Behind the scenes at LawDeb events: The conversations that make it all worthwhile

The best bit about events is the satisfaction of pulling them off. All that planning, all that stress, the minor war scars from the hundreds of chocolate goodie-bags you’ve tied become worth it, because the tangible success of the event is in front of you.

But the second-best bit about events is the people you meet. I never expected my career to take a corporate turn, and so I started my role at LawDeb quite apprehensively. I remember looking at my first LawDeb guest list (the LawDeb Pensions Debate 2024) and feeling overwhelmed at the number of guests, and the list of unrecognisable names. In fact, that feeling wouldn’t change for a while!

Even though my primary job was (and is) to make sure things run smoothly behind the scenes, I remember feeling surprised at how similar the networking part of events was to a seemingly disconnected part of my previous life. During sixth form, I had worked as a sales rep in a chocolate store. I used to wear my brown apron and talk to customers about their day, eventually asking them how I could help. I realised that this was not all too different from interacting with guests at LawDeb events. Who would’ve thought that a random Saturday job would come in handy during my career? And so, slightly nervously, I started making conversation with guests. Granted, it was easier to engage with people when you could start off with giving them a free chocolate, but I found offering guests a drink to be a great alternative.

One of my favourite recent conversations was at our LawDeb Lens event in January. Our flagship Lens photography exhibition is a particularly special event in our calendar. The process of the planning to execution of Lens can last over six months and requires managing multiple priorities. But the conversations which my colleagues and I have make it all worth it to me. Amongst the fantastic pictures, I had a chat with a gentleman who works in the pensions space. We discussed art, politics and travelling, not really touching on pensions much at all! In the end, I thought that he would probably also enjoy an event that we were hosting with A&O Shearman about Cyber Security and Pension Schemes and so invited him along. It was a lovely conversation and I even came away with some new restaurant recommendations!

Another memorable conversation I had was with a lady at the second of our partner events with the Women’s Chartered Governance Association (WCGA), aimed at female company secretaries. These events were based on nurturing soft skills which are important in furthering a career as a company secretary. To help attendees boost their personal brand, we offered complimentary professional headshots, and it was while managing the queue for these that I started chatting with one of the ladies in line. We talked about how she typically felt very shy when it came to events but how she had pushed herself to attend this one specifically because it was covering imposter syndrome and self-confidence. She said she hadn’t had a headshot taken for many years and I felt very touched at how honest she was with me. Our conversation reminded me of how necessary it is to be surrounded by a supportive network and how our partnership with the WCGA drives events which make a difference in people’s lives.

These days, speaking with our guests is one of my favourite parts of running an event, as you never know who you might meet. I really do value the conversations I have, and it feels particularly special receiving a lovely note from the people I spoke with at the event. With 15 events still to go for the second quarter of the year, I’m looking forward to meeting with and welcoming almost 1000 clients and industry partners. Whether it be at our upcoming 20th in person LawDeb Pensions Debate (an attendee list I am very familiar with now!), our AGM, at one of our partner events with CGI or the WCGA, or while organising the darts tournament at the LawDeb Escrow event, you will mostly see me coordinating things around behind the scenes. But once the event has settled, you will see me slowing down, speaking with our guests, and seeing what surprising connections are out there, so please do come and say hello!

To find out more about LawDeb's events offering, please email carmen.trinh@lawdeb.com.