Breaking barriers
How women in tech are shaping the future of events
How often do you hear someone say, “I’m not very techy” - and it’s followed by a shrug, a smile, and a quiet retreat from the conversation?
For many in the meetings and events industry, particularly women, technology can sometimes feel like a barrier rather than a bridge. But why is that? And more importantly, what if we could change that narrative?
I’ve worked in this sector longer than I want to admit (though every year has added invaluable experience!), and throughout my journey, one thing has remained constant: our industry is powered by passionate, creative, resilient people. Many of them are women. And increasingly, these women aren’t just participating in the tech conversation, they’re leading it.
Jacqui Kavanagh, CEO of EDGE Venues
Jacqui Kavanagh, CEO of EDGE Venues
Technology that works for people
When we talk about digital transformation, we’re not just talking about software. We’re talking about a shift in mindset. For years, the events space thrived on personal relationships, paper trails, and processes built on trust. Now, we’re balancing that with algorithms, platforms, and automation. The question is: how do we bring everyone along for the ride?
At EDGE Venues, we’ve made it our mission to create a global venue sourcing solution that’s smart, intuitive, and designed to support real people doing real work. Travel management companies and agents under pressure, corporate planners with global portfolios, associations juggling budgets and timelines. We believe technology should never be intimidating. It should empower. It should simplify.
What does that look like in practice? It looks like software built by people who’ve actually sat in the event planner’s seat. It means transparency, ease of use, and support that doesn’t rely on a jargon-filled manual.
We’re proud to champion diversity not just within our own team, but in the way we design tech that supports a diverse range of users. And that includes shining a light on the women in our industry who are making tech more accessible, more human, and more powerful.
Influencers making a difference
So, who’s doing this brilliantly?
There are so many incredible women across the meetings and events space who are not just embracing innovation but shaping it.
Think of Shonali Devereaux, CEO of the MIA, for showcasing and driving standards in Meetings and Events. Or Fay Sharpe, founder of Fast Forward 15, a mentoring initiative that’s developed countless women into leaders and tech adopters.
And there are many more that I am so overwhelmed by on their amazing work: tech leads, agency founders, digital marketers, and venue leaders who are showing us that embracing technology isn’t about fitting a mould, it’s about breaking one.
Smarter solutions, driven by women
What does it look like when women lead in event tech? It looks like empathy-driven UX. It looks like inclusive design, collaborative development, and tools that don't just solve problems, they anticipate them.
In my own journey, I’ve seen the difference it makes when women are not only users of tech but creators, decision-makers, and innovators. We approach challenges differently. We ask different questions. And often, we insist that the technology serves a broader purpose, saving time, unlocking creativity, and improving work-life balance.
Have you ever hesitated to adopt a new platform because it felt overwhelming? Or wondered if a tech solution was truly designed with your day-to-day needs in mind? Those are the moments where leadership matters, when diverse perspectives shape the tools we use every day.
Breaking the bias, rebuilding the model
Breaking barriers isn’t just about gender. It’s about accessibility, confidence, and inclusion. We can’t expect people to embrace technology if they feel excluded from the conversation.
That’s why EDGE is more than a sourcing platform, it’s a platform for empowerment. Whether you're a venue manager navigating digital listings, or an agent searching for the perfect space at lightning speed, our goal is to give you control, confidence, and clarity. No hidden costs. No gatekeeping. Just smart, intuitive tech that puts users first.
The future is collaborative
So, what’s next? How do we continue to shape the future of event technology with women at the helm?
It starts with visibility. By sharing our stories, mentoring the next generation, and celebrating the wins, big and small, we create a ripple effect. The more we see women in tech, the more we normalise it. The more we normalise it, the faster we break down the outdated notion that tech is a “man’s world.”
I’d love to hear from you. what’s your experience with event tech? Have you felt empowered by the platforms you use, or frustrated by their limitations? What would your ideal solution look like?
As a leader, I’m committed to listening, and building better because of it.
