In this episode of Scale HER Up, I’m joined by Elise MacDonald, Managing Director of Lux Events, an events company specialising in corporate events, conferences, award ceremonies, brand activations and communications. Lux works mainly across Scotland, while also delivering projects further afield in Europe, London and beyond.

Elise shares how Lux Events has grown over the last 14 years into a respected business with a wide mix of clients, particularly in tourism, food and drink, and the marketing sector. We talk about what makes a great event, from personalisation and delegate experience to the importance of people, planning and the team behind the scenes.

We also dive into Elise’s own journey in events, from her first role at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre to agency life, a short move into a slower-paced university role, and eventually launching Lux. She talks honestly about how the business started, how her co-MD Joanne Lynn joined her early on, and why that partnership has been such a huge part of the company’s growth and success.

This is a really warm and practical conversation about hospitality, leadership, working motherhood, resilience and building a business culture where people feel supported and want to stay.

In this episode, we cover:

• What Lux Events does and the different types of events they deliver
• What makes a successful event and why personalisation matters
• Elise’s career journey into events and why she knew she was in the right industry
• How Lux Events began and why the partnership with Joanne has been so important
• Why the team and company culture matter so much in service businesses
• Hospitality industry pressures and how they affect venues, suppliers and events
• How COVID impacted the events industry and what happened next
• Leadership, resilience and handling setbacks in business
• Building an all-female team with flexibility and family support at its core
• What Elise has learned about herself through running the business
• Advice she would give her younger self about confidence, voice and taking opportunities
• Why more women should consider starting businesses and creating portfolio careers