The NOWIE Freelance Accelerator is a free 6-session programme designed specifically for freelancers working in the events industry. It covers everything from pricing and finding clients, to building your brand, understanding your finances, and planning your next steps. The programme kicks off with an in-person event in London (with potential satellite events in Manchester and Bristol), followed by five online sessions.

It's practical, community-led, and built for the realities of freelancing in events.

We’re looking for women who freelance in the events industry - whether you're an event manager, producer, coordinator, host, MC, AV technician, or any other events professional working for yourself. You might be brand new to freelancing or have years of experience; both are welcome.

Location and Time Requirements:

• Applicants must be working within the UK events industry.

• Applicants predominantly working on UK-based events but residing part-time in the EU (e.g., for affordability reasons) may also be considered.

Open to NOWIE members only
The programme is open to NOWIE members, find out more about how you can become a NOWIE member here.

Gender Inclusivity:
The program is open to women, trans, and non-binary individuals who feel comfortable being included under the umbrella term "women" and identify with issues that predominantly affect women.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I):

• Commitment to Diversity: We actively encourage applications from diverse backgrounds, ages, and races to create an inclusive learning environment.

• Sector-Specific “Non -Traditional Roles” Representation: Applicants from technical, creative, artist management, security, licensing, and other non-traditional areas are especially encouraged to apply, as spaces are capped across sectors to ensure diversity in representation.

Where Possible, Access Needs Awareness:

Your Access Needs:

To ensure we are aware of and able to support any accommodations you may need, applicants are encouraged to disclose any access needs as part of their application. While this is optional, it’s available for those who wish to share.

If we can do anything else to help this be more inclusive and accessible, please let us know at hello@wearenowie.org

• Applications open now.

• Applications close on the 1st September.

• You’ll find out if you are successful by the 4th September.

• If you are successful, the in personal launch is on Monday 21st September / Wednesday 23rd September

• The programme runs for 6 weeks, from Mid-September End-Oct 2026.

The whole programme:

• The programme requires a total commitment of 15-20 hours over six weeks

• The in-person launch session will take place in London (approx 2.5 hours)

• Each of the five online sessions runs for 2 hours on a Friday morning, 11:00am to 1:00pm.

• Weekly reflection and completion of programme journal and booklet.

• Mandatory engagement with the WhatsApp group, Instagram, and/or email when requested for information.

Marketing:

• Be willing to engage in the programme launch and send us your headshots/socials to tag – if there is a safeguarding reason you cannot do this, let us know.

Complete the programme milestones and, ideally, post on social media at least three times (you do not have to disclose anything about the meetings if detrimental to your work).

We’re working on exciting plans to host an in-person launch & networking event in September.

The remaining five sessions will take place online for 2 hours on a Friday morning, 11:00am to 1:00pm more info will be shared once programme participants are confirmed.

By filling in the application form below!

We expect there to be a really high demand for the Freelancer Accelerator so we cannot guarantee that we will be able to accept everyone.

If you’re not successfully accepted don’t panic! Here at NOWIE, we have lots of in-person networking events and work with other events where you’ll have the chance to meet other experienced industry women.