Whatever your position, engaging with the wider industry community can be a game-changer for your career, be a catalyst for personal and professional growth and lead to a whole host of opportunities coming your way.

Being part of the broader events industry community is an investment in your career growth. Networking with professionals beyond your immediate circle exposes you to more diverse perspectives, new industry insights, and potential career opportunities. It opens doors to collaborations, partnerships, and roles you may not have considered and connects you with those able to support you in securing them. Personally, it has supported me in securing new job roles, speaking on stage at industry events, writing articles for industry press and winning awards like Tomorrow's Talent.

Getting involved in the events community can also help you in your current job role. Remember, we work in a people-led industry so you never know when you will need your little black book of contacts to help when pulling together an event. Building a network of suppliers is a strategic advantage that goes beyond your day-to-day responsibilities. Knowing reliable vendors and understanding the broader supply chain enhances your ability to deliver successful events. This network becomes a valuable resource, ensuring you have access to top-notch services, products, and industry trends, ultimately contributing to the success of your projects.

If you’re thinking of ways to push yourself and get more involved in the industry community, do it in a way that is authentic to you. If you love chatting with others, get to industry events, network in person and submit to speak on stage. If you are more introverted and like creating your own content, start posting it online or join online community groups. Alternatively, apply for industry initiatives and awards, like Tomorrow’s Talent (applications for 2024 are open until 26 January) that can support you in opening more doors and creating lasting connections. There are so many ways to be involved!