MEETING OF MINDS: Why it’s important for women to connect, support and inspire

It’s said that when women connect, women succeed and studies around the world prove the benefits of such networks. So, we made Connect our first name.

In 2009, when Women in Tourism & Hospitality Tasmania (WITH Tas) was founded, women made up 60% of the tourism and hospitality industry but were always under-represented at events and business meetings. Seeing the need, Sally Deane founded WITH to provide support, mentoring and the opportunity for women to connect.

Since then, hundreds of women have gathered at our events, North and South, where conversations start and personal and professional connections are made. In a welcoming and nonjudgemental atmosphere, it’s easier to share experiences, contacts and expertise – all helping to grow confidence and feel part of the tribe. WITH’s longevity and feedback show the need remains, reinforced during COVID-19 lockdown with our “Virtual Cuppas”. These drew women from all levels of business into small group chats about a wide range of topics – feedback unanimously said it helped participants to reconnect. Recognition of WITH’s role has grown through relationships developed with major industry bodies and funding offered to us for training and professional development. WITH representation in the TICT Board’s Associations College was secured for another term in 2021 with Emily Hopwood of West Coast Wilderness Railway elected.

Support is our middle name and this expanded significantly in 2021. Funding gratefully received from the Tasmanian Government and Hydro Tasmania is to assist emerging women leaders fast-track their leadership, business and board director skills, and for individuals to improve their business acumen.

Scholarships for the I-LEAD program and the AICD Company Directors Course have been awarded and planning is underway for a Tourism Tune-up program and a face-to-face Business Masterclass.

Since 2013, the next generation of passionate tourism women has been a focus with annual student scholarships of cash and mentoring awarded. In 2020, this support was expanded to include a Student Member on the WITH Committee and to appoint a Marketing Intern. Inspire is our last name. Every event or activity aims to inspire, motivate and inform and in October our Industry Leaders Breakfast shines brightly. Three successful women from different businesses and backgrounds candidly discuss their career trajectories – the challenges, the champagne cork times and everything in between. It always makes an early morning worthwhile in buckets!

So, connect with us: withtas.com | info@withtas. com | Facebook | LinkedIn

Jill Bannon President Women in Hospitality and Tourism Tasmania

CONNECT WITH WOMEN

IN YOUR INDUSTRY

• Relaxed networking • Peer support • Inspiring events and guest speakers • Student and corporate scholarships • Development and training • Supportive, casual environment

Connecting • Supporting • Inspiring