🎂 Gravitas.Events Turns One!! 🎂
To mark our very first birthday, we thought it only fitting to turn the spotlight on our Event Leader, Founder, and Director — Denise Mapp. We asked her ten questions that reveal the heart, hustle, and humour behind Gravitas.Events.
Denise Mapp is no stranger to the Events Industry.
With a career spanning well over 10+ years and amassing over 1000 global events within the corporate, faith-based, not-for-profit and academic sectors, Denise is an industry leader who is breaking every ceiling and making it her floor.
1. How did you get into the Events Industry?
My former manager spotted a role in the Communications team for an Events Assistant and encouraged me to apply. At the time, I thought events were just parties (naïve, I know!). But over five years, I worked across conferences, school openings, receptions, awards ceremonies, and roadshows. My life changed forever — and I’ll always be grateful to Desmond Mills for seeing potential in me before I saw it in myself.
2. What would you tell yourself 10 years ago that you know now?
Never be afraid to ask — whether it’s for clarity, opportunity, or help. A hunger to learn is welcomed more often than you think.
3. What did the pandemic teach you about events?
Collaboration opens doors, not competition.
You know more than you realise — don’t undersell yourself.
Be bold enough to do what no one else is doing. By the time it catches on, you’ll be the expert.
4. What qualities do you need to thrive in events?
Resilience, a genuine love for people, and the ability to listen — not just to what’s said, but to what’s unsaid.
5. What’s the one thing you love about Events?
I love knowing that something I helped create could spark joy, inspire a new idea, or forge a partnership. And nothing beats the moment you glance over and see a client smiling — that makes every late night worthwhile.
6. What’s the best event you have ever worked on?
That’s a tough one… (Some secrets are worth keeping!!)
7. What’s your dream event?
I’ve always dreamed of producing a large-scale awards ceremony — think VH1 Music Awards, the Oscars, or even a future American inauguration.
8. What are 3 things you love to talk about and why?
Events (naturally), serving others, and all things Love.
9. Favourite Social Media platform?
Twitter. It’s where I found my tribe of Event Profs — peers who became lifelong friends. Weekly #EventPlannersTalk sessions and the freedom to share unfiltered thoughts make it my go-to.
10. What does personal branding mean to you?
Jeff Bezos said it best: ‘Personal branding is what people say about you when you’re not in the room.’ For me, it is less about posting content and more about the value that you bring to others. During the pandemic, I stepped back, reflected and chose to create fresh perspectives rather than regurgitate ideas. That pause gave me clarity, insight and the courage to build something new.
Watch this space Eventurers! As the song goes – ‘The rest is still unwritten.’
✨ One year in, Gravitas.Events is just getting started! Here’s to more purpose-driven experiences, more smiles, and more unforgettable moments.
Connect with Denise on Social Media platforms, and via Clubhouse – @eventsleader.
Gravitas.Events ✨
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