How do you ensure your qualities are recognized? And what can you do to help other women move forward? These questions were central to me during the Women in the Industry Networking Lunch on Wednesday, September 23, at the IAAPA Theater in London. Marjolein van de Velde from ticketcounter went in looking for new encounters and inspiration: “I came out with lessons that we can apply immediately in the leisure industry. ”
Connection begins with taking a step yourself
“Cake or cookies?” With that simple choice, Adrea Gibbs set us in motion upon entry. We had to stand at a flip chart and naturally struck up a conversation with women we didn’t know yet.
The first lesson was thus already embedded in the setup: a network is formed when you make contact. This continued during lunch at round tables. Which word described our group? Answers such as " hospitable" and "connected " rang out from the room. By seeking an answer together, more connection was created than with just a round of names and positions.
- My practical lesson: At a meeting, don't wait for someone to approach you. Ask a question, take a seat, and show interest. A good network starts with a conversation.
Dare to take chances before everything feels familiar
Afterwards, Amy Morris, Kim Criswell, Pia Adlivankin, and Yael Coifman shared their experiences on a panel led by Laura Baxter.
Amy, founder of entertainment company Pop Up Global, spoke about a major contract for onboard entertainment on cruise ships that her company won when she was 25. It was an opportunity that also presented its fair share of challenges, in a world where men were strongly represented. Her creative approach and perseverance impressed me.
- What I took away from that: you don't have to have taken every next step before to get started. Prepare well, take your own qualities seriously, and dare to seize an opportunity. A bit of a Pippi Longstocking mentality can help with that.
Being good and being visible both require attention.
The panel also discussed the glass ceiling and the reluctance to step forward. You may have a lot of knowledge and perhaps be the smartest person in the room, but that does not automatically make your contribution visible.
The messages 'be seen' and 'own your worth' made that concrete. For me, that means: name what you have achieved, share your expertise, and express your ambition. Do not wait solely for recognition from others. You can take the floor yourself in a meeting; when a new opportunity arises, you can indicate that you are interested.
Seek allies who also speak for you
Amy's advice to find female allies stuck with me. People who support you and mention your name when an opportunity comes along, even when you yourself are not in the room.
That calls for relationships in which you get to know and trust each other. Therefore, look for someone with whom you can discuss a dilemma, who gives you honest feedback, or who introduces you to someone else. And be such an ally yourself.
Turn support into a concrete action
The five key takeaways from this session clearly summarize the conversation:
- Be seen.
- Own your worth.
- Build your network.
- Make it a career.
- Lift others up.
In my opinion, that last one, in particular, deserves a permanent place in our workday. Recommending a colleague. Taking a young professional along to an industry meeting. Inviting someone to share her expertise. Or making room during a meeting for a woman who hasn't had a chance to speak yet.
In my own network, I see many talented women in our industry, including Lyan van den Bosch of Looping Group, Nicole de Klerk of Dutch Leisure Promotions, and Ellen Oostra as an ICT Consultant for museums. We can learn from such women, while simultaneously creating opportunities for the next generation.
My most important question after this lunch is therefore: who do I help become visible tomorrow? That is where Lift Others Up begins : with a name, an opportunity, and someone willing to make the connection.
With thanks to (author of this article): Marjolein van de Velde, Team Lead Sales on behalf of Ticketcounter
Ticketcounter is a strategic partner in unburdening and optimizing processes surrounding (online) ticketing and access within museums, amusement parks, or zoos.