What led you to create the Women in Technology World Series?
My two co-founders and I at Maddox Events created the Women in Tech World Series as a platform for empowering individuals and reshaping the industry. Coming from an events background, we understood their power and reach, and wanted to dedicate our efforts to delivering tangible value to society – something we are truly passionate about. Starting up my own company has allowed me this creative freedom.
What was the response to last year's Women in Technology Conference Australia?
The rating we received from our Australian audience was higher than anywhere else in the world so far! Ninety four percent of the audience marked the event as excellent so we were very pleased with that result. Considering it was the first time we held the event in Sydney, the fact we had sold out around two weeks before the event demonstrated the need for an event of this kind.
What will be different this year and what can delegates look forward to?
This year we are adding more sessions to the agenda and including a variety of workshops. The series recognises that there are many reasons why there isn’t gender equality in tech. Whether it is the need for more inspiring female role models, the evolution of business strategies and culture, or the skill needs of individuals, this event will bring it all together under one roof.
We’ll have content for the entire women in tech eco-system. You can listen to an inspiring talk from a c-suite exec sharing her personal and professional journey, jump into a workshop on machine learning, head to the exhibition area to discuss how to improve your CV with an expert, join a panel debate on diversity and quotas, and then attend a practical workshop on the power of body language. This year’s event promises to be a fulfilling experience.
Who should attend and what will they gain or benefit from?
It might be an appropriate time to drop a quote in from a previous attendee who said, "I encourage anyone in the tech industry, no matter of gender or level of experience, to sign up for this conference. You will learn plenty whilst having your views challenged.”
What was it like to collaborate with Symes Group and have Jessica Symes as MC?
It was an absolute pleasure! Jessica is full of positive energy and I find it extremely helpful to work with speakers who are flexible, full of ideas and happy to throw themselves at every opportunity.
Where else do Maddox Events hold events?
This year the series is being held in London, San Francisco, Amsterdam, Dublin, Glasgow, and Dubai as well as Sydney. Next year we are excited to be taking the series to Africa and potentially Asia. Women in tech face challenges the world over and we want to create a truly global community.
Are you looking forward to collaborating with Jessica again this year?
One hundred per cent – I hope that she will become an ambassador of Women in Technology Australia so I can continue to work with her in the future!
Michaela Jeffery-Morrison, co-founder and head of production at Maddox Events talks about creating a successful global conference series
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