The Next Round: Narmeen champions alcohol-free at events

The Club Soda podcast

Socialising and networking alcohol-free can be tough—even for the pros. But for Narmeen, it’s a choice she’s never looked back on.

Now, she’s shaking up the events industry, challenging organisers and caterers to rethink how they cater to guests. Her mission? To make events more inclusive and ensure everyone feels part of the party, regardless of what’s in their glass.

🎧 Welcome to The Next Round Podcast, where we share inspiring stories of life after quitting drinking. From bold career shifts to embracing new hobbies, this series explores the many ways people thrive alcohol-free.

Take Narmeen: She hasn’t changed what she does—she’s still a powerhouse event organiser. But she’s using her voice to demand better options for all of us who want to party and network without the booze. And honestly? We’re so glad she’s got our backs!

Narmeen Kamran knows firsthand how the events industry thrives on social connection, but she’s also seen how heavily reliant it is on alcohol. As someone who stepped away from drinking, Narmeen has made it her mission to challenge the status quo and push for more inclusive, alcohol-free options at events.

From Comic-Con Volunteer to Events Powerhouse

Narmeen’s journey into events started in her teens, volunteering at Comic-Con conventions. What began as a passion for organisation grew into a successful career in event planning, where she thrived in high-pressure environments.

“You have to be really organised in events, but it’s something you can learn. Over time, it becomes second nature,”

However, as she climbed the ranks, she noticed how central alcohol was to the industry—and how few options existed for those who didn’t drink.

Why Alcohol-Free Inclusion Matters

When Narmeen decided to stop drinking, she experienced the industry’s blind spots from the other side.

“I attended my first event as a non-drinker, and I was shocked. The best option was J2O—apple and watermelon, because it looked like rosé if you drank it from a flute. That was it,”

Recognising the gap, Narmeen began advocating for change. She approached caterers, venues, and suppliers, challenging them to improve their offerings.

“If you don’t have better options, that’s just being lazy – There’s so much more out there now. Venues and caterers need to think beyond the standard champagne reception or half-bottle of wine with dinner. We need more choice—and not just for sober guests, but for everyone.”

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