To coincide with the recent launch of event industry mentoring programme Elevate’s seventh season, we ask why mentoring is important, and find out more about the team’s plans to tackle social mobility as part of this year’s programme…

Why are mentoring programmes like Elevate important for our industry?

There are sadly very few mentoring programmes within the events industry. The Elevate programme was launched back in 2017 by Melissa Noakes, head of sponsorship and events at Santander UK, and Max Fellows, founder of allpoints, to fill a gap in the industry for training and personal development. Seven years later, we have helped over 1,500 people, from graduates to senior professionals, advance their careers. This year Elevate has had 285 applicants from eight countries sign up.

We kicked off our seventh season at the end of February at The Hoxton, Holborn. We had a 90% turn out on the night (when does that ever happen?!) which we think is testament to the community that we have grown over the last seven years. All those people in one room with a shared purpose to ‘change lives, careers and the events industry for the better.’ We are constantly amazed at the generosity of our volunteer mentors who give up so much of their time to help others. We’ve never been to an event quite like it!

Tell us more about Elevate’s plans to tackle social mobility as part of this year’s programme?

At the launch event we announced our mission for 2023 which is to make a positive social impact on the lives of young people from diverse backgrounds, aged between 16-25. In particular we will be seeking to nurture under represented talent and encourage young people from lower socio-economic backgrounds, such as those leaving the care or youth justice system and those from non-traditional education routes, to consider a career in events.

We have created a premium programme which we will pilot with a small group of young people this spring. It will have coaching, mentoring, work experience, training and community – all baked into a three-month course. Then in the second half of this year we will launch with a full cohort.

Our aim is to create pathways that support many different types of voices on their journey into our industry.

Why is this important?

At a time when inclusivity has never been more crucial, the events industry still lacks diversity of different voices and experiences. There is so much untapped potential out there.

We intend to provide career pathways that offer equal access to young people from under-represented groups with limited social capital which, in turn, will help the industry become more diverse.

What support do you need from the industry?

We will be looking for mentors, businesses that can offer work experience, experts willing to help host masterclasses and others able to give financial support. For more details please email Peter Kerwood [email protected].