Lizzy Eaton, founder & director of Oddity Events & Marketing

In the summer of 2018 - after almost a decade of working my way up the ladder in events roles across various sectors - I took the leap to start my own agency, Oddity Events & Marketing.

We are a multi award-winning team who helps corporate communications, advocacy and public affairs teams deliver events with personality to influential audiences, from MPs and policy-makers to journalists and academics. As a fledgeling agency we are constantly evolving, adapting and learning the best approach to deliver results for our clients, never more so than in 2020. Though I’ve been in the events industry for so long, I have learned more about myself over the last year - professionally and personally, as a woman and as a business owner - than I have over the last ten years.

I have always struggled with imposter syndrome and I am a harsh critic of myself; it takes a long time for me to recognise my achievements and pat myself on the back. This is probably true for many women in all stages of their careers, but we are so lucky to work in an industry that is dominated by incredibly talented and accomplished female leaders (Jennifer Davidson, Juliet Tripp, Holly Moore, Abena Poku-Awuah and Hannah Luffman to name a few) - I am so inspired by their determination every day.

As a result of seeing these women thrive, I have developed a mantra: 'Channel your best self and consistently show up as her'.

Being a business owner can sometimes be pretty lonely, especially while I’ve been away from my team and working from home, so I’m learning to always have my own back in order to stay focussed and be successful.

As well as following the incredible women in leadership roles in the industry, I have also noticed the strength and kindness of the online community of eventprofs, both veteran and emerging talent, from all over the world. We’ve become a global network of cheerleaders to each other during one of the most challenging times any of us will face in our professional lives. I’ve learned so much and become great friends with people in the community, who I have never met ‘in real life’. I have offered advice, mentorship, support and encouragement and in turn, they have told me how I’ve inspired them, which for me is the highest accolade.

The interaction I have with other eventprofs really helps me gain confidence, and it’s often what I need to remind myself of my capabilities and to keep going when times are hard - “I got this!”.

My advice to any event professional would be to seek out your peers and connect with them, ask them about their journeys and what they’re proud of.

By extending our professional networks beyond the office, we can learn from each other to be better at what we do, hold ourselves accountable for reaching our goals, and get all-important pep talks from people who truly ‘get it’.

After over ten years in the game, my network is still growing and is one of my most valuable assets - just as yours will be too. I hope we as a community continue to connect in 2021 and beyond, and I can’t wait to meet each other in person as soon as possible.