Supporting event managers with menopause – time to prioritise our well-being

By Harriette Wight, Senior Event Manager and Breathing Coach at Be In Your Element

As a Senior Event Manager and Breathing Coach at Be In Your Element, a well-being events agency, I’ve spent years navigating the complex and high-pressure world of event management. At Be In Your Element, we create well-being experiences for events, with a deep understanding of both the logistical demands and the human impact of managing large-scale projects.

My background in event management, combined with my passion for well-being, gives me a unique perspective on how we can better support ourselves and others in this, what we all know to be a fast-paced and demanding industry.

In this blog, I want to address a topic that affects many of us but is not always openly discussed – menopause.

While much has been done to improve the delegate experience by incorporating wellness into events, we often neglect our own needs as event managers. In a female-dominated industry like ours, menopause is an issue that must be brought to the forefront.

Whether you’re experiencing it personally or supporting a colleague, menopause impacts everyone, and it’s time to talk about how we can create more supportive work environments.

Why we need to talk about menopause in event management

The meetings and events industry is renowned for its long hours, high stress, and unrelenting schedules. As professionals, we are often more focused on the delegate experience than our own well-being. Yet, for the many women and people who menstruate in our industry, managing menopause alongside these pressures can be overwhelming.

In fact, 85% of people going through menopause experience some form of symptom, and the effects – especially brain fog, anxiety, and poor sleep – can make it difficult to perform at the highest level.

Without the right support, we risk losing some of our most talented professionals.

Raising awareness – understanding the signs

One of the most important steps we can take as an industry is to raise awareness about menopause and its impact on the workplace. We need to normalise the conversation, so that event managers feel comfortable discussing their experiences and asking for the support they need.

The symptoms of menopause that most commonly affect event professionals – such as cognitive changes, anxiety, and sleep disturbances – are particularly challenging in an industry that already operates at full throttle. By understanding these signs, colleagues and employers can create a more supportive work environment, where those affected feel understood and valued.

How employers can provide support

As employers, there are tangible ways to offer support to employees going through menopause.

First and foremost, creating an open culture where people feel safe to speak up about their experiences is critical. Beyond that, there are practical steps that can make a significant difference.

1. Open conversations. Encourage open discussions about menopause, so employees feel comfortable sharing their needs without fear of stigma.
2. Flexible staffing. Ensure that events are staffed adequately to allow managers to take breaks, particularly if they’re struggling with brain fog or fatigue.
3. Quiet spaces. Provide dedicated spaces at events and in the office where employees can take a break to recharge.
4. Health-conscious options. Offer healthy snacks and ensure there is easy access to water, so staff aren’t relying solely on caffeine and sugar to get through long days.
5. Peer support. Create a buddy system, where colleagues can check in with each other and ensure everyone is taking the time they need to manage their well-being.

Small measures like these can have a profound effect on the overall well-being of your team.

Human sustainability – practicing what we preach

At Be In Your Element, we talk a lot about “human sustainability” – the idea that it’s not just about creating environmentally sustainable events, but also supporting the humans who are running them.

As event professionals, we often go to great lengths to ensure our delegates have a positive experience, complete with well-being lounges and wellness activities. But we must ask ourselves, are we extending that same level of care to our own teams?

The answer, more often than not, is no!

We need to start practicing what we preach by incorporating wellness into our own routines, not just for our delegates but for ourselves. Simple actions, like stepping outside for fresh air or engaging in a brief mindfulness practice, can make a huge difference during a long event day.

Menopause in a female-led industry

In an industry that is predominantly female, menopause should not be a silent struggle. The impact of menopause on performance is significant, but it’s also an opportunity for us to harness the strength and wisdom that comes with this stage of life.

The conversation around menopause is growing, but we still have work to do. As more people share their experiences, including the challenges of managing symptoms while running events, we can create a culture of understanding and support.

Supporting ourselves and each other

At the end of the day, we need to ask ourselves: what are we giving to our delegates that we also need for ourselves? How can we weave well-being practices into our own event management routines?

By recognising the impact of menopause and offering support, we can ensure that event professionals thrive, both in their careers and their personal lives.

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