#ChallengeAccepted: How to Own Your Events Career Without Losing Yourself

#ChallengeAccepted is a PIE Network members-only series tackling the real challenges event pros face, with practical advice, honest insights, and expert guidance. This event is exclusive to PIE members.Not a member? Join us here - #ChallengeAccepted: How to Own Your Events Career Without Losing Yourself In honour of International Women’s Day this month, we’re bringing together an all-women panel of inspiring event professionals to share their insights on thriving in the fast-paced events industry. Join us as we explore how to take care of yourself, avoid burnout, and maintain balance while making your mark in your career. Our panelists will share practical strategies, personal stories, and actionable tips to help you lead with confidence, energy, and purpose. Whether you’re looking to level up in your career or simply find ways to stay energised and fulfilled, this session is for you. Celebrate women, career, and self-care with us! Our PanelDenise Mapp-Haynes, Director at Gravitas Events Denise is a dynamic event director and founder of Gravitas Events - renowned for her infectious energy, passion for people and relentless attention to detail; and an instinctive understanding of what makes an event truly memorable. With over ten years of experience spanning onsite and online events, she has built a reputation for delivering exceptional events across an extraordinarily varied client base - from Fortune 500 corporations and global charities to startups, individuals and faith organisations across EMEA, APAC and the US. At the helm of Gravitas Events - which began late 2021, Denise has produced and coordinated 150+ events, managing everything from intimate private gatherings and investor dinners to awards ceremonies, book launches and flagship galas. She has worked alongside some of the world's most prominent thought leaders - including Simon Sinek, Melinda Gates and Jordan Peterson - and her credits include the Oliver Agency Awards, delivering the kind of seamless, high-stakes experiences that discerning clients return to her for time and again. Before striking out on her own, Denise honed her expertise across some of the UK's most respected institutions - UCL, London Business School and Ubuntu Pathways among them - delivering everything from faculty-wide events programmes to a 300-guest gala raising over £750k. Denise knows what it is to build something from nothing to wear every hat at once, and to keep showing up even when the path isn't clear. For Denise, the standard has always been simple: events with excellence, every time. Eloise Newing, Co-founder at Electric Cat Eloise is digital marketing enthusiast with a Masters Degree in Marketing and First-Class Honours degree in Events Management. Living in sunny Barcelona and self-proclaimed to be one of the most enthusiastic and hard working people you will ever meet and is always on the hunt for new opportunities to develop her knowledge and experience in the field of marketing. Huong Nguyen, CEO & Founder at Shiloh Events & Aletheia Huong is the CEO and founder of Shiloh Events, a full-service agency that specializes in managing large-scale corporate events for global brands. With an MBA in marketing and over 15 years of experience in the events industry, she has a proven track record of delivering captivating experiences that enhance brand awareness, engagement, and loyalty. As the leader of a dedicated team of event professionals, Huong oversees all aspects of event planning, execution, and evaluation, ensuring high-quality results and client satisfaction. She also leverages her expertise in digital marketing and community relations to amplify the impact of events through social media, content creation, and influencer outreach. Huong's passion for events stems from her belief that they are powerful tools for storytelling, connection, and innovation. Valentina Ruffoni, Founder at The PIE Network (people in events) & Director at Beyond The Event With over 15 years in the events industry, Valentina creates experiences that people truly remember. She is the founder of The PIE Network, a global community where event pros connect, share ideas, and learn together, and Beyond The Event, where she designs and executes experiences that celebrate community, connection, and belonging. Passionate about people and storytelling through events, Valentina blends creativity, strategy, and energy to help others thrive and leave lasting memories wherever she goes.