Elevate – the free mentoring and personal development programme for professionals in the events industry, has officially launched its Sydney hub.
This marks its first international expansion beyond the United Kingdom.
Founded in London a decade ago by Melissa Noakes, Max Fellows and Peter Kerwood, Elevate has supported more than 2,500 event professionals.
The move into Australia and the United States signals a new phase of growth for the community-led initiative.
The Sydney launch was celebrated by agency peers from across the city’s events and brand experience sector, highlighting industry support for the programme’s local rollout.
Local leadership for Elevate in Sydney
Chloe Woodhouse, Elevate’s project lead for Sydney and Director of Growth at Curious Nation, will oversee the development of the local community.
“After experiencing the Elevate community in the UK first hand, I know how impactful Elevate Sydney will be in shaping people’s careers and I feel privileged to play a role in bringing it to life and begin building the local Elevate community down under,” Woodhouse said.
As the Sydney hub grows, she will be supported by Amplify APAC Managing Director and Executive Producer Gareth Davies, alongside Kate Boekhorst, formerly Client Services Director at Seed in London and now part of the Amplify team in Sydney.
The Elevate programme is backed by Amplify
The international expansion is supported by global brand experience agency Amplify and its sibling agencies Seed and Wonder.
As Global Headline Partners, the agencies will work alongside Elevate to establish and grow the programme in its new markets.
Amplify Founder and Global CEO Jonathan Emmins and Wonder Partner Dan Keene, who have supported Elevate since 2015 and sit on its advisory board, are contributing time, relationships and expertise to the expansion.
With offices in Sydney, Los Angeles and New York, Amplify’s footprint aligns with Elevate’s new hubs.
‘Elevate has always been about opening doors’
Elevate’s founders said the programme’s purpose remains consistent as it expands.
“Elevate has always been about opening doors through connection, confidence and practical support. We’re excited to take that mission global with the support of Amplify, Seed and Wonder, as we launch in the USA and Australia.
“Through mentoring, training and peer support, we help people at every stage of their career build skills and confidence, from emerging talent to CEOs and founders, united by a commitment to learning, sharing and support,” Fellows and Noakes said.
Davies added:
“What makes events and experiences so special is the people and how those people come together to make creative ideas a reality and the impossible possible. There is something truly special and unique about the bonds and camaraderie in our industry.
“But whether at the start of careers or further along we are all still learning, benefit from other advice and guidance and what Elevate and all those who have participated have given back to the industry is phenomenal, and Amplify is excited and proud to support Elevate as that global community grows and thrives in Australia.”
Applications for the Elevate programme now open
Elevate is inviting professionals across the events sector to apply as mentors, mentees, or both. Applications can be made via the Elevate website and will close in mid-February.
Feature photo credit: Elevate