THE Australian Meat Business Women national conference is returning this year after a hiatus in 2023.

This year’s program will centre around the Meat Business Women’s global campaign, #ThePowerOfYou, which aims to empower individuals and drive inclusivity in the meat industry.

The conference will take place at Hyatt Place, Melbourne Essendon Fields on Wednesday 20 March.

Award-winning founder of She Lion Group and Walk Fearlessly, and the Director of Employee Strategy and Experience at Gilbert and Tobin Lawyers, Kate Dillon, will deliver a pragmatic session concentrated on mastering your brand, clarifying your goals, and leveraging your unique value to seize opportunities.

Attendees will benefit from a practical and insightful workshop hosted by our facilitator, Michelle Redfern, a leader in gender equality and diversity, on how women can reach their full potential by deeply understanding leadership and the skills they need to develop and demonstrate.

There will be an engaging panel on diversity in leadership together with a presentation from Sue McKluskey – Australia’s representative for Australian Agriculture under the government’s Global Agriculture Leadership Initiative.

The full program can be accessed on the Meat Business Women’s conference webpage.

Award supports growth and development

The conference concludes with the presentation of the inaugural One to Watch Award aimed at progressing women in the meat industry, with the winner receiving $5000 to support their growth and development. Nominations (35 and under) are now open and close at 5pm on Friday 23 February. Visit the Meat Business Women’s awards webpage for more details.

Founded in 2015, Meat Business Women is the global professional network for women working across the meat industry. It was created to improve the sustainability of the meat sector and grow the pipeline of female talent in this male-dominated arena.

Meat Business Women has the strategic backing of 30 major supply chain partners including the Australian Meat Processor Corporation, Coles, Midfield Group and JBS Southern.

Stacey McKenna

Meat Business Women Australia Chair Stacey McKenna, the new Australian Meat Business Women Territory Partner, said she was confident attendees would walk away inspired, gaining valuable and practical skills they can use to aid them in their career development and, in turn, make a more inclusive and diverse Australian meat industry by harnessing #ThePowerOfYou.

“I’m also eager to celebrate young and aspirational women with our One to Watch Award. I see this as a golden chance to connect with others, fostering growth and career development in the meat industry,” Ms McKenna said.

For more information and to secure tickets, visit the Meat Business Women Australia Conference webpage. 

Early bird tickets (20pc discount) close on Friday 16 February.