Early this July, our Director, Gabriella (Gaby) Rimmer, and Associate Director, Tsing Wey Tan, had the opportunity to attend the third Women in Exhibitions (WiE) World Summit at Excel in London. We had the chance to sit down with both of them to discuss and reflect back on their experience; what they took away from being part of a global community of female leaders and changemakers, what challenging topics were discussed, and why events like WiE matter.
What were you hoping to gain at WiE?
Our aim was twofold:
- To connect with other women in the events industry at different stages of their leadership journeys
- To take time to reflect, outside of client delivery mode, on how we want to shape our own paths forward
With Tsing Wey having recently been promoted to Associate Director, we were excited to see what leadership or self-growth ideas we could bring back and introduce to the team at Plural.
What did you enjoy most about the event?
Gaby:
I loved the openness in the room, not just among the women but also among the men. There was a genuine willingness to share, from challenges faced to small wins. Attending with Tsing Wey also reminded me how powerful it is to show up for each other in these spaces.
Tsing Wey:
I enjoyed stepping outside of my usual day-to-day focus on corporate strategy & M&A to connect with professionals across a wide range of events industries. Having curious and deep conversations with professionals in different roles, like operations, marketing and logistics, gave me a new perspective on the ecosystem needed to run successful events.
What important (and uncomfortable) topics were discussed?
The confidence gap came up again and again; how even experienced, capable women often hesitate to put themselves forward for promotions, panels, or leadership roles. It resonated with both of us. Many of us in the room agreed, closing the confidence gap isn’t just about women being bolder, it’s about workplaces actively creating a space for them to grow into their potential.
Gaby:
It made me recall my path to Director at Plural; despite having the track record and support, there were moments where I questioned whether I was “ready”. That’s what I’ve appreciated at Plural, the business and its leaders have given me development opportunities and helped build my confidence, whether it’s leading complex client work, mentoring others, or stepping onto a stage.
What is the biggest takeaway?
Gaby:
That building visibility matters, not just for yourself, but for the next wave of women coming up. It shows that there’s no one mould for what leadership looks like.
Tsing Wey:
That career challenges don’t have to be individual struggles. Learning that so many of us face the same professional challenges, like breaking into leadership, instantly made me more comfortable seeking support for my own career, and motivated me to offer help to others.
How did Plural support you?
Plural has backed us in many ways, not just by encouraging us to attend events like these, but by actively creating opportunities that push us out of our comfort zone and build our confidence to be in different experiences and situations. Just as importantly, Plural gives us the tools, trust, and space to carve our own paths, to shape what leadership looks like in a way that feels authentic to us.
How will you build on this experience?
This experience has made us even more committed to creating a space for other women at Plural to feel empowered in their careers and to curate their own story. That might mean encouraging someone to take on a stretch opportunity, speak up in a room, or to take on a new role to build their skills and confidence.
