As with many of the UK’s thriving sectors, the events industry has faced issues surrounding gender inequality and in some areas continues to do so. However, while some female workers still feel limited by the stereotypes related to women in events (not everyone wants to be a wedding planner!), many are striving to break through the industry’s ‘glass ceiling’ and are paving the way for a more diverse and equal landscape.
Not only are leading figures such as Fay Sharpe – Vice President of global events agency BCD Meetings & Events – supporting women in the industry by initiating pioneering mentoring programs such as Fast Forward 15, but non-profit organisations such as The Association for Women in Events (AWE) and dedicated projects like the annual week-long Women in Events series are encouraging more and more women to become part of this vibrant global sector.
At Gallowglass, we also want to play our part in inspiring women across the world to pursue a career in events and, regardless of gender, welcome anyone on board who possesses a positive attitude, good work ethic and a willingness to learn. As such, we are delighted to have female professionals working in several areas throughout our business whose unfettered determination and continual hard work have no doubt played an integral part in helping us to become Europe’s finest event crew provider.
Chris Parry-Jones, our Group Director of HR, has been with Gallowglass for 15 years and during that time, has ensured that equal opportunities for career progression have always been available to both male and female employees. As well as playing a fundamental role in collating the very best team possible, Chris has also become a highly-respected events industry figure and regularly contributes as a member of several training and employer best practice committees as well as our Gallowglass Group Board.
Our Financial Controller, Maria Sanchez, is also another prominent female figure within the business and possesses a wealth of experience in corporate accounting, making her an invaluable asset to the Gallowglass team. Boasting proficient knowledge in several areas including profit and loss management, financial reporting and budget analysis and preparation, as well as excellent communication and negotiation skills. Maria is certainly one of the high-flyers here at Gallowglass.
While these are just two of many glistening examples of the female team members within our workforce, we have also had the pleasure of working alongside industry-leading women from elsewhere in the UK events sector. Over the years, this has included Claire Stokes, Founder and Managing Director of Circle Agency Limited, Liz Madden, Director of NoNonsense and Helen Horton, Director of Events at Haymarket Media Group.
But despite our clear support in championing women across the events industry, many seem to turn away from the opportunity to become part of our crew.
While over the years, we have welcomed several female crew members, there are one or two perceived obstacles that continue to prevent some women from becoming part of the Gallowglass crew. These include the level of strength that is at times required to carry out general crewing tasks such as lifting and transportation and the anti-social hours that sometimes come with particular events. However, in line with our rigorous health and safety policies, crew members are never made to lift unreasonable weights and the opportunity to choose your own jobs and working hours is always available, meaning your social life doesn’t have to suffer!
Although there’s no denying that crewing is undoubtedly a more physical role than many and can often be time-consuming, it is also a superb place to start for both women and men who want to work their way up the events career ladder and gain as much experience as possible of working at all levels of the industry. Not only will becoming part of the Gallowglass crew provide you with an opportunity to get your foot in the door, but the experience of crewing will also act as a stepping stone to making lasting connections within the sector overall. As well as getting to know those working on site with expertise in different areas such as film, lighting and sound, you will also have the chance to interact with industry-leading companies who may prove to be valuable contacts in the future as your career progresses.
If this post has inspired you to kick-start your career in events, why not get in touch with us today to see what opportunities we could offer you? With event crew jobs in Edinburgh, London and elsewhere across the UK, the option to become part of our team is always available no matter where you’re based!
