Event21 Claims Top Spot in Women's Workplace Rankings for 2026

Event21 Claims Top Spot in Women’s Workplace Rankings for 2026

In an impressive achievement, Event21 has earned the number one spot among small-sized companies in Japan on the 2026 Great Place to Work® (GPTW) Women's Ranking. This recognition highlights the company’s commitment to cultivating an inclusive workplace where female leadership thrives, a remarkable feat in an industry traditionally dominated by males.

A Culture of Support and Recognition

GPTW praised Event21 for its strong culture of inclusion, which encourages employees to recognize and support each other's diverse strengths. The organization fosters an environment where all employees, regardless of gender, feel safe and empowered to contribute wholeheartedly. Event21 currently boasts a workforce comprised of 55% women and an astounding 62.5% of leadership positions held by female employees—20 out of 32 managerial roles.

This accomplishment reflects not just numbers, but a significant change in workplace culture. Employees at Event21 are able to see women in leadership roles, which has led to an increasing recognition within the company that women can and do excel in high-ranking positions.

Breaking Down Barriers

Several key initiatives have paved the way for Event21 to achieve its remarkable female leadership ratio. Since 2017, over half of the new recruits have been women, indicating an intentional focus on gender diversity from the outset.

Moreover, the emergence of female managers and site leaders has helped visualize female success within the company, breaking down preconceived notions about women’s capability to lead. As a result, over the past few years, a cultural shift has occurred, reducing the psychological barriers for women aspiring to take on managerial positions.

Event21 has also established fair evaluation systems based on individual capabilities and performance. An assessment approach ensures all employees are evaluated equitably, considering various performance metrics for salary increases and bonuses. This merit-based system allows for the proactive promotion of employees—regardless of tenure—who display high ability and motivation.

Daily Success Stories

At Event21, women are not just filling roles; they are excelling across various dimensions of the organization. The top two sales positions are held by female employees, both of whom also manage teams successfully.

Women are stepping up as project leaders and committee chairs, actively driving initiatives forward. In an even more unconventional setting, women are often seen transporting equipment to and from event sites, showcasing their versatility across all facets of the business. This culture of opportunity and recognition empowers every employee to use their unique strengths, regardless of their gender.

Forward-Thinking Leadership

The leadership at Event21 emphasizes assessment grounded in individual capability rather than outdated stereotypes tied to gender or age. They advocate for a workplace where employees contemplate their ambitions and the means of utilizing their strengths to realize these goals.

The philosophy underlying Event21—"you happy, we happy!"—reflects a dedication to creating a fair and engaging work environment that benefits not only the company but society at large.

Recognition and Future Goals

Event21's achievements have not gone unnoticed. In addition to being ranked first among small-sized companies in the 2026 GPTW Women's Ranking, it has received multiple accolades recognizing its commitment to diversity and inclusivity, such as the D&I Award and Women's Value Award. Among future goals, Event21 aims to continue its initiative of fostering a workplace that embraces the unique contributions of workers, regardless of gender or age, fulfilling its commitment to support everyone's growth.

Conclusion

As a forerunner in gender representation and workplace culture, Event21 not only sets standards within the event management industry, but also serves as a role model for organizations aiming to achieve gender equality in the workplace. Through their continued efforts and dedication, they are shaping a more inclusive future, inviting others to join in creating an environment where everyone—regardless of gender—can thrive.

Company Overview

Event21 is dedicated to delivering happiness to people and communities through events. With a mission grounded in the saying “you happy, we happy!”, Event21 provides a wide range of services relating to event management across its 29 locations in Japan.