What happens when I exchange my business cards with running shoes? Conference News catches up to Jess Saliak, who runs club producer Jess Saliak, who is Jess Saliak, to talk about the launch of Stride & Social and her journey to Nowie.
What is Stride & Social?
Stride & Social is a networking event by a woman’s network at the Event (Nowie) offering a fresh, movement-focused alternative to traditional networking. It will be held on Saturday, April 26th, 2025 at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford, inviting women from the event industry to move away from the formal environment and connect via energy 5K runs or a relaxed 2-3k walk.
The Journey Behind Stride and Social
Nowie Run Club producer Jess Sariak says that Stride & Social’s inspiration comes from her own journey. “You don’t have to be the best in anything to recognize its value. Over the years, I have experienced firsthand how actively I benefit myself and professionally.”
A journey with Nowie
On his journey with Nowie, Saliak said: “As I approached 2025, I wanted to be more involved with Noui and give back to the community that helped me get my first break. It has become so challenging in today’s industry. This mindset has come out of my comfort zone.
Realizing Stride and Social
The concept of Stride & Social began with a brief conversation with Nowie’s director, Cat Kevern. She said: “We talked about her own running journey and the benefits it brought her. We went back and forth between ideas and realized this was a great opportunity to blend the two concepts.
Is this type of event very important to women in the event industry and industry?
Sariak says events like Stride & Social are extremely important. She said: “The event industry needs to move away from traditional networking norms and embrace new, more inclusive trends. If there’s one thing in common with networking events, if not all, then it’s alcohol.
“That’s why Stride and Social were created to provide alternatives based on the alcohol-free movement that prioritizes happiness, inclusivity and authentic connection. It is a shift that the industry needs, cultivates communities, supports personal and professional growth, and ensures everyone is welcome.”
What the topics are saying about our industry
“Our interest in Stride & Social shows a real change in how we connect,” says Sariak. “People prioritize work-life balance. They want to live and network outdoors in ways that feel natural in the middle of the night.” The event industry is evolving, and experts are clearly ready to engage in a more mindful and meaningful way.
With a big survey
Sariak says one of the most important findings from a large survey was the overwhelming demand for more networking opportunities. She said: “Women in the industry are looking for an inclusive, accessible space to connect, learn and grow professionally. This reinforces the importance of initiatives like Stride & Social, which provide an alternative to traditional networking by prioritizing happiness, inclusivity and true connection.”
“Beyond networking, our findings highlight the ongoing need for stronger professional development resources, better employment opportunities and improved workplace standards for women across the UK events sector. Nowie is committed to using this data to drive change.
Please register to participate in the movement.
Date: Saturday, April 26th, 2025
Location: Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Stratford
Activities: 5K runs or 2-3k walks
Organizer: The Women’s Network for Events (Nowie)
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