At EventWell, every host brings a unique story, lived experience, and perspective that shapes the way we create safe, calm, and inclusive spaces for others. Voices That Shape Us is a celebration of those voices, the calm in the crowd, the compassion behind the support, and the lived understanding that makes our SensoryCalm™ spaces what they are.
Each week, we’re introducing you to one of our incredible EventWell Hosts, the people whose empathy, experience, and presence help shape the wellbeing of every event we’re part of.
This week, we’re shining a light on the wonderful Evie.
Evie joined the EventWell Host Team earlier this year and has already become a hugely valued member of our community. Bringing with her a wealth of experience in event welfare and attendee support, she embodies the care, professionalism, and calm reassurance that define what it means to be an EventWell Host. Her natural empathy and understanding of the challenges people can face in busy event environments make her an incredible asset to the team, and a trusted presence for anyone who steps into a SensoryCalm™ space.
1. Who or what has shaped the way you show up as an EventWell Host?
My own life experiences have influenced this. I am neurodivergent (late diagnosed and didn’t realise or acknowledge this until late twenties) and have often felt anxious throughout my life and have had to manage this alone. The spaces and support we provide bridge this gap and ensure that people have the support to continue to attend events successfully and meaningfully.
2. What does it mean to you to be a “calm, caring, professional” presence for others at events?
For me, this is about ensuring I am regulated myself. After all, how can I support others to calm if I don’t feel that myself? Also, I use my interpersonal skills to assess each individuals needs – for some, they may require a chat to talk through their day or identify what they need to return safety to the event – whereas others, they need to sit in quiet and not be disturbed. Both are calm and caring, but impact each individual meaningfully to meet their needs.
3. Can you share a moment from hosting that reminded you why this work matters?
Meeting a parent who talked to me about her neurodivergent older son, and how a space such as ours could have made such a difference to him throughout his life had they been available to him.
4. How has being part of EventWell shaped your own understanding of inclusion or neurodiversity?
To understand in practice how unregulation and overwhelm can present so differently – from professionals at a conference, to young people at a festival. This enables me to build my skills in differentiating my support to appropriately meet the needs of the individual and scenario.
5. If your voice could shape one change in the events industry, what would it be?
It would be ‘be kind’. Often I find clients are overwhelmed because they have had a tricky experience in one way or another that day. With so much to organise and plan, we can forget about the small things. Asking for permission before doing a bag search for example, can make all the difference to someone having a good or bad day.
6. What does ‘empowerment’ mean to you personally, and how do you bring that into your role?
Empowerment to me means that I have the resource and voice to make a difference – not just in the support I provide in the moment, but also through equipping people with strategies and resources – such as a breathing technique, so that they themselves are empowered to use these themselves in the future. I believe helping others to help themselves is far more effective long term, and also builds confidence and self esteem. Many people have empowered me in my life, and now I try to do that with others.
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