At Elevate Global, we’re committed to celebrating the women shaping the future of our industry. As part of our ElevateHER initiative, we’ve launched the Women in Events series to highlight their stories and impact.
This month, we’re spotlighting Ece Damcioglu, Staffing Manager DACH at Elevate Global. From welcoming Formula 1 guests in Istanbul to leading staffing operations across the events industry, Ece’s journey has been shaped by adaptability, creativity, and a passion for people.
Her Journey into Events
Ece’s introduction to the events industry came while studying at university, when she took on a mini-job working at the international welcoming desk for Formula 1 in Istanbul.
“It was an incredibly exciting introduction to the industry.”
From there, she began working part-time for staffing agencies as a Brand Ambassador, taking on a variety of event projects where no two days looked the same. Across four years in the industry, she worked across multiple roles, from representing brands to photographing live activations and events.
“Working in events while studying prepared me for every interview and opportunity that came afterwards.”
The variety, pace, and people-first nature of the industry quickly became something she thrived in.
Challenges That Shaped Her Journey
Like many event professionals, Ece learned early on that unpredictability is part of the job.
“In this industry, the unpredictable is the only constant.”
Whether supporting guests with last-minute requests or solving unexpected logistical challenges, working in live events taught her how to remain calm under pressure and focus on solutions rather than problems.
“Facing these challenges head-on taught me how to keep a cool head, put panic aside, and focus entirely on finding the solution.”
The experience helped shape the solution-oriented mindset she carries into her work today.
Standout Moments and Career Highlights
One of the most meaningful turning points in Ece’s career came from simply speaking up about something she loved.
While working at a staffing agency, she shared that photography, a passion of hers since high school, was something she wanted to explore further professionally.
That conversation opened the door to becoming the main photographer for a specific brand, where she shot product campaigns and sponsored concerts.
“It opened the door to such a joyful side of the event world.”
Being able to combine creativity, live experiences, and work made her fall even more in love with the industry.
“Watching incredible concerts, trying new products on the job, and earning a living through something I genuinely enjoyed was a really special experience.”
What Drives Her Today
For Ece, events have always been about people and connection.
“Ultimately, it’s about working both with and for people.”
She enjoys acting as a bridge between different teams, guests, and stakeholders, helping bring people together around a shared vision and ensuring communication flows smoothly across every level of delivery.
Her Advice for Women Starting Out in Events
Ece believes the events industry is one of the best environments for building communication skills, confidence, and resilience.
Her advice is to embrace the fast pace and use it as an opportunity to grow.
“If you can prove to yourself that you can stay organised and solution-oriented during stressful moments, you’ll build skills that benefit you in any future role or career path.”
She also believes resilience and multitasking are essential qualities for long-term success in the industry.
“No matter where your career takes you, those skills will always stay valuable.”
✨ Do you know a woman shaping the events industry? Nominate her, or yourself, for our Women in Events feature here and help us celebrate the incredible stories driving change.
