This weeks big topics: offline experiences, representation and returning to work after having children
Elevate 2025 - Substack issue 13
It’s another packed Substack – we have a lot to tell you! The latest episode of our podcast Just One Thing is live. Each guest writes a letter to their younger self, sparking honest, inspiring conversations filled with humour and wisdom. This month we feature Natalie Duvall, Culture Marketing Events Manager at Red Bull. You can find all 17 episodes on our website.
We’ve launched a new industry survey tackling representation in the UK events sector. Help us build a more inclusive future by taking part. We’re also exploring a new parent support group for the Elevate community who are navigating maternity leave or returning to work after having children.
This month’s Inspiration Session explores why the most powerful experiences happen offline. Two creative minds will share how they craft experiences that go beyond logistics to spark emotion, meaning and memory and why, in a hyper-digital world, we’re craving slower, messier, more human moments.
Join our virtual mentor and mentee drop-in clinic this Friday and finally, don’t miss the 14 roles live on our Jobs Board.
Max, Mel and Pete
Natalie Duvall, Creative Director of March Muses and Culture Marketing Events Manager at Red Bull is the latest guest on our podcast
If you could write a letter to your younger self, what would you say? In this, our latest episode, Elevate mentor Natalie Duvall shares the moments that shaped her, the lessons she’s learned, and the purpose that drives her work today.
Natalie is Creative Director of March Muses, the UK’s leading brand for diverse Christmas decorations, and Culture Marketing Events Manager at Red Bull. She’s a presenter on the award-nominated Black Mums Upfront podcast, a trained actor, and a powerful voice for inclusion. From Dragon’s Den to Red Bull’s global stages, Natalie blends creativity, culture and entrepreneurship with unstoppable energy.
You can find Natalie’s episode on Spotify Video, Apple Podcasts and YouTube (with captions). You’ll also find her letter to her younger self and the full transcript of our conversation on our episode page HERE.
Help us shape a more inclusive events industry
Elevate and Diversity Alliance have come together to launch a groundbreaking survey tackling representation gaps in the UK events sector.
This anonymous survey, which focuses on lived experience in the workplace, aims to fill a critical data gap around race and socio-economic background. It can be completed by individuals or adopted by businesses looking to better understand the diversity of their workforce. The findings will help shape more inclusive recruitment, progression and retention strategies across the industry.
Full details on our web page HERE.
A new parent support group from Elevate
We’re exploring the idea of a new support group for women in the Elevate community who are navigating maternity leave or returning to work after having children.
It would be a circle of support, like those many find during early parenthood, but focused on staying connected to the events industry and easing the transition back into work. It’s not formal mentoring, but a space for encouragement, shared experience and practical advice, led by those who’ve been through it for those going through it now.
If you’re on this journey or want to help shape the group we’re forming, we’d love to hear from you. Please email peter@elevateme.co.
Our July Inspiration Session explores why the most powerful experiences happen offline
Our next live inspiration sessions will take place on Tuesday 29th July, hosted by our Venue Partner, Protein Studios in Shoreditch.
We have two inspiring speakers this month. Lisa James is the Founder of The Wentworth Collective, who design and deliver extraordinary experiences around the globe. Louisa O’Connor is the Founder and Managing Director of the award-winning brand experience agency Seen Presents.
They are two creative minds who craft experiences that go beyond logistics to spark emotion, meaning and memory. They will give two talks about why we’re craving slower, messier, more human moments in a hyper-digital world.
Find out more about out speakers and what they are going to talk about HERE.
We’re really looking forward to seeing you there but you must register.
Where: Protein Studios, 31 New Inn Yard, London EC2A 3EY
When: Tuesday 29th July – 6.30pm - 9.30pm
RSVP: Secure your place HERE.
We’ve booked Protein Studios from 5:30pm so mentors and mentees can catch up before the session. There’s plenty of space to sit and chat, so do make the most of it.
Register to attend our mentor and mentee drop-in clinic on Friday 25th July
On the last Friday of the month, Team Elevate hosts a virtual drop-in clinic (one for mentors and one for mentees). These sessions are informal, supportive and designed around you.
The clinics are a chance to:
• Get advice or support on anything you're unsure about
• Celebrate your progress and hear how others are getting on
• Learn from shared challenges and wins
• Connect with the wider Elevate community
Sessions are not recorded to keep things confidential, so you’ll need to join live.
Those who come say they leave feeling clearer, reassured and re-energised.
Friday 25th July 1-2pm
Mentor drop-in clinic
Mentee drop-in clinic
If you are unable to make any of these meetings please remember you can email team Elevate for dedicated support on info@elevateme.co. We’re always here if you need anything.
Brand new jobs on the Elevate jobs board
There are 14 opportunities currently live on the Elevate Jobs Board, from rising stars to seasoned pros, there's something for every level of experience.
Whether you're a Sales Executive, Senior Producer, Project Director or Creative Strategist, this could be your chance to take the next step in your career.
The Elevate Jobs Board is proudly managed by our friends at CastleBell.
Unlock our knowledge vault
This is a link to our Knowledge Vault HERE
The Elevate Knowledge Vault is packed with invaluable insights, guidance, and resources – all available free of charge to members of the Elevate community.
This includes cheat-sheets, how-to guides, videos, and podcasts to support you in both your mentoring sessions and your own personal development.
If you are having trouble accessing the vault, please email Team Elevate at info@elevateme.co.
Elevate operates thanks to the generosity of our partners; Cvent, Jack Morton, Live Union, Powwow, Protein Studios (venue partner), PSP, The Production Department , We Are Collider and CastleBell. Our training partner is Special Sauce Training and our people and culture partners are TIMES x10 and Nic Neal. Our supporters include Trivandi, TRO and Xquisite Productions. Together, we're changing lives, careers and the events industry for the better.