Celebrating Women in Event Tech

Celebrating Women in Event Tech 

At RX, we’re celebrating Women in Tech Day by shining a spotlight on seven incredible people who are helping to shape the future of event technology. From business analysis to digital product innovation, these talented professionals share what drives them, why they love working at RX, and their advice for anyone considering a career in tech. 

Event tech is buzzing right now with innovation, from AI-powered matchmaking to real-time analytics that drive smarter decisions for visitors and exhibitors. I am the Digital Product Director leading RX’s global technology platform, powering our global marketing websites and the Exhibitor Hub — the go-to space for exhibitors to access all our digital products and prepare for the show. I particularly enjoy the diversity of our markets and industries - it keeps things dynamic - and collaborating with colleagues globally to serve our customers makes it even more rewarding. My top three tips for future event tech professionals are to keep up to date with AI and emerging tech; know your customers so you can elevate their event experiences; and embrace relationship and team building to deliver real impact. In short, stay curious, stay connected, and make a difference! 

Kelly Lickley, Digital Product Director 

 

You don’t necessarily need to be a “techie” to work in event tech. I’m Exhibit A for this! But you do need to be inquisitive, analytical and have a good understanding of the business you’re delivering for. I manage the team of Business Analysts for our sales, finance, and marketing systems which power 350+ events and 19 offices around the globe. The complexity is exciting: multiple business units, different regulations, and evolving customer needs make every project a fresh challenge. Beyond the work itself, RX’s people make all the difference. Our team is supportive, innovative, and driven by a shared purpose. We trust and respect each other, making it an incredible place to learn and grow. 

Delia Griguta, Manager Business Analyst 

As a Senior UX Designer in the InnoLab team, I design experimental prototypes to test out new digital product ideas at our shows. If any of these experiments are successful, another team will adopt them and build them to completion. Some of the more fun projects we’ve worked on have included a digital treasure hunt game using Augmented Reality and a chat bot that makes recommendations using generative AI. It is exciting to see the results of our team’s experiments and build new iterations based on what we have learned. What I love most about working in event tech is the huge variety of industries our events cover. You could be working on a travel event one week and then a cosmetics or gaming show the next, which gives you a “behind the scenes” glimpse of those industries. You also learn random facts. For example, did you know that aluminium is used as rocket fuel? If I hadn’t worked at the Aluminium show, I would never have known that!  

Kim Thomson, Senior UX Designer 

Event Tech is like an open book— all you need is imagination and an understanding of your customers' needs. As society moves faster, we all expect intuitive technology at our fingertips. At RX, we strive for this every day, adding value for our customers through apps like Colleqt, the Lead Manager App, and the Exhibitor Dashboard. As Director of Applications, I lead the team responsible for ensuring these and other RX apps are available whenever our customers need them. I love working with forward-thinking individuals, exploring the possibilities of emerging technologies while staying committed to delivering best-in-class IT solutions and services. For aspiring tech professionals, the industry is incredibly supportive to those just starting their journey. Be a sponge for knowledge. Don’t be afraid to explore different areas, ask questions, and reach out to industry contacts. If something sparks your interest, dive in and learn about it. Tech is a vast field, and you don’t need coding skills or expertise in the latest AI innovations to succeed. 

Alexa Taylor, Director of Applications 

As the Marketing Technical Lead at RX, I design and maintain solutions that keep our marketing systems running smoothly. From global rollouts to bug fixes and enhancements, no two days are alike. Each business unit (and sometimes even individual events) comes with unique requirements, making every challenge an opportunity to think creatively and solve complex problems. Attending our events and seeing at firsthand how our solutions enhance the customer experience is one of the most exciting and fulfilling parts of my role. For anyone looking to break into tech, my advice is simple: stay open to new opportunities and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. The tech landscape evolves rapidly, and those who embrace change and continuous learning will always be in demand. Even if a role or project doesn’t perfectly align with your current skillset, taking on new challenges is the best way to grow and future-proof your career. 

Heather Warren, Senior Software Engineer 

I studied Information Technology at university and have been working in tech ever since. It’s an exciting career choice, enabling you to work in almost any industry and on the latest innovations. At RX I head the engineering function of the global business systems programme which is both a new technology platform and a set of business capabilities that is being rolled out worldwide. I've found RX and our parent company RELX to very supportive generally, but they also have a mentoring programme that runs yearly. I've taken part in this as a mentee and found it to be an excellent way to progress my career.  

Anecia Johnston, Director of Engineering  

Inspired by these amazing stories? You, too, can be part of our dynamic, innovative team, helping to shape the future of event technology. At RX, we’re passionate about fostering talent and creating cutting-edge digital experiences. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your journey, visit our website to explore exciting career opportunities and take the next step toward a rewarding future in event tech.