The second annual global Women in Exhibitions (WIE) Summit takes place 18-19 November in Milan, Italy (just ahead of the UFI Congress in Cologne later that week), writes Stephanie Selesnick.
The Chiostri di San Bernaba, a unique event space (it was formerly a convent) will add to the buzz and ambiance of the conference whose theme is ‘Building Bridges, Breaking Ceilings’. About 150 delegates from over 13 countries are expected.
Open to both women and men, the WIE Summit is focused on issues women face daily in the workplace and at home. A wide variety of education and networking is planned – including sessions on conducting business better, case studies, and understanding the exhibitor perspective. With some new faces on stages, the event promises to be ‘not the usual.’
The audience will be a good mix of first timers and returning delegates. Last year’s delegates site the ‘trust and caring’ along with discovering that they are not alone with the issues they face as some of the differentiators from other industry events. Community engagement and belonging is fostered through interactive workshops and networking.
Delegates range from new-to-the-industry (industry curious!), to presidents/managing directors of multinationals and everything in between. Some will be on stage to share perspectives; others will be in the audience doing the same. One of the most popular sessions last year was a generational panel that included students. One of them has since graduated and will share her journey into the exhibition industry over the last 18 months.
Women In Exhibitions now has chapters in North America, France, the UK, DACH (Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands) and is exploring the launch of chapters in Italy and the Middle East.
There is still time to register (and sponsor). More: https://womeninexhibitions.com/worldsummit/#
