WOMEN CELEBRATED BY EEAA

THE Exhibition and Event Association of Australasia (EEAA) has recognised the contributions of women in the business events industry by hosting a successful Women’s Day breakfast in Sydney last week.

The industry body’s president Spiro Anemogiannis believes the initiative was a crucial juncture in continuing to shine a light on the invaluable efforts put forward by women in the industry at all levels.

“Without you, the sector would collapse,” he told the women attending the breakfast.

“Our responsibility as an Association is to create a culture in our industry that recognises talent and fosters equal opportunity,” he added.

Taking to the stage to provide further insight on the role of women in the event sector was City of Sydney Councillor Christine Forster; Pier One general manager Kim Mahaffy; respected author Jane Mathews and The M Agency founder and managing director Emma Triggs.

Christine Forster opened up proceedings by speaking about the gender pay gap and why it’s important to discuss complex gender issues in forums such as these.

“The reality is that the gender gap results from a myriad of interrelated work, family and societal factors...and sometimes unfortunately there’s still just old-fashioned discrimination.” she said.

EEAA chief executive Joyce DiMascio focused her speech on the role men can play in creating a supportive environment for women.

“Recognising that men and women are equal contributors to a healthy economy and society is the key to our future success,” DiMascio said.

“This is not just a breakfast for women... if we want to continue to attract talent – women and men – it’s important that we create an industry that values and respects those who are part of it.”

Pictured: Emma Triggs, Christine Forster, Joyce DiMascio, Jane Mathews and Kim Mahaffy.