With International Women’s Day behind us for another year, let’s keep the conversation alive about inclusivity and other important issues affecting women. Women’s History Month is still in full swing, running through the whole of March. To celebrate the incredible women of the past, and those inspiring us today, we are interviewing women from different fields and backgrounds. Abigail Solieri, from Toca Social, is one such woman. She is the Head of Business Development at the world’s first interactive football and dining experience. Toca Social takes innovation to a whole new level, by combining immersive gaming and world-class food and drink with a vibrant atmosphere and experience for corporate events and meetings, as well as social occasions.
Abigail Solieri
Abigail has experienced a range of achievements within the entertainment industry, such as becoming an award-winning Head of Events for multi-site venues. She is skilled within Sales, Hospitality, Event Management, Leadership, Corporate and social events. Moreover, Abi has also recently exhibited at The PA Show this February, delivering high-quality content and knowledge from her diverse range of experiences.
Within your career, creating a buzz is essential. Can you share a time when you successfully generated media coverage & social media attention for the venue?
In my previous role, I played a leading role in organising Miss Essex, managing all aspects from sales to execution. This included integrating a 40-foot runway into our venue and effectively securing substantial national press coverage.
Can you share a memorable team building activity you have organised?
At TOCA Social, team-building events are intrinsic to our approach, with all our events tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients. One particularly memorable event was our first ever event at TOCA Social, the Ladies First team for West Ham, which was particularly exciting given the remarkable achievements of women in football.
What advice would you give to young women aspiring to reach leadership roles in your industry?
As a woman who has navigated the path to leadership in my industry, I would advise young women aspiring to similar roles to embrace their unique strengths and perspectives. It’s essential to have confidence in your abilities and to advocate for yourself in challenging situations. Seek out mentors and allies who can provide guidance and support along the way, and don’t be afraid to speak up and assert your ideas and opinions.
Additionally, prioritize continuous learning and development to stay ahead of industry trends and advancements. Finally, remember that resilience and perseverance are key qualities in events leadership, so don’t let setbacks deter you from pursuing your goals. With determination and a strong support network, you can achieve success in leadership roles.
We feature many more International Women’s Day interviews, including Vanessa Sam, a young motivational speaker and presenter who made her debut age 9.
