Karren Brady’s Women in Business & Tech expo, the biggest event of its kind, will return for its 7th edition at the ExCeL on 2-3 October.
The event is free as the organisers believe women should not pay to progress in their careers, a key driver for the event’s popularity.
It also encourages underrepresented demographics who want to get into the industry but cannot afford high charges for similar events.
Susanna Bailey, head of marketing for the event, said: “There were 4,500 visitors last year and we expect more than 5,000 this year.
“The demand for this event and the audience show why these events should be held.”
It has also previously got the attention of Sara Davies MBE, investor on BBC’s Dragons Den and founder of Crafters Companion, who said: “There was a massive buzz in the aisles, and the theatres were packed out.”
Baroness Brady is not just a member of the House of Lords but also vice-chairman of West Ham United.
She was ranked 10th in The Guardian’s 50 most influential women in British sport, on International Women’s Day.
This event is a large-scale public exhibition with brands, speakers, and opportunities to learn more about the industry.
Bailey referred to the event as a TEDx-style motivational talk space with 50 inspirational speakers from all aspects of these sectors, bringing together industry professionals and leading companies.
There is plenty to do with the agenda being packed with keynotes, panels and exhibitions.
Bailey said: “The inspiration for the event was the lack of women working in senior roles within these sectors.
“The launch came in 2019 as the #MeToo movement came to light, especially when the stark reports into gender pay gap data came out from employers.
“The event is meant for women to gain inspiration, motivation, and guidance and to level up.
“It gives women a platform and motivates them to connect with other progressive organisations that champion women.”
This event aims to bridge the gender gap in technology, where women currently account for 26% of workers in the sector.
Despite an increase in women earning tech degrees, less than a third work in the STEM field once they have graduated.
Bailey spoke of the event’s efforts to broaden the event to other underrepresented industries like construction and finance.
“The main message is that they welcome women from all industries to the events, as much of the content applies to all,” Bailey said.
“With that, their hope for the future is to grow their flagship events in line with the demand from the audience and try to reach more girls who cannot travel to London.”
Ultimately, the head of marketing said about giving amazing, successful women a voice and a platform to be heard and inspire others.
Featured image credit: Hayley Bray Photograph
