Celebrating International Women's Day

International Women's Day is a global day of celebration and activism that recognises the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women.

Auckland Conventions, Venues and Events has five incredible women representing our Business Development team.

For this year's International Women's Day, we want to celebrate these incredible women beyond their professional roles—recognising them as devoted mothers, daughters, mentors, and pillars of their communities. 

The theme of IWD 2025 is “Accelerate Action”.

What does #AccelerateAction mean to you in your role?

Charmaine

To me, #AccelerateAction means to help each other up. We are only as good as our team so we must all work together for the collective good. Use strengths within the team and support each other to work towards the shared goal.

Lee

#AccelerateAction means being part of Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, a forward-thinking organisation that embodies equality and equal opportunities. It’s a breath of fresh air compared to other environments I’ve worked in, where pay equity, gender equality, and, at times, the work environment were not a priority.

Rebecca

#AccelerateAction means feeling empowered to make decisions and not being afraid to share my opinions in a space where they are valued and taken seriously.

Tanya

Having the confidence and influence to create meaningful impact. To me, it means taking proactive steps to support, promote, and celebrate women in our industry while driving meaningful change.

Arati

To me, #AccelerateAction means being proactive, driven, solution-focused and building strong relationships in my current role.

Charmaine 

How do you balance personal growth with supporting others in your family or workplace? 

Great Question – I am still trying to find the balance myself! One tip is to use your strengths to support others while seeking help in areas you’re still developing. Growth comes from both giving and receiving support.

What advice would you give to women looking to make an impact in this field?

Surround yourself with people who believe in your potential—having a cheerleader can make all the difference. Don’t be afraid to push your boundaries and step outside your comfort zone. Embrace curiosity and constantly ask questions!

Lee 

How do you inspire and support other women in your industry?

I believe in women uplifting women as a key part of achieving equality for all—especially when stepping forward isn’t always a ‘given’ for every woman, though it should be. A simple act of appreciation, like saying ‘thank you,’ ‘well done,’ or ‘congratulations,’ can make a meaningful difference. Recognising efforts rather than just assuming they’re part of the job encourages a culture of support and empowerment.

What's one personal belief or mantra that keeps you motivated and driven?

Delivering results to the best of my capacity, bringing others along for the journey and fostering a positive environment for my fellow colleagues!

Rebecca 

Can you share a moment in your career when you felt the most empowered to lead and drive change?

A moment when I felt most empowered was when a walk-in client from a global company urgently needed a venue for 150 people, arriving in just 30 minutes due to a double booking at their original venue across the road. By leading various teams, we transformed an empty room into a fully equipped conference space—including morning tea—all within half an hour, just in time for the guests’ arrival. They had no idea what went on behind the scenes! The experience gave the team and I a huge confidence boost, proving we could deliver what seemed like an impossible task.

Who is a woman that has inspired or influenced you, and why?

My mother - for raising 3 kids when we were growing up along with a full-time night shift job! 

Tanya 

What does feeling empowered mean to you, and when do you feel the most empowered in your life?

To me, empowerment is about self-belief and resilience. I feel most empowered when I overcome challenges and achieve goals by helping clients bring their vision to life.

How do you inspire and support other women in your industry?

By advocating for equal opportunities, supporting them, and fostering a culture where women feel valued and empowered.

Recently, I had the privilege of contracting two major women-led events—'Girls in Business’ and ‘Women in the Industry’. In the process, I proactively connected with a female entrepreneur seeking a venue for her company’s corporate event. Initially uncertain about her options, she needed guidance, and I was able to walk her through the available venues, ensuring she felt confident and supported in her decision. Her event was a great success, and she later recommended our services to other women in her network—creating a ripple effect of empowerment and opportunity. This experience reinforced how taking the time to support and celebrate women can make a real difference in our industry.

Arati

Can you share a moment in your career when you felt the most empowered to lead and drive change?

After returning from maternity leave, I initially took on a part-time role at my previous workplace, which I really enjoyed. However, I was eager to transition into a full-time Sales position that would support my career growth while still offering flexibility. I actively pursued this goal and I am happy to now be in a role that allows me to achieve both professional success and work-life balance.

How do you practice self-confidence and resilience in your daily life?

To be resilient, it’s important to maintain a positive mindset, stay open to change and focus on problem-solving. Becoming a mother has shown me that I am more resilient than I’ve ever thought. Every day brings new challenges, but it has also strengthened my confidence and belief that I can achieve anything I set my mind to.