A networking event designed to spark honest discussion about careers in events has returned to London following a sell-out launch, underlining growing demand for more candid industry dialogue.
Eventful Conversations, founded by Elly Walsh of I Am Recruitment and Jenny McNeill of Feast & Fable, welcomed nearly 200 professionals to its latest edition at White Rabbit Studios in Shoreditch.
The first event, held in September, sold out within a week and attracted more than 160 attendees. Organisers say the concept - bringing together in-house teams, agencies, creatives and suppliers for unfiltered conversation - is a response to fatigue with traditional panels and polished social media narratives.
A panel featuring senior figures from brands and agencies including Shopify, Google Cloud and Airbnb shared candid reflections on the realities of working in the sector, from career uncertainty to resilience and burnout.
Interactive elements encouraged wider participation beyond the stage. Guests contributed to a “reflection mirror” installation responding to prompts such as “What I wish I knew earlier” and “What I haven’t cracked yet,” while food and drinks were provided by industry suppliers.
Walsh said the idea originated from conversations she has daily in her recruitment role. “I
spend my days talking to people about their careers - the good, the bad and the
ugly - and I found myself thinking, wouldn’t it be powerful to get these stories
on a stage and into a room together?”, she said. “The response was insane.It’s clearly struck a
nerve. There’s a real appetite for honest, unfiltered conversations about what
this job really looks like.”
Co-founder McNeill added that the initiative aims to make networking feel less intimidating, particularly for those earlier in their careers. “Building
a career in events can feel exhilarating and overwhelming in equal measure, and
creating room for honest, generous conversations about that journey really
matters”, she said.
Panellists echoed the importance of openness. Louisa O’Connor of Seen Presents said the event “cuts through the polish” of the industry, while Shopify’s Kia Hanly described it as a reminder that the sector’s “superpower” lies in its people.
Feedback from attendees suggested the format resonated strongly, with comments describing the evening as “joyful, honest and warm” and likening it to “group therapy”.
Organisers believe the success of the first two editions demonstrates a wider shift towards community-focused gatherings that prioritise connection over formal content.
Eventful Conversations is expected to return later this year, with backing from a range of industry partners including Feast & Fable, Mix & Match Ltd, Hels Angels, RobotProof and KSS.
As the events sector continues to navigate talent challenges and evolving workplace expectations, the organisers say providing space for authentic discussion will remain central to the initiative’s mission.
