Womanthology Networking Lunch: Connect and Learn

Mindful of the importance of fostering inclusive workplaces and communities, ahead of the Festival next year, this networking lunch event has been conceptualised for organisations and professionals committed to advancing equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI), offering a unique opportunity to connect with influential leaders, share insights, and drive meaningful change.

This prestigious, must-attend event will gather together key stakeholders, focusing on critical issues such as gender inequality, workplace culture, and the implications of the new Employment Rights Bill. Attendees will include representatives from key employers, government bodies and academic institutions.

At Womanthology, we are thrilled to host these critical conversations in Sheffield, a city that has proudly been home to our organisation for over a decade. This event is open to everyone across the UK and beyond as we unite to explore ways to broaden inclusion and shape a shared vision for the future.

This event is ideal for a diverse range of professionals, including but not limited to:

· CEOs, senior executives, and C-suite professionals

· HR leaders, EDI directors and managers

· Recruitment and retention specialists

· Local authority representatives

· Educators and academic leaders

Our network is diverse and broad, and we believe we are better together. Key leaders and decision-makers are encouraged to attend. Whether you are a business leader, academic, or community advocate, you will find that all your fellow attendees care passionately about the inclusion agenda and undoubtedly have their own unique stories and wisdom to share.

• Launching the Womanthology Festival of Inclusion: Officially unveiling the concept for the May 2025 event, this lunch will set the stage for future discussions and initiatives aimed at fostering inclusivity across sectors.
• Promoting inclusive workplaces: Discover best practices for creating safe and equitable environments where all employees can thrive, with insights from experts across industries. We also encourage organisations to share their achievements in fostering inclusion, because collaboration and shared knowledge drive greater impact.
• Exploring the Employment Rights Bill: Understand how forthcoming changes in employment rights will impact leadership hiring, workplace culture, and inclusive talent management.
• Collaboration with government and academia: Discover how partnerships with government representatives, local authorities, and academic institutions can help address the most pressing EDI challenges.

• Keynote speakers and discussions: Thought leaders from diverse fields will share their experiences and insights on building inclusive workplaces and addressing gender inequity.
• Networking opportunities: Engage with professionals from various sectors, including business, education, and government, to form valuable connections and collaborate on solutions for EDI challenges.
• Focus on actionable insights: Discussions will not only address the issues but also provide practical strategies for implementing positive change in your organisation.

Womanthology Networking Lunch: Connect and Learn offers much more than a typical networking event. In addition to a drink on arrival and a two-course networking lunch, it delivers impactful insights, interactive follow-ups, and sustained engagement opportunities, equipping you with practical resources, exclusive expert access, and a thriving community focused on advancing equity, diversity and inclusion.

• Briefing notes and speaker highlights: Key themes and insights from each speaker will be summarised in concise, easy-to-reference notes. After the event, you’ll receive a comprehensive PDF summary capturing essential takeaways — ideal for revisiting the most important ideas. For deeper learning, we’ll include links to relevant articles and resources discussed during the talks.
• "Ask the expert" follow-up session: Post-event, you will be invited to join a video call Q&A session where you can delve into topics covered, ask questions, and benefit from tailored information. This session will be led by legal experts from Freeths, ensuring you gain actionable insights directly applicable to your organisation.
• Access to a LinkedIn discussion forum: Join a private LinkedIn forum, designed for continued discussion and connection beyond the event. Freeths experts and invited guests will participate, helping to facilitate valuable conversations and share insights on key topics, keeping you connected and informed in an engaged online community.

• Early Bird Tickets
  Early Bird Tickets are available for a limited time only. These offer a drink on arrival, a two-course lunch, full access to all speaker sessions, learning resources, networking forums, and discounted event parking, all at a special early bird rate.
• Standard Tickets
  Standard Tickets offer a drink on arrival, a two-course networking lunch, full access to all speaker sessions, learning resources, networking forums, and discounted event parking.
• Premium Tickets
  Premium Tickets include a drink on arrival, a two-course networking lunch, full access to all speaker sessions, learning resources, networking forums, and discounted event parking, plus a one-year listing in the Womanthology Directory of organisations who are positive about gender balance, a mention in the post-event highlights issue of Womanthology magazine and priority seating at the front of the event.

Parking details: https://www.q-park.co.uk/en-gb/cities/sheffield/charles-street/

• Discount code: WMNSHEFF20

At Womanthology, we are committed to promoting inclusion and accessibility. Ticket purchases support the value of the event experience and ensure the continuation of high-quality, impactful programming. Please note that tickets are non-refundable; however, if you cannot attend, we will prioritise reallocating your ticket to a registered charity or community interest company, subject to availability. Thank you for supporting the sustainability of our events and mission.

We welcome interest from organisations looking to support the Womanthology Networking Lunch: Connect and Learn and the upcoming Womanthology Festival of Inclusion. These events offer a unique platform to champion equity, diversity and inclusion, and to connect with leaders, influencers, and innovators passionate about creating positive change.

If your organisation is committed to advancing these values and would like to explore sponsorship opportunities, please get in touch to discuss how we might work together.

Please be aware that photographs may be taken during the Womanthology Networking Lunch: Connect and Learn. By attending the event, you are consenting to your image being captured and used by Womanthology for promotional purposes. If you prefer not to be photographed, please let us know, and we will ensure your preferences are respected.

Host or Publisher Womanthology