To mark International Women’s Day we are reflecting on the contributions of women in business events. At Arinex, we are proud to work alongside incredible leaders who are paving the way towards a more equitable and inclusive future. We spoke to some of our key partners, clients and Arinex staff to hear what it means to be a woman in their industry and the initiatives helping to achieve equality for all people in their area of work.
“Diverse perspectives often prevent myopic views”
“ISWCAP [International Surgical Wound Complications Advisory Panel] is a global organisation that has an inclusive and diverse board of healthcare professionals. We have directors in Europe, UK, APAC, USA and the UAE, capturing many voices and perspectives required to achieve our global strategic objectives. Our organisational structure has bucked the traditional patriarchy of medical boards and matriarchy of nursing boards, often with gender or discipline biases. Diverse perspectives often prevent myopic views and ensures that our objectives have real world impact. Our organisation through collaboration in projects and joint congress symposia promotes education for marginalised groups, particularly in low to middle resource setting, and provides resources to elevate and empower those less fortunate, including women. I firmly believe that educating and empowering individuals, including women, and nurturing the next generation of leaders, will result in improved patient outcomes across the globe.”
Dr Kylie Sandy-Hodgetts – Founder and President
International Surgical Wound Complications Advisory Panel (ISWCAP)
“The glass ceiling for Aboriginal women is a lot harder to break through”
“Unfortunately the glass ceiling for Aboriginal women is a lot harder to break through. This meme (right) is one that I come back to often over the years, to motivate, challenge and inspire me to make positive changes for my mob and especially for my two daughters. I am a huge advocate for capacity development, whether that’s in the classroom, on stage, on the job or on Country. Be the sister that straightens another tidda’s [Koori word for sister] crown.
This was another reason why I wanted to join the National NAIDOC Committee; the NAIDOC Awards is one of the only national event which provides an opportunity to acknowledge our peoples achievements. The awards provide a space to be inspired by culture, reinvigorate the spirit to keep dreaming BIG!! Which supports this year’s NAIDOC theme The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy.”
Erica Smits – Gamilaroi and Euahlayi woman
Arinex RAP committee member and ICOMOS GA2023 Aboriginal Advisory Panel member
“We are building a stronger, more diverse future”
At NZICC, we believe in creating opportunities for women to thrive, lead, and inspire. The whakatauki “Whāia te iti kahurangi, ki te tuoho koe, me he maunga teitei” (to pursue that which is precious, and if you must bow, let it be to a lofty mountain) reminds us to always strive for greatness. Through inclusive leadership and celebrating the achievements of women in the wider Aotearoa New Zealand business events industry, we are building a stronger, more diverse future, uplifting our entire community and are creating a space for our team, where ambition is nurtured, and success is celebrated.
Prue Daly – General Manager
New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC)
“I didn’t want to be the token woman”
“Six years before I brought an international conference to Melbourne, the scientific committee had no women. When I pointed this out, I was promptly invited to join the international committee. “That’s not the point,” I thought. I didn’t want to be the token woman—I wanted to see true equity, where women’s contributions were valued, visible, and actively included.
But change doesn’t happen without resistance. If I wanted things to be different, I had to step up and make it happen—knowing full well it wouldn’t make me popular.
Bringing an international conference to Melbourne was a huge undertaking, but it gave me the chance to set a new standard. I ensured that all organizing groups had equal representation of men and women. More than that, I actively promoted new voices—not just women, but previously underrepresented groups, including younger colleagues.
And yes, that meant some people had to make way. Not everyone welcomed the change. Some had grown comfortable in the old structure and didn’t see why things needed to shift. But equity isn’t about keeping things comfortable—it’s about ensuring fairness, fresh perspectives, and a stronger future for all.
This also meant that mentoring had to be embedded into every stage of the conference planning process. And it wasn’t always easy! At times, it felt like working with a group of excitable puppies—brimming with enthusiasm but lacking experience. But how else do we nurture expertise if not by providing support and opportunities?
Equity isn’t just about who is in the room—it’s about who gets the opportunity to grow, contribute, and lead. Looking back, the work was demanding, and at times, uncomfortable. But seeing a more inclusive, dynamic, and forward-thinking conference emerge made it all worth it.
Mary Lawson
risr/ Deakin University and a Club Melbourne Ambassador
“We work to create an environment where all people have access to opportunities”
PCEC’s inclusiveness can be seen in our leadership, with women holding 50% of senior roles, and our commitment to career development, mentorship, and diverse representation in the events we host.
Rather than focusing on one group, we work to create an environment where all people have access to opportunities, networks, and resources to thrive. Our role is to elevate the entire industry by championing inclusivity and real impact for all.
Kendra Naidoo – General Manager
Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre (PCEC)
“We’ve spent over 50 years as a gateway to the industry, training and mentoring countless women”
“The business events industry has long been a space where women thrive, with strong representation across all levels, from graduates to senior leaders and business owners. This high participation creates real opportunities for career progression and movement within and between companies, as well as a strong foundation for entrepreneurship, with many women successfully launching their own businesses. At Arinex, we’ve spent over 50 years as a gateway to the industry, training and mentoring countless women, helping them build careers not just in events but in the many industries it touches. International Women’s Day is a moment to celebrate this progress while continuing to drive meaningful change.”
Shaun Daws – IT Manager
Arinex
“We are proud of the contribution all our members make to healthcare services”
The ACPSEM is committed to diversity and inclusion throughout physical sciences in healthcare. While workplace governance is the responsibility of each workplace, the ACPSEM is committed to providing class leading education services for all its members and promoting a culture of safety, quality improvement and inclusion. The ACPSEM is proud of the gender diversity of its membership base and physical sciences in medicine, with almost 30% of members identifying as either female or gender diverse. We are proud of the contribution all our members make to healthcare services throughout society and continue to support our membership base irrespective of their gender, always with a patient centred focus.”
Di Robinson – Chief Executive Officer
Australasian College of Physical Scientists and Engineers in Medicine (ACPSEM)
“Our program challenges stereotypes and creates diverse pathways”
“At Engineers Australia, we are committed to breaking down barriers for women and gender diverse people by ensuring our future engineering workforce reflects the community we serve. Our Inspiring Future Engineers program challenges stereotypes and creates diverse pathways into engineering, inspiring young Australians to consider rewarding careers in this field. Simultaneously, we drive workplace inclusion through initiatives like the Champions of Change coalition and our dedicated Women in Engineering network, which offers vital peer support and networking opportunities. Together, these efforts empower our members to lead and innovate while promoting gender equality at every level.”
Marne Scholtz – Senior Manager, Professional Development, Conferences & Events
Engineers Australia
“The shift toward remote and flexible work post-COVID has created some opportunities”
“Working in the events industry as a woman, especially as a mother, is both rewarding and demanding, requiring balance and adaptability. I’m so grateful for the inspiring, supportive community I’ve found—one that uplifts, empowers, and shares both laughter and challenges. The shift toward remote and flexible work post-COVID has created some opportunities, helping women thrive without sacrificing too much personal commitments. However, to foster future female leaders, our industry must continue these meaningful conversations and, most importantly, provide support during major life transitions like parenthood or other personal challenges.”
Cheryl Welburn – Project Manager
Arinex