From Commercial Leader to Business Owner
As Forum Events celebrates 30 years of connecting business communities, it is also the perfect opportunity to recognise one of the driving forces behind the company’s modern success story: Carly Walker, who has recently become a business owner and shareholder in the organisation she has helped shape over the last decade.
Since joining Forum Events in October 2014, Carly has played a pivotal role in transforming the business, bringing energy, ambition and commercial expertise that have helped elevate the company to new heights.
Reflecting on her first days with the business, Carly recalls a moment that perfectly captured Forum’s unique culture.
“I joined in October 2014, and within my first two weeks I found myself at the annual Halloween event being told I had to arrive in my best horror costume. At first, I genuinely thought someone was trying to stitch me up! But that moment quickly gave me a real sense of what made the business special: the family feel, the fun, the collaboration and the brilliant team environment I had become part of.”
Originally joining to help turn around the company’s first media product, PA Life, Carly quickly made her mark. Her no-nonsense approach, commercial acumen and determination to succeed helped strengthen the business and its sales operation, driving rapid growth in the years that followed.
Drawing on her extensive media background, Carly played a key role in expanding Forum’s media portfolio. Under her leadership, the business introduced innovative concepts such as media briefings and newsletters that complemented its market-leading events, while also supporting the acquisition and development of respected industry brands including Hotel Designs and Space.
As her responsibilities grew, so did her influence across the business.
“My background has always been rooted in media and event sales, and I originally joined the business to help turn around its first media product. From there, I immersed myself in the wider business, learning the products, people and opportunities inside out. Over time, my role evolved into managing the full sales team, building a tiered management structure, creating career paths, strengthening partnerships and driving the commercial development of both new and existing products.”
Known throughout the business for her relentless work ethic, passion and commitment, Carly has become much more than a commercial leader. Whether it’s an early morning email, a late-night idea or a text message filled with inspiration, her drive to continually improve the business has become part of Forum’s culture. She has also been a trusted mentor and sounding board for colleagues across the organisation, helping individuals develop confidence, sharpen their commercial skills and communicate more effectively.
Her dedication, vision and contribution have now been recognised through her appointment as a shareholder and business owner.
“I have always approached every role with a growth mindset, constantly asking myself what I can learn, how I can improve and where I can take things next. Becoming a shareholder and business owner at 37 is a milestone I am incredibly proud of, especially within a business I genuinely believe in. I am passionate about the people, the products and the opportunities ahead, and I still see every day as part of an exciting journey with so much more to come.”
Looking ahead, Carly remains as ambitious as ever for the future of Forum Events.
“My vision is to continue building on what we do best: connecting the right people in bespoke, high-value and meaningful environments. I believe there is huge potential to take that expertise into new industries, expand further across Europe and beyond, and continue developing products that genuinely serve our communities. Just as importantly, I want to see the next generation within the business step forward as leaders, bringing their own ideas, energy and initiatives to life.”
For those starting their own careers, Carly’s advice is simple but powerful:
“Believe in yourself and trust your instinct. Every day will bring a challenge, some bigger than others, but that gut feeling usually means something. Surround yourself with great people, learn from every mistake and remember that wrong turns are often part of getting to the right place. If you really want something and keep moving forward, you will find your way there.”
As Forum Events enters its next chapter, Carly’s journey from commercial leader to business owner stands as a testament to the power of hard work, resilience, ambition and belief. Her story is not only a reflection of personal success, but of the collaborative culture and entrepreneurial spirit that continue to drive Forum Events forward.
Congratulations, Carly, on this incredible milestone and on helping shape the future of Forum Events.
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Learn more: www.forumevents.co.uk
