Published by Neil Thompson, 15th August 2025
New quarterly sanctuary for event professionals creates space for rest, reconnection and sustainable success in fast-paced industry
As the events industry continues to recover and evolve post-pandemic, a new initiative is addressing a critical need, the wellbeing and sustainable career development of women working in events. The Seasonal Retreat - For Women and Non - Binary folk who lead, create, and care has been launched to provide quarterly sanctuaries specifically designed for female event professionals seeking balance, community, and renewed purpose in their careers.
The retreat programme, starting with an inaugural one-day Seasonal Retreat on Saturday, October 18th at Tewinbury Farm in Hertfordshire, has already attracted significant interest from industry veterans and emerging professionals alike. The response highlights a pressing demand for supportive spaces that prioritise women's wellbeing in the traditionally high-pressure events sector.
"When women in events come together, we’re not just creating space, we’re reclaiming it. In an industry where we so often care for others before ourselves, this is our permission to pause, to reconnect with our own rhythms, and to nourish each other in the process" explains retreat co-founder Lucy Eden.
"We're acknowledging that our wellbeing directly impacts our ability to create inclusive, accessible, extraordinary experiences for others. These spaces matter because they recognise that caring for ourselves isn't selfish, it's necessity, Says co-founder Gabby Austen Browne
Addressing Industry-Wide Challenges
Recent industry research continues to highlight significant gender disparities in events leadership roles, with women often facing unique pressures including work-life balance challenges, imposter syndrome, and limited peer support networks. The retreat programme directly addresses these issues by creating intentional spaces for reflection, skill-building around self-care and wellbeing, and genuine professional sisterhood.
"The events industry can feel relentlessly masculine in its energy, always on, always performing, always pushing forward," notes Lucy Eden. "But what happens when we never pause to reconnect with our feminine essence? When we forget the power of rest, intuition, and genuine sisterhood?"
The programme's seasonal approach aligns with natural rhythms often overlooked in the industry's 24/7 culture:
- Winter retreats focus on stillness and introspection through cosy and nurturing gatherings and visioning work
- Spring retreats emphasise awakening creativity and igniting new possibilities
- Summer retreats celebrate abundance through nourishing meals and outdoor connection with nature and the elements
- Autumn retreats s centre on reflection and graceful transition practices
Lucy Eden goes on to say ‘To introduce what’s to come across our year-long series of seasonal retreats, we’re launching a one-day immersive taster experience. A curated journey through all four seasons in a single day. In business, we check in quarterly, but when it comes to ourselves, we often set intentions in January and don’t pause again until year’s end. This one-day retreat invites a different way: one that honours the natural rhythms of the seasons and encourages regular, meaningful check-ins with ourselves. It’s a stand-alone experience filled with reflection, reconnection, and inspiration, and also an open doorway for those who feel called to go deeper. You’re welcome to join us each quarter, or simply when the timing feels right for you. There’s no pressure, just a space to return to, whenever you need it.”
Experience Beyond Traditional Networking
Unlike conventional industry events, the retreat offers a holistic experience designed specifically for women's needs and energy cycles. The day-long programme includes:
- Sacred circle connections creating timeless bonds of mutual support that extend beyond the event
- Seasonal, harvest-inspired cuisine featuring fresh juices, wholesome plant-based energy foods, and nourishing meals crafted with intention and sustainability in mind
- Expert-led industry sessions sharing authentic experiences of highs and challenges in events careers, with space for personal reflection
- Gentle yoga and mindful movement specifically designed to support women's bodies, hormones, and natural energy cycles
- Forest bathing and natural foraging to create personal inner compass tools
- Women's tea ceremony for story-sharing and heart connection in sacred sisterhood
- Grounding candlelight meditation to close the day with intention and calm
- Curated retreat goodie bag filled with handpicked, soulful keepsakes for ongoing journey support
The experience extends beyond the single day, with participants gaining access to a supportive WhatsApp community, two follow-up integration Zoom sessions at one week and three weeks post-retreat, and exclusive access to future seasonal retreats in 2026.
Partnership and Industry Impact
The programme represents a partnership between experienced industry professionals committed to sustainable change in events culture. Co-founder Lucy Eden brings extensive experience in wellness programming, via her company Be In Your Element while her partner Gabby, contributes deep industry knowledge, advocacy and expertise for inclusive wellbeing practices.
"By creating these spaces, we're committed to ensuring every woman and non-binary person in our industry has access to the reflection, rest, and community connection that will help them not just survive, but beautifully thrive in the work they love," Gabby emphasises.
The retreat's launch at Tewinbury Farm, a 700-acre sustainably-farmed countryside estate in Hertfordshire, reinforces the programme's commitment to environmental consciousness and connection with natural rhythms. The venue's eco-conscious practices and multiple indoor/outdoor spaces provide the perfect container for transformation.
Strong Industry Response and Future Plans
Early response has been overwhelmingly positive, with applications received from professionals across all career stages, from emerging talent with 3-5 years experience to industry veterans with 16+ years in the field. Participants represent diverse roles including event directors, producers, sales professionals, venue specialists, and sustainability consultants.
"This isn't just another networking opportunity or workshop. This is reconnection – with yourself, with nature, and with women who genuinely understand the unique pressures of our industry," notes one early applicant.
Early Bird tickets are available at £250, with regular pricing at £295. The intimate setting limits attendance to ensure quality connections and personalised attention.
Creating Space for What Our Souls Need Most
"When did you last give yourself permission to simply be in this industry that constantly asks us to do?" challenges Lucy Eden.
"As women in events, we're brilliant at creating transformative experiences for others. We orchestrate magic, solve the impossible, and lead with resilience and commitment. But we rarely extend that same care and intentionality to ourselves." shares Gabby Austen Browne
The retreat represents more than personal development, it's an investment in industry transformation. When event professionals prioritise their mental, emotional, and physical restoration, they model sustainable success that doesn't require burnout or sacrificing wellbeing for professional achievement.
"Your wellbeing matters. Slowing down is productive, too. And you deserve to be held, not just hold everything together," concludes Lucy Eden.
For more information about The Seasonal Reset Retreat contact Gabby and Lucy at womenineventsretreat@gmail.com
