Correspondent Kristyna O’Connell talks about the new role of Shonali Devereaux, CEO of the Conference Industry Association, international Confex, and the challenges facing women in the industry.
Shonali Devereaux – Presenter, event host, interviewer, FF15 mentor, lecturer, current CEO of MIA. Like many, Devereaux fell into events, never looked back, immersed in the industry, and, if not more, gave her as much as she had given her.
From a young age, Devereaux always felt a deep need to be involved in initiatives that went beyond her role, as she knew she could add value. She recalls early events. “Early in my career, I worked for a company that didn’t have an event program. I pitched them the idea, and it was a turning point – something bigger than me It was the first time I realized I could make it.”
More reflecting the most memorable moments of her career, and the moments she is most proud of, Devereaux said: I applied, got a job and moved to Sydney for that. It was a definitive experience. ”
She says it’s an interesting experience to look back on her career when you start to see the moments that really shaped you. The moment she goes outside her comfort zone and goes beyond her role, a coincidence moment. She explains: “When I moved from Hong Kong to the UK, I got a temporary job at an event company. I know it, but it was run by Vanessa Cotton, one of the most frightening women in the industry. She inspired me and today we still have Vanessa Cotton scholarships.”
Beyond her direct career, Devereaux is constantly taking on the role of volunteering, from Brighton & Hove’s Pride to Tourism Alliance, fast forwarding 15. With her leadership, she will lead her as MIA’s new CEO.
MIA Chapter
The Conference Industry Association supports the UK’s conference and event space business. The conference industry holds the only accredited certification for the conference industry. This provides the members with a rigorous process and ensures the highest quality in all respects.
Additionally, MIA supports its members through research, education, training and best practice guidance, and also serves as a powerful voice for the industry. Create Shonari Develo, the ideal leader to move this forward.
Devereaux commented on her new role at MIA: Now I can focus on what I am most passionate about. We advocate and promote standards in our industry. It’s an incredible opportunity to impact the future of the industry, bring people together, encourage collaboration, and encourage others to get better. ”
Future collaborations and events
Mia and Devereaux are set up a busy week ago at the Pavilion at International Confex on February 26th and 27th, 2025 at Excel London. MIA will host two sessions at Confex, one at keynote stages, focusing on excellence in the events industry. Devereaux said: “I featured a panel featuring a gold-granted venue, a company of outstanding company, and featuring our Mearist personal winners to discuss excellence today and how to achieve it. I’ve collected them.”
Beyond Confex, MIA is lined with several networking events, education programs and government advocacy work. Devereaux said: “We are continuing to work to raise the sector and ensure awareness at the policy level.”
Leadership woman
Given that the event industry is primarily a women’s space, there are invisible challenges women face in the industry, workplace and leadership. Devereaux delves into some of the biggest challenges women think they face in the events industry. She said: “One of the biggest challenges is Imposter syndrome. According to the survey, if a man meets about half of the role criteria, a man applies for a job, but women apply for almost all criteria before applying. We often wait until we meet. This self-doubt can prevent women from stepping into leadership roles.”
Women need to go outside their comfort zone and take on leadership roles, Devereaux says. “The key to overcoming this is to own our space. We need to recognize that there are a variety of leadership styles, one inherently doesn’t outweigh the other styles. We need to be aware. Encouraging women to embrace authentic leadership approaches will help promote more diversity at the top.”
Reflections on the event industry
There is no doubt that the event industry is a place for everyone. It is a community-driven industry that offers endless opportunities for individuals to grow, innovate and, as developers point out, encourage, and change life. Devereaux said: “At the Olympics, meeting athletes who had just achieved their dreams of life was an unforgettable moment. Live aid changed the world. Scientific breakthroughs occurred at conferences. The impact of events was It goes beyond business. They can transform society.”
Event experts have the ability to create moments and spaces where incredible things happen. From meetings to exhibitions, they share knowledge, inspire inspiration through persuasive stories, and enrich their lives by fostering a spirit of teamwork. Devereaux said: “We work behind the scenes, and we know the power of what we do, and that’s why I’m proud to be part of this industry.”
Devereaux concludes: “Events have the power to evoke emotions, trigger change and promote innovation.”
Mia Pavilion hosts sessions with a variety of speakers. Don’t miss it.
Martyn’s law, protection obligation – how can it affect us and how can we prepare? To M&E Insights. Roundup and Forecast for 2024 Mia Pavilion is full of content sessions that can inspire and motivate you and your business.
Sign up for International Confex and participate in over 5,000 participants: https://eu1.hubs.ly/h0g57jd0
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