A second meeting of MEN, the new peer support network for men working across the events industry, will take place this August 12th in Victoria, London, following a strong response to its inaugural gathering earlier this year.
The first MEN session, held on 13th May, brought together industry professionals for an informal and confidential conversation around mental health, wellbeing and the pressures of working in events. Since the launch announcement, more than 50 people have also requested further information or subscribed to hear about future meetings and updates with places limited to 12 per meeting to ensure facilitators can provide a safe and inclusive environment.
Founded by Robert Kenward and James Hitchen with James Capell-Abra and Mark Green on board as Ambassadors, MEN was created specifically for men working within the meetings, events and live experiences sector. The initiative was born from a recognition that while conversations around mental health are becoming more open, many people within the industry still struggle to find spaces where they can speak honestly with others who genuinely understand the realities and pressures of the profession.
Robert Kenward said: “We honestly had no idea what the response would be when we first spoke publicly about MEN. This wasn’t launched as a big campaign or a polished corporate initiative. It came from lived experience and a feeling that there needed to be somewhere people could talk openly without judgement.
“The fact that people were willing to walk into a room for that first session was significant in itself. And that 50 others got in touch after reading about it in the press, showed us this is a conversation people clearly want and need to have.”
The next meeting, scheduled for 12th August in Victoria, will continue the same confidential and informal format, with organisers keen to maintain a safe and supportive environment. Further details will be shared directly with subscribers over the coming weeks.
Kenward added: “The events industry can be brilliant, exciting and hugely rewarding, but it can also be relentless at times. There is still a culture, particularly among men in leadership positions, of feeling like you always need to be strong, resilient and in control. MEN is simply about creating a safe and confidential environment where people can talk honestly with others who genuinely understand that pressure.
“Right now, we’re focused on making each session worthwhile and making sure people feel comfortable and supported. If somebody walks away feeling less isolated than they did before they arrived, then that’s a positive outcome.”
MEN is open to all men, and those who identify as male, working across all areas of the events, experiential and MICE ecosystem, regardless of role, seniority or career stage.
Sessions are confidential, not recorded or repeated on social media, and built on clear principles of trust, respect and discretion.
Those interested in attending can register at https://meetingandeventnetwork.com to secure their place and be notified of the venue.