Forum Events at 30: Honouring the Legacy of Gill
As Forum Events celebrates 30 years in business, it is impossible to reflect on the company’s journey without recognising the extraordinary contribution of Gill, a pioneering figure whose influence helped shape both the business and the people within it.
An early stakeholder in Forum Events and a long-standing business partner to founder Paul Rowney, Gill became known for her unwavering optimism, practical approach, and remarkable ability to “always find a way.” During the company’s formative years, she was the driving force behind the operational delivery of its events, manually coordinating more than 1,000 delegate meetings for each forum using little more than a planning sheet, determination and exceptional organisational skills.
Before technology simplified the process, Gill transformed what could take days into a task completed in just a few hours, ensuring every event ran seamlessly. Her ability to solve complex challenges calmly and methodically became one of her defining qualities.
Gill’s professional journey began as a typist in the 1980s, but her entrepreneurial spirit quickly saw her take on wider responsibilities across business operations. Together with Paul Rowney, she helped build a successful publishing business before co-founding Forum Events in 1996, creating a hosted-buyer model that would become a leading format within the events industry.
Reflecting on their partnership, Paul Rowney said:
“Gill’s greatest talent was her absolute belief that the business would succeed. Through every challenge and setback, she remained optimistic and focused. She played a major role in Forum’s success and was always the steadying influence when expansion plans moved a little too quickly. She was the perfect business partner — calm, practical and unflappable, even in the toughest situations.”
Beyond her operational and commercial achievements, Gill was known for her people-first leadership style. She invested deeply in her teams, creating a supportive and inclusive environment where individuals were encouraged to grow and succeed. Whether through mentoring colleagues, celebrating success, or hosting summer gatherings that brought employees together, Gill fostered a culture that valued both performance and personal connection.
Forum Events CEO Sarah Beall, who worked alongside Gill for more than two decades, described their relationship as far more than a business partnership.
“We solved problems together, celebrated successes together and built what we often called our ‘Forum Family’. Gill gave so many people opportunities, careers and confidence. Her influence can still be seen across the business today.”
Gill’s entrepreneurial journey continued in 2018 when she joined Sarah Beall, Aimee and Nicky in launching Arctic Fox Events, providing another platform for innovation and growth within the events sector. Today, the business continues to thrive, reflecting the foundations and values established during its creation.
Tragically, Gill’s passing 2 years ago left a profound loss for her family, friends, colleagues and the wider events industry winning the Legend award at the EN Awards. However, the legacy she leaves behind is enduring. From the businesses she helped build to the countless people she mentored and inspired, her impact continues to be felt every day.
As Forum Events marks its 30th anniversary, Gill is remembered not only as a successful business leader, but as a mentor, friend and one of the architects of the culture that remains at the heart of the company today. Her resilience, creativity, kindness and determination continue to inspire future generations and remain woven into the fabric of Forum Events.
Follow us on
Learn more: www.forumevents.co.uk
