As the world marks International Women’s Day 2026 and celebrates 115 years, Forum Events and Media Ltd is proud to celebrate more than just a global moment of reflection and action. This year also marks a significant milestone for the business 30 years since its founding offering a powerful opportunity to look back, take stock, and look forward.
Founded in 1996, Forum Events and Media Ltd began its journey in a very different professional landscape yet was built on strong foundations of equality and inclusion.
Paul Rowney Former CEO of Forum Events says: “From day one when we founded Forum Events, the majority of the senior management team was (and still is) female. I have always maintained they bring a different, and valuable, perspective to business challenges and decision making. It’s been a pleasure to watch many of my female colleagues from the early days of the company reach the top levels of management not just within FEL, but in their subsequent careers outside of the company.”
Over the past three decades, the role of women in business has evolved along with our organisation. From leadership and strategy to innovation, operations, and culture, women have played a vital role in shaping who we are today.
Managing Director Sarah Beall says: “I was fortunate to grow through the decades with our founders, experiencing first‑hand the values they built this business on, fairness, opportunity, and a genuine belief in people. They recognised talent wherever it existed and were passionate about creating an environment where women could step forward, lead, and be heard. That legacy continues to inspire us today. The progress we’ve made is a testament to that original vision and to the many talented women who have helped shape our organisation and will continue to drive it forward.”
Progress Built by People
Over the last 30 years, Forum Events and Media Ltd have grown not only in scale and reputation, but in values. Central to that growth has been a commitment to creating opportunities, championing voices, and recognising talent regardless of gender.
Women across the organisation have helped drive change, challenge convention, and raise standards. They have built teams, led clients, mentored colleagues, and helped navigate moments of transformation and uncertainty. Their impact can be seen not only in results, but in the culture, we are proud of today.
“I’m proud of the team we’ve created – a business shaped and led by strong women whose leadership and values are central to our success.”
Carly Walker, Commercial Director
More Than a Celebration – A Commitment
International Women’s Day is not just about celebration. It’s about momentum. As we mark our 30th anniversary, we reaffirm our ongoing commitment to building a workplace where opportunity, growth, and inclusion sit at the heart of everything we do.
Our focus remains on:
- Creating an inclusive environment where women and men can thrive at every stage of their careers
- Supporting leadership development and progression through initiatives such as the Forum Academy and Forum Apprentice programme
- Driving motivation and engagement with new incentives, team days, and continuous training opportunities
- Continuing to learn, evolve, and innovate, launching new opportunities across the Forum Events and Forum Media brands
Progress is not a destination, it is a responsibility. One that grows with us as we look ahead to the next chapter of our journey.
Looking Ahead to the Next 30 Years
While we are proud of how far we’ve come, we are even more excited about what lies ahead. The next chapter of Forum Events and Media Ltd will be shaped by diversity, new partnerships and collaboration with our Elevate. Tech Summit and the acquisition of SPACE Magazine, with women continuing to play a central role in driving that future forward.
This International Women’s Day, we celebrate the women who have been part of our story over the last 30 years – and those who will shape the next 30.
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