The International Federation of Business and Professional Women (BPW International ) has chosen NUI Galway as the location for their 16th European conference, promoting women’s professional and leadership potential at all levels.
Hildegarde Naughton, T.D., joined Carmen Taheny, National President of BPW Ireland and Mary McGinley, Director, KPMG at the Aula Maxima, NUI Galway recently to announce details of the event which takes place on campus in May.
Hosted by BPW Ireland and sponsored by KPMG, the conference will take place from May 24-26 with 500 delegates from 30 countries throughout Europe expected to attend and bring a significant positive economic impact to Galway over the weekend of the conference.
Speakers for the conference include the President of Malta, H.E. Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca; Galway West TD, Hildegarde Naughton; Chairperson of the National Women’s Council of Ireland, Ellen O'Malley Dunlop; Geraldine Swarbrigg, Inglot Cosmetics; Josephine Feehily, Chair of the Policing Authority; Aedhmar Hynes, Global Communication Professional; Garry Hynes of Druid Theatre and Evelyn O’Toole CEO CLS.
BPW International is one of the most influential international networks for business and professional women with affiliate organisations in 95 countries, including 20,000 members across Europe. Founded in 1930, the organisation is an advocate for women’s rights including workplace equality and equal pay. Its members include leaders, entrepreneurs, business owners, executives, professionals and young career women.
Providing an overview of this year’s conference, Carmen Taheny, National President of BPW Ireland, said the conference will feature workshops and discussions that will examine important themes such as, Opportunities for Women – the 4th Industrial Revolution’ and The 30% Club - Women's Representation in Power and Decision-making Roles’.
"This is a unique opportunity for female business leaders in Ireland to network with likeminded professionals from across Europe," she said.
Speaking ahead of the conference, Mary McGinley, Director, KPMG, said they are delighted to sponsor this year’s BPW European Conference, which will bring together leading business women from 30 countries throughout Europe.
"Our Galway office has long been supporters of BPW Galway, who do terrific work in providing learning, development and networking opportunities for professional women in the West of Ireland.
"We are always keen to support the gender balance agenda in an active and practical way, and we believe the sharing of ideas and experiences at a pan-European event such as this will be invaluable to women in business here in Ireland.”
Ann Duggan of NUI Galway stated that it is honoured to host what promises to be an enlightening conference focusing on themes of equality of opportunity and to creating and sustaining an environment that values and celebrates diversity.
“Currently there are three regional BPW Clubs in Ireland located in Galway, Tullamore and Dublin.
For more information about the conference and how to register for the event, those interested can log on to www.bpwireland.ie Email: bpweuropean [email protected]
