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Women in Exhibitions has successfully launched its new "In Conversation" series, bringing members together for an evening of honest discussion, shared experiences and meaningful networking.
The inaugural event was created in direct response to member feedback, with many women expressing a desire for more opportunities to connect in person, learn from industry leaders and have open conversations about the realities of building a career in exhibitions.
To kick off the series, Women in Exhibitions welcomed entrepreneur and events industry leader Laura Biggs as its first guest. With a career spanning more than three decades in the events industry, Laura has built, scaled and successfully exited her own exhibition business. Today, she focuses on ventures that champion women, including the Fertility Show and Women in Work, making her an ideal guest to launch the new series.
In a candid and engaging conversation with UK Chapter President Caroline Gourlay, Laura shared her career journey from leaving school at 16 and entering the workplace without knowing she had dyslexia, through to becoming a successful entrepreneur and business owner. Along the way, she reflected on the lessons, challenges and opportunities that shaped her leadership style and career outlook.
The discussion covered a wide range of topics, including confidence, leadership, authenticity, motherhood, workplace inclusion and the importance of embracing opportunities, even when they feel daunting.
Key Takeaways from the Conversation
Confidence follows action
One of the strongest messages of the evening was that confidence is rarely something we have before we take the leap. Instead, it is built through experience, learning and a willingness to say yes before we feel completely ready.
Stop apologising for being human
Laura challenged the tendency many women have to apologise unnecessarily for everyday realities, whether that's caring responsibilities, health challenges or simply having a difficult day. Authenticity, rather than perfection, should be the goal.
Inclusion requires intentional action
Drawing on her own experiences of pregnancy and motherhood in senior leadership roles, Laura highlighted that workplace barriers are not always deliberate, but they still exist. Leaders have a responsibility to actively consider the diverse needs and experiences of their teams.
Embrace what makes you different
For many years, women have felt pressure to adapt their behaviour to fit traditional leadership expectations. Laura encouraged attendees to lean into their differences, embrace their individuality and lead in a way that feels authentic to them.
Growth happens outside your comfort zone
Some of the most valuable development opportunities come when we are stretched beyond what feels comfortable. Many of Laura's defining career moments emerged from being trusted with challenges she had never tackled before.
Perhaps the most honest takeaway of the evening was also the simplest: you do not need to have everything figured out before taking the next step. Sometimes you simply need to give it a go.
Caroline Gourlay, President of Women in Exhibitions UK Chapter, said:
"This event was created in direct response to feedback from our members, who told us they wanted more opportunities for in-person learning, networking and honest conversations about career development. Laura was the perfect guest to launch the series, bringing openness, humour and practical advice that resonated with everyone in the room. It was a fantastic evening and exactly the kind of connection and learning our members have been asking for."
The evening concluded with an engaging audience Q&A and informal networking session, allowing attendees to continue discussions around career progression, leadership, confidence and personal growth.
Women in Exhibitions extends its sincere thanks to Laura Biggs for sharing her experiences so openly and generously, and to everyone who attended and helped make the inaugural event such a success.
Special thanks also go to Headline Sponsors SeeTickets & LiveBuzz, Events Sponsor Full Circle Events & Exhibitions and Nineteen Group for their support in bringing the first In Conversation event to life.
Following the success of the inaugural session, Women in Exhibitions looks forward to welcoming more inspiring industry leaders to future editions of the series, continuing to create opportunities for connection, learning and meaningful conversation across the exhibitions community.
Events like In Conversation are just one of the many benefits available to Women in Exhibitions members, alongside networking opportunities, mentoring, industry insights and professional development resources. To find out more about becoming a member, visit https://www.womeninexhibitions.co.uk or contact Zoe at info@womeninexhibitions.co.uk
