Elevate Global releases ElevateHER report on gender equality in the events industry

Elevate Global is proud to release the ElevateHER report, a comprehensive study that explores gender equality and inclusivity within the events industry. The report, based on data gathered from a survey carried out in late 2024, sheds light on the current challenges and opportunities women face in the workplace, with a focus on the events sector.

The ElevateHER initiative, led by Carina Filek, Chief Operations Officer at Elevate Global, aims to drive real change by addressing critical issues such as career progression, work-life balance, and gender parity. Through this report, Elevate Global hopes to spark meaningful conversations and actions that will help close the gender gap and support women at every stage of their careers.

The ElevateHER report is built on insights from women working across the events industry, gathered through an in-depth survey that explored key areas like female health, career advancement, workplace inclusivity, and the support available to women in the workplace. The findings will be used to shape new policies, create actionable change, and provide businesses with practical steps to drive equality.

Key Findings from the ElevateHER Report:

• Career Advancement: A significant number of women reported facing barriers to career progression, with many feeling overlooked for leadership roles due to gender bias.
  • Many women face significant barriers to career progression, with 67% of men believing women have equal opportunities, while only 36% of women agree. This highlights a large perception gap, particularly regarding leadership roles, where just 29% of C-suite positions are held by women.
• Work-Life Balance: The report highlights the ongoing challenges women face in balancing career and caregiving responsibilities, with many expressing the need for more flexible working arrangements and supportive policies.
  • Over 70% of women cite work-life balance as a major stress point, with many juggling caregiving and work responsibilities. A growing demand for more flexible working arrangements and supportive policies is evident, with 79% of women praising hybrid work options.
• Workplace Inclusivity: Women shared concerns about workplace culture and inclusivity, particularly around gender parity in leadership and decision-making positions.
  • A large number of women report feeling underrepresented in leadership, with only 11% strongly agreeing that there’s enough female representation in top roles. This disparity underscores the challenges women face in climbing the career ladder.
• Support for Women in the Workplace: While many women reported having access to mentorship and professional development opportunities, there was a strong desire for more targeted support and training focused on advancing women in leadership roles.
  • While many women have access to mentorship and professional development opportunities, 48.7% of respondents feel they lack strong mentorship. The call for more targeted support and training programs to help women advance into leadership roles is strong.

The report also highlights the seven strategic pillars of the ElevateHER initiative, which were designed to address these issues head-on. Each pillar represents a key area where Elevate Global is taking action to improve gender equality both within the company and across the broader events industry.

Carina Filek commented: “The ElevateHER report provides a vital snapshot of the current landscape for women in the events industry. The insights from this report will help us create actionable steps for businesses to drive change and ensure that women have the support and opportunities they need to thrive in their careers. The work is far from over, but this report is a crucial step towards creating a more equitable and inclusive industry.”

The ElevateHER report is now available for download here.