We asked Julia Green why celebrating the International Women’s Day matters, and how this year’s theme #GiveToGain is put to action every day within her organisation. Julia is the Sales & Commercial Manager at Center Parcs Conferences & Events, and also PA Life’s wellness columnist.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you personally and professionally as a leader in the female-heavy hospitality and events industry?
International Women’s Day is always a good time to stop, take stock and check in with myself.
Personally, I feel incredibly fortunate to work in an industry that is powered by talented, resilient, strong women who make things happen every single day.
Professionally, as a leader, I see International Women’s Day as a responsibility. It’s not just about celebration – it’s also about asking ourselves whether the opportunities at the top genuinely reflect the talent we have.
How will Center Parcs be marking International Women’s Day this year?
Are there specific initiatives, conversations or commitments you’re putting in place to support and elevate women in your teams?
Within Center Parcs, there are many great moments for connection organised by our fantastic HR team, giving women in the business time and space to connect and engage in conversations.
For me, this isn’t just about International Women’s Day. More generally, we’re committing to more structured mentoring conversations across our sales and operational teams. It is important to ensure that career pathways are visible and tangible. It’s easy to say “the opportunities are there”; it’s far more powerful to actively show women how to access them.
What does “giving” look like in order to create meaningful, lasting progress for women in your industry?
The 2026 theme, #GiveToGain, really resonates in hospitality and events. We are an industry built on giving.
But “giving” can be sponsorship, not just support. Giving someone visibility in a meeting. Giving honest feedback. Giving the right opportunities. Giving flexibility when life demands it. Giving back what your team give to you.
If we give women access to experience, networks and advocacy, the gain is exponential – stronger businesses, more balanced leadership and better decision-making. It’s not a trade-off; it’s an investment.
The UK events and hospitality industry is female-dominated at the entry level, but less than 30% of the top roles are held by women. Why do you think this is?
The statistic that less than 30% of top roles are held by women, despite the industry being female-dominated at entry level, doesn’t surprise me – but it should challenge our thinking.
I believe part of the issue is structural. Leadership roles have historically been shaped around traditional career paths that don’t always accommodate career breaks, caring responsibilities or non-linear progression.
There’s also still a significant confidence gap. Women are often overqualified before they’ll step forward for a role, whereas others may apply when they meet only part of the criteria.
My advice to women wanting to climb to the top is to keep learning, networking and investing in self-development. In a business context, really understand the numbers, the margins and the strategy. And 100% put your hand up before you feel fully ready – what’s the worst that could happen?
Seek out mentors and sponsors, and don’t be afraid to ask directly.
The industry needs confident, commercially minded female leaders who don’t feel they have to dilute who they are to succeed.
Ultimately, International Women’s Day shouldn’t be a single moment. It should be a reminder of the culture we’re building every day. If we truly commit to giving – whether that’s time, advocacy or opportunity – we will absolutely gain stronger, more inclusive leadership across hospitality and events.
👉 We have more Female Leaders interviews for you: Forum Events & Media Group leaders – Sarah Beall, MD and Carly Walker, Commercia Director.
