Tomorrow's Talent Q&A: Megan Urwin, Successful Events

This week we sat down with Megan Urwin, event coordinator at Successful Events, and the second of our Tomorrow’s Talent winners, to find out more about what the award win means to her, alongside her advice for others starting out in the meetings and events industry.

What does it mean for you to be named as a winner of Tomorrow’s Talent 2020?
To be named as one of the winners of Tomorrow’s Talent 2020 is a huge honour for me. Particularly during this turbulent time, it is amazing to receive such wonderful news amongst the doom and gloom of the current climate and to be named alongside such talented peers, reminds me of how strong the events industry is and how we can bounce back together.  

How are you going to celebrate?
With my family, friends and Prosecco… all socially distanced of course!

How do you think the meetings and events industry needs to adapt to continue to attract new talent?
I do believe that the community and network of like-minded professionals is part of the reason why everyone wants to work in the MICE industry! However, it’s because of this that our industry can be seen as competitive for new talent and for this reason they may be reluctant to apply for roles. 
We all know that experience is everything when it comes to applying for positions. Though completely understandable, this attitude may mean that highly ambitious, driven and talented potential employees may fall through the cracks just because of what they have down on paper. It is our responsibility to have realistic expectations of young professionals, and to take chances on those people who may be able to bring a unique insight and positive change to the industry.

What’s your advice for someone starting out in the meetings and events industry?
One piece of advice I would give is to take every single opportunity that is thrown your way, as this industry does have so much to offer. Every networking event, phone call, seminar, forum, trip and award application *cough cough*  that you can do, then do it, because this will all help expand your network, improve your industry knowledge and build upon your experience.

What are your ambitions for the next one year? Five years? Ten years?
Within the next year, I sincerely hope to see positive changes and a rise in the level of events, so we can all get back to doing what we love.
In five years’ time I would love to have established my own networking event with a keen focus on sustainability within our industry.
In 10 years’, I would love to start my own agency with this exact focus, working with clients and suppliers who are working towards a common goal of reducing the industry’s impact on the environment.