In the course of the CN 30 Downstairs Program, Conference News talks to program members about what is their support for professional journeys and shaping a more inclusive and visionary event industry.
In this edition, she sits with Alice Bartram, a strategic conference lead at ZS, a management consulting and technology company. Attracted by the power of human connection, Alice found her calling at events through her early experiences in sports and music. Working on reliability, inclusion and innovation, she advocates for data-driven, sustainable event design and aims to leave an impactful legacy. Her journey is one of embracing personality, guided with empathy and pushing the industry towards more intentional and meaningful advances.
Why did you want to be part of the event industry? What is the reason?
My journey into the industry began with fascination with shared experiences and the meaningful human connections they spark. In my youth, this passion was nurtured through sports and music. A space where community, emotions and collaboration thrive. From the moment I later formalized my interest with a university degree and stepped into the industry, it made professional and personally sense. Events allow you to blend creativity, strategic thinking and purpose into one powerful platform. At the heart of it, it’s about people. They bring them together, influence and shape important moments.
What was the biggest challenge you overcome?
Learn to lead the real thing. Early in my career, I put pressure on me to conform to traditional norms and to suppress traits that do not fit traditional leadership patterns. But as I lead more diverse teams and complex projects, I began to realize that what was once perceived as obstacles (systematic thinking, deep empathy, optimization instincts) is in fact a powerful asset. Embracing my differences not only made me a more effective leader, but it also empowered me to build an inclusive, high-performance culture that encourages everyone to bring themselves to the table.
What would it be if you could give your younger self advice when starting an event?
I embrace your uniqueness. The industry is thriving with a diverse perspective, and is a person who brings authentic, thoughtful and motivated to challenge the status quo that drives authentic change.
What legacy do you want to leave behind in the industry?
I want to leave a legacy rooted in purpose and inclusiveness. Innovation is bold, impact is intentional, and people feel that they are being watched. If I helped shape a better path for others and moved the industry in the right direction, I would carry it with pride.
What are the issues and topics within the industry? Can you explain a little about that?
Integration of data analytics to promote responsible, comprehensive and sustainable event design. Using data from audience demographics and engagement patterns to carbon footprint metrics and accessibility insights enables a more intentional and accountable approach. This is a shift from reactive to predictive to performance to measurable by embedding the analysis as a core design principle, rather than post-event evaluation tools.
Why is this particular issue or topic important to you?
Because better decisions start with a better understanding and data makes it possible. I have seen firsthand how assumptions risk event design. Relying on intuition and tradition is not enough. By leveraging the data, understanding who is in the room, how to get involved and what is needed, you can move beyond guesses and create truly impact and fair experiences. At events at the intersection of high consumer culture and carbon-intensive logistics, data plays a fundamental role in managing environmental impacts. For me, it is a tool for accountability and the foundation for designing more thoughtful events.
What are you going to do to continue defending this topic?
ZS develops a centralized analytics dashboard that integrates key metrics through engagement, financial, environmental impact and inclusiveness. The aim is to promote evidence-based decision-making, embed continuous learning in the event lifecycle, and promote a culture of curiosity and empowerment.
What can the industry itself do to better advocate for this topic?
The industry needs to make it easier for people to do the right thing. This starts with standardized metrics, an accessible reporting framework and tools that allow you to access data rather than overwhelming. Not only ROI, but we need to celebrate those who use data to promote sustainability, equity and inclusion. Everyone is confident in this area as investment in data literacy and ethics is also essential. But humility is more important than anything. Progress is not perfect, it’s about being honest, listening more and learning together.
CN 30under30 is an annual program that recognizes and supports young talent in the conference and conference industry. For more information about the 2025 CN 30 Class 30, click here.
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