In 2017, EventWell was born from a simple yet urgent idea: to champion the mental health and wellbeing of event professionals.
The events industry, known for its high-pressure environment, fast-paced deadlines, and long hours, had reached a tipping point.
Conversations about wellbeing were scarce, and those who struggled often did so in silence. It was clear that the industry needed a change, and EventWell was ready to lead the charge.
How It All Began
The spark for EventWell came from lived experience within the events industry.
Our founder, a neurodivergent professional with nearly three decades of experience, knew first-hand the pressures event professionals face. From the emotional toll of balancing demanding clients to the physical exhaustion of working through endless event setups, the cumulative strain often left little room for self-care.
EventWell was launched to address this imbalance and create a supportive community that could empower professionals to prioritise their health and wellbeing.
Our mission was clear: to provide the tools, resources, and spaces needed to foster resilience and prevent burnout, ensuring that everyone in the industry could thrive.
Event Wellbeing Week: A Movement for Change
In September 2017, EventWell launched its flagship initiative: Event Wellbeing Week.
This annual campaign was designed to spotlight the importance of mental health in the events industry, encourage open conversations, and provide actionable resources for better wellbeing practices.
During that first Event Wellbeing Week, event professionals were invited to reflect on their mental health, share their challenges, and connect with peers in a supportive environment.
Workshops, panel discussions, and wellness activities helped to spark much needed conversations and raise awareness across the industry. For many, it was the first time their mental health had been recognised as a key factor in their professional success.
Why Wellbeing in Events Matters Now More Than Ever
The events industry has evolved dramatically since 2017, but its challenges remain. If anything, the need for prioritising wellbeing has only intensified.
Post-pandemic recovery, the rapid growth of hybrid and digital events, and the ongoing pressure to create innovative experiences have placed unprecedented demands on event professionals. This has left many struggling to balance their personal and professional lives.
The Stakes Are Higher
Event professionals play a vital role in shaping memorable experiences, but they can only do so when they themselves are thriving.
Research shows that burnout rates are higher in industries with high customer-facing demands, and events are no exception. The wellbeing of event teams is no longer a “nice-to-have”, it’s a business imperative.
The Shift Toward Inclusion
In recent years, the conversation has also expanded to include neurodivergent individuals in the events community.
EventWell has played a leading role in highlighting their needs, advocating for sensory friendly spaces and inclusive event design.
Neuroinclusive initiatives, such as quiet rooms and tailored wellbeing support, are now essential components of creating accessible events.
EventWell’s Legacy and Future
Since its launch, EventWell has continued to drive change in the industry.
From introducing supervised sensory rooms at events to providing mental health first aid training, our initiatives have grown in scope and impact.
Our data-driven research and insights, such as the fact that 85% of neurodivergent attendees avoid events due to overwhelm, and that one in three event professionals struggle with their mental wellbeing every year, have helped shape best practices for creating safer and more inclusive experiences.
As we look back on Event Wellbeing Week’s inception in 2017, it’s clear how far we’ve come, but there’s still much to do.
At EventWell, we remain committed to our mission of supporting event professionals and ensuring that the industry continues to prioritise wellbeing at every level.
A Call to Action
Event professionals, organisations, and stakeholders: the time to act is now.
Whether through implementing quiet rooms, offering mental health training, or simply starting the conversation, every step counts.
Together, we can build an industry where the health and wellbeing of its people are valued above all else.
Let’s continue to make history, because when we take care of our people, we ensure the future of our industry.
Event Wellbeing Matters 