Women in Leadership Dinner

Thursday, 24 August 2023

Melbourne Business School is excited to announce the return of the Women in Leadership Dinner - with a new look!

The 28th Women in Leadership Dinner is sold-out!

We look forward to sharing the content of the event with you and hope to see you at the 2024 dinner.

The theme of this year’s event is ‘Learning Through Adversity’ and will bring together alumni, faculty, students and friends of Melbourne Business School to celebrate the experiences and success of women in leadership.

On this Page

Overview
Speakers
Sponsorship
Venue
FAQ
Contact
Past Events
Attendee profile

Melbourne Business School is bringing one of its most-loved events back to life - with a new look.

In 1983, the late Jocelynne Howlett from the MBA Class of 1969 organised a regular event at the Lyceum Club for women graduates of Melbourne Business School to network and connect with each other.

From this beginning, Jocelynne's vision was taken up by others including Catherine Walter AM, Diane Ellis and Professor Amanda Sinclair, and grew into one of the School's most popular and cherished annual events, the Women and Management Dinner.

Over three decades, the event featured speakers including:

The first woman judge of the Supreme Court of Victoria, Rosemary Balmford AM
The first woman to become chair of a top 50 company in Australia, Margaret Jackson AC
The first woman to become CEO of one of Australia's big four banks, Gail Kelly
Catherine Livingstone AO, the then-CEO of Cochlear and former chair of Commonwealth Bank
The first woman to become Australian CEO of one of the big four professional services firms, Cindy Hook
And many other notable guests, before it was put on hold due to COVID-19.

Speakers

Melbourne Business School Online

Melbourne Business School Online is for learners of different ages and different stages. The future leaders, the entrepreneurs and the career changers.

What unites them is a desire for quality, flexibility and connection. They want to learn from the best in business and do it on their own terms.

Melbourne Business School Online

Our students ignite ideas, lead organisations and meet change head-on.

Everything from short courses to an MBA, we give them the opportunity to learn from leading academics and industry experts and connect with like-minded business professionals – on their terms.

Learn More

Why become a 2023 Sponsor of the Women in Leadership Dinner?

Engagement

Engage with more than 300+ guests on the night

Impact

Amplify your impact to an engaging audience of more than 7000 Alumni

Brand Awareness

Market your organisation to like-minded business professionals

Event Analytics

Post event information and analytics

Relationships

Develop key relationships

Download the Women in Leadership Dinner prospectus for detailed sponsorship information.

(+61) 478 011 035

m.currin@mbs.edu

Download Sponsorship Prospectus

When and Where

Metropolis Events

Metropolis Events, Southgate Avenue, Southbank, VIC, 3006

Melbourne’s most exciting premium event space with the city’s most impressive views. See, Feel, and Taste the Metropolis Experience! Metropolis Events is located on the top level of Southgate Melbourne on the banks of the Yarra River. The event space features sweeping views of Melbourne’s city skyline and iconic landmarks, including Flinders Street Station, Federation Square, and Princes Bridge.

Getting to Metropolis Events

Click here to view map, parking and transportation information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Women in Leadership Dinner a new event?

The Women in Leadership Dinner, previously known as The Women in Management Dinner, is back for its 28th year – just with a new look! It has always been one of MBS’ most loved events and we’re pleased to bring it back.

Who are the speakers at the event?

We will soon be revealing an impressive line-up of speakers who will share their experiences of facing and learning from adversity at this year’s dinner. Historically, we had high caliber of woman speakers join us, such as Victoria's first Supreme Court judge, Rosemary Balmford AM; Margaret Jackson, the first woman to become chair of a top 50 company in Australia; Catherine Livingstone AO, the then-CEO of Cochlear and current Chairman of Commonwealth Bank.

Why is it more expensive than previous years?

The ticket cost has increased slightly to cover the rising cost of holding high end events. On average the tickets have increased by 7% compared to the last event in 2019, this is to take into account the rising cost of venues and catering.

Is this an event for women only?

Absolutely not. We encourage anyone to join us. If you are interested in hearing powerful stories of women who have overcome challenges and risen through adversity, this is an evening not to be missed. Attendees comprise of Corporate Partners, Alumni, Students, Faculty, Staff, Sponsors and MBS and the broader community.

What is the dress code?

The Women in Leadership dinner is business and cocktail attire.

Is there parking available nearby?

There are several public car parks nearby that can be used. Wilson Car Park in Southgate, The Arts Centre Car Park or Eureka Car Park are all in close proximity to the venue. Metropolis Events is also just a short stroll from Flinders Street Station if you chose to travel by public transport.

Where can I buy tickets to this event?

Tickets are available via our booking platform https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/women-in-leadership-dinner-2023-tickets-643509914477.

Can I request to be seated at a table with my friends?

Yes, you can. Upon completing your booking, you will asked if you wish to be seated next to a particular guest. We will try our best to accommodate all requests. If there is a group of you attending the event together, you can also purchase a full table and fill it with your friends or colleagues.

Can we purchase tickets on the door?

No tickets will be available at the door. All tickets must be purchased via our booking platform ahead of the event. The event tends to sell out quickly – so don’t miss out!

Do I need to bring my physical ticket with me or is the online version enough?

In the name of sustainability, you won’t need to print your ticket. The online version will be fine and will guarantee you access.

What is your refund policy?

Refunds will be provided on a case-by-case basis. Please keep in mind that final numbers for catering and table placements are confirmed 14 days out.

Can I attend this event virtually?

After many years of holding events virtually, MBS had decided to go back to Face-to-Face events where possible. The Women in Leadership dinner will not be available online. Aside from the powerful presentations on the evening, there is a strong focus on nurturing relationships which we believe is much better done in person.

Is there a student discount available?

Yes, current MBS students will receive discounted tickets via a ballot system. Please refer to recent communications and the student bulletin for more information.

For questions about the event, including corporate tables and sponsorship please contact Monique Currin:

(+61) 478 011 035

m.currin@mbs.edu

Download Sponsorship Prospectus

Past Events

The Women in Leadership Dinner, previously known as the Women and Management Dinner will celebrate its 28th year on 24 August 2023.

This years theme is Leading through Adversity.

Previous themes have included 2019's Women of Influence, 2018's Resilient Women and 2017's Celebrating Women’s Leadership.

Attendee profile

In previous years, the Women and Management Dinner has typically been attended by senior managers and executives from some of Australia's most important organisations, including: