This year’s Fast Forward 15 mentees are throwing an evening soiree celebrating 100 years of inspirational women, in support of Girls Rock London.
The fifth Fast Forward 15 Charity Challenge Event will go virtual for the first time with The Soaring 20’s event on Thursday 18 June.
Organiser and mentee Megan Anstee said: "We’re going virtual! The event will now be on Thursday 18 June, with masterclasses, performances, auction and more. And no mention of the C-word. The event is designed to be the ultimate celebration of our industry – a great opportunity for colleagues to come together, network, support a charity and celebrate the power of events."
“With a 1920’s theme, we are celebrating 100 years of inspirational women. It’s looking to be quite the event, with some great speakers and top auction bids,” said Fast Froward 15 founder Fay Sharpe.
Going into its sixth year, the Fast Forward 15 mentoring programme has supported 75 female event industry professionals to grow and strengthen their careers. Founded in 2014 by Fay Sharpe, vice president of BCD M&E, the not‐for‐profit mentoring scheme pairs some of the industry’s leading figures with female professionals. Mentors represent companies such as Hearst, IMEX, First, London Business Forum, Cvent, Fidelity International & Bayer.
As part of the programme, the 15 event professionals organise an annual Charity Challenge event. Originally planned as a live event, the evening will now provide a virtual experience that aims to reflect the event industry’s resilience and flexibility, featuring a series of masterclasses to help attendees soar into the 20’s in style.
This year's mentees were challenged to stage the event with no budget, relying on colleagues from across the events and hospitality industry to donate their valuable time and resources. This year’s event partners include production company Sparq, which is providing its digital platform to host the event, and Hire Space, which has provided expertise in helping to make the transition.
All money raised will be divided between funding the FF15 programme for future years and their chosen charity Girls Rock London ‐ a music project providing a platform for girls and women to find and develop their voices.
A Girls Rock London representative said: "Girls Rock London are delighted to partner with Fast Forward 15, an excellent programme that shares our values and beliefs in the transformative power of mentoring young women. We couldn't be happier to be their chosen charity!"
The evening will kick off with a cocktail making session, hosted by The Cocktail Service. Girls Rock London will be performing throughout the evening and this year’s event sees the return of Jennifer Davidson, MD and founder of Sleek Events. A previous Fast Forward 15 mentee, Davidson has won several industry awards for her accomplishments and will be sharing her experiences on the programme and beyond. There will be a live auction and prize draw.
Tickets are available online now.
M&IT editor Paul Harvey is a journalist with more than 15 years of experience. He began his career in the local press, working for various titles across the north. Since joining M&IT in 2013, he has become a trusted and respected voice in the sector, championing event professionals and reporting on all aspects of the events industry for the brand.
