Women make up around 70% of the global events workforce, but their stories, leadership, and influence are often underrepresented.
The 70% is a weekly series celebrating the women shaping the events industry. From rising stars to seasoned leaders, each profile shines a light on the career journeys, challenges, and perspectives of women working across all corners of the sector.
In our sixth edition, we speak to Fay Sharpe OBE, the founder of the Fast Forward 15 programme.
How many years have you been in the events industry?
I studied Hospitality at Bournemouth University. To support myself through my studies, I worked four jobs to cover living costs. My first proper role after graduation was as a graduate trainee with Hilton Hotels.
While working on-property, I was tasked with generating weekend business. I organised my very first event—a wedding fair—from scratch. Despite being based in Basingstoke, not the most glamorous location, I brought in florists, cake makers, wedding photographers, hair stylists, and bridal gown suppliers to create a compelling event. Over 1,000 people attended, and we secured bookings for around 20 weddings, problem solved!
Although I gained valuable experience on-property, I quickly realised my strengths lay in sales and marketing. I joined Hilton’s regional sales team and travelled across the country to open new properties. During this time, I became the youngest director of sales, was named Salesperson of the Year, and played a key role in launching the then-brand-new Langham Hotel in London.
A chance meeting with a potential client led me to join—and invest in—the fledgling IBR venue-finding agency. I became a shareholder and co-founder, helping to grow the business into one of the UK’s largest full-service event agencies by acquiring several other UK-based companies.
In 2005, I led a rebrand of the business to Zibrant, which we sold in 2007 for £15.9m. We later reacquired the company and eventually sold it again around 2013/14 to BCD Meetings & Events.
Alongside this, I was setting up my new not-for-profit venture, FF15, of which I am very proud, especially all the people we have helped and who are part of our community.
How do you balance professional growth with personal commitments, and do you think the industry is evolving in terms of work-life balance?
I am the Queen of work-life balance. I would say my motto is “work hard, play hard.” I take great pride in what I do, if I’m going to take something on, then it’s going to be the best it can be, but I have learned sometimes you have to say that’s enough. I only pursue what I love, and that brings me great joy. I learnt in my career as a busy working Mum to build things into work. I used to have walking meetings to get my daily step count in over 20 years ago. Now I have the flexibility to do me, so I’m at yoga three or four times a week, I walk the dog and get into nature between meetings. I go to a retreat at least once a year to replenish myself. Recently I started a book-writing course, which I really loved, so I would love to write more.
Regarding the industry—yes and no. The fact that we can work from home is a revelation. I think people need to get off their phones and do something good for themselves versus staring at TikTok for two hours. It’s negative and draws your energy.
How do you see the events industry evolving in terms of diversity, equity, and inclusion?
There are some really good initiatives, and we have moved forward, which we should celebrate, but like anything, you can’t stand still. Initiatives like Fast Forward 15 encourage women from all backgrounds, ethnicities, and ages to be part of a community. There needs to be more of that. Community.
What advice would you give to young women looking to enter and succeed in the events industry?
Learn to be resilient, say yes to opportunities, be the one that is always trying new things, build your confidence by pushing yourself out of your comfort zone. Make friends and influence people!
How do you handle setbacks and failures?
Failing is part of the journey, you have to fail to succeed. For me, I wouldn’t be the woman that I am today without having many knockbacks. But the key is to learn every time. Don’t be afraid to admit you’ve made a mistake. People will forgive you if you are honest, and that’s okay.
What changes do you think are still needed to create more opportunities for women in leadership?
We just need to keep asking. If you don’t ask, you won’t get.
Is there a woman that has inspired you on your journey – someone that is a role model?
Maybe 10 years ago, we would have said David Beckham or Anita Roddick, Jamie Oliver or Michelle Obama were our (men and women) role models.
Apart from my mum, who is no longer with us, I struggle sometimes to cite role models I could look up to. So here’s my take: why can’t those role models be us?
We are the ones that go to work, that look after our families, that do charity work or help others or run mentoring programmes. That’s us—normal people. It’s our stories that inspire others, not some influencer that looks perfect on Instagram or Beyoncé or some other celebrity.
It’s US.
We have to stand up and be counted. We can write our own story, make whatever we want happen; we just need to believe in ourselves and keep trying. Life is a blank sheet of paper; what you do determines what your story is.
If I had to pick someone, it would have been the Queen or Princess Kate—they just quietly get on with it, doing their job, putting duty before their personal needs, and giving back to whatever. The selflessness of it.
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