Built for Now. Leading What’s Next: My Vision for EVCOM By Kai Duggal, Executive Director, EVCOM
When I think about the effort and craft that goes into every film, every event, every piece of content, communication, or brand experience — and the impact these moments have on audiences, businesses, and society — I’m reminded just how powerful this sector is. The creative thinking, problem-solving, and sheer energy that sits behind every brief, every pitch, every production is nothing short of phenomenal. That’s what excites me as I step into my role as Executive Director of EVCOM — because behind every brilliant piece of work is a community of people who care deeply about what they create, and what it achieves.
EVCOM exists for a simple but powerful reason:
To support our members in ways they cannot for themselves.It is our job to create the conditions that allow you to thrive. To provide networks, opportunities, knowledge, tools, connections, and insights that help you meet today’s challenges — and seize tomorrow’s opportunities.
These are not easy times. The economy remains unpredictable. The political climate is shifting. And technology is advancing at astonishing speed. AI, automation, data, new platforms — they’re already transforming how we create, how we tell stories, how we engage audiences.
Change feels relentless. Perhaps it is. Perhaps we’ve entered a new reality: not a single paradigm shift, but a permanent state of shifting. The shift is the constancy of change itself.
But I’ve seen this before. Maybe in a different form and we can be sure of one thing, in every period of uncertainty lies a window of opportunity. For those ready to embrace it, the future isn’t something to fear — it’s something to build.
My Vision for EVCOM: 2025 and Beyond
Over the next 12 to 14 months, my mission — and our shared mission — will centre around three clear priorities:
- Present and Future: Built for Now, Leading What’s Next
Our industry doesn’t stand still, and neither should we. EVCOM must be the platform where our members stay informed, inspired, and equipped — for today’s realities and tomorrow’s opportunities.
We will sharpen our thought leadership, strengthen community insights, and host bold conversations around the forces shaping our world:
AI disruption. Sustainability and ethics. Skills gaps. Monetisation models. Changing client demands. Political and economic shifts.
We won’t chase trends for the sake of it. We will focus on what matters. Content that empowers. Conversations that move us forward.
- Growth: Strengthening Our Foundations
Growth is not just about numbers — it’s about depth, diversity, and meaningful expansion.
We will grow our membership — but more than that, we will open our doors wider:
- We will actively embrace new content creators — across live events, film, digital platforms, brand experience, hybrid, immersive, and new formats that reflect how our sector is evolving.
- We will extend a stronger welcome to companies across the UK — ensuring EVCOM reflects the full creative energy of every region, not just London.
- We will build stronger partnerships, unlock new sponsorships, and deliver greater day-to-day value to every member.
Growth means becoming stronger — not just bigger. Growth that gives you access to sharper campaigns, clearer messaging, better tools, and stronger connections.
- Next Gen: Investing in Tomorrow’s Leaders
The next generation isn’t waiting on the sidelines — they’re already contributing, innovating, and building. Our role is to empower them.
We will reposition Next Gen as a central pillar of EVCOM:
- Structured mentorship programmes
- Accessible pathways into membership
- Real opportunities for emerging talent to shape EVCOM’s voice and direction
We will invest in training, qualifications, and visibility — ensuring the future of our sector remains as bold and brilliant as its present.
“We all do better when we work together. Our differences do matter, but our common humanity matters more.”
— President Bill Clinton
That spirit sits at the heart of my vision for EVCOM.
We are a diverse, creative, ever-evolving community. Our members may come from different disciplines, different sectors, and different corners of the country — but we are stronger together.
And we want — we need — you, our members, to get more involved. Yes, come to our events. Join the conversation on our EVCOM LinkedIn page.
But also, send us your news — so we can share it with clients, potential clients, and the wider industry.
And tell us what we can do to help you more. What would you like to see more of? Less of?
Talk to us. Engage. Be an active part of the conversation and this amazing community.
I’m grateful to the Board for their support, to our Chair Andrew Smith for his leadership, and above all, to you — our members — for your creativity, your drive, and your energy. Together there’s no challenge we cannot face when we collaborate, share knowledge, and lift each other up.
My role is to ensure EVCOM gives you the platform to do exactly that: to connect, to grow, and to lead — together.
There you have it…that’s what we are…
Built for Now. Leading What’s Next.
And I couldn’t be more excited to get started.