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National

Women in Media Logo Icon

CONFERENCE

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| SYDNEY

9 AUGUST 2024

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Women in Media National Conference 2024

The Women in Media National Conference has established itself as the must-attend event featuring high-calibre speakers, honest discussion, and fresh ideas that push the boundaries of the industry. 

 

Join women from across the media landscape to excel, learn, contribute, and connect. Be inspired by talks and ideas, hone skills in practical workshops, and network with a national community of women committed to gender equality. Whether you work in journalism, advertising, communications, technology, digital, screen, publishing or streaming, this event is for you.

#WIMConference2024

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2024 Speakers

Program

Friday 9th August

Time

Session

Speakers

8:00 AM

Registration opens

9:00 AM

Conference open and welcome

Women in Media co-chairs

9:15 AM

Media and Men’s Violence Against Women

PANEL

How does our industry influence the national crisis of men’s violence against women – from news coverage and advertising, to social platforms and fictional storytelling on screen, stage and page? Explore this time-critical question with an acclaimed screen creator and survivor, policy maker, and primary prevention specialist who advises news media on responsible reporting on domestic and family violence.

Amanda Rishworth, Federal Minister for Social Services

Leah Purcell AM, screenwriter, director, actress

Moo Baulch, Chair Our Watch

Moderator: Sarah Ferguson Host, ABC 7.30

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Leah Purcell AM
Moo Baulch OAM
Sarah Ferguson

10:00 AM

Rachel Griffiths AM in conversation
with Liz Hayes

DISCUSSION

Rachel Griffiths AM joining Australian TV-interview legend Liz Hayes for an in-depth conversation about her career and life in the screen industry. What is sure to be a captivating event, Hayes will bring her award-winning interview skills to the conversation, delving into Griffiths’ fascinating career as an actress, director and producer, as well as the role she has played highlighting women’s issues over the years.

Rachel Griffiths AM, Director, producer, and Oscar-nominated and multi-award-winning actress
Liz Hayes, Australian reporter, journalist and television presenter

Rachel Griffiths AM
Liz Hayes

10:35 AM

Women in Media: Industry Insights

Petra Buchanan, Strategic Advisor Women in Media

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10:50 AM

Life Online: Risks and Rewards

PANEL

It’s a dangerous virtual world out there but also one full of opportunity. How do we safely navigate online visibility and the benefits this brings amid evolving and increasing dangers of doing so? These risks are often specific to women and increase with layers of intersectionality. Unpick this tension and explore how it can be positively managed with a young content creator, First Nations journalist, and regulator.

Julie Inman Grant, eSafety Commissioner

Lucinda Price (aka Froomes), Digital Content Creator

​Mawunyo Gbogbo, Music and Pop Culture Reporter, ABC

Moderator: Danielle Cronin, Women in Media Director and Commissioning Editor at ABC News Digital

Julie Inman Grant
Lucinda Price
Mawunyo Gbogbo
Danielle Cronin

11:20 AM

Morning tea break

11:45 AM

Justice Michael Lee in conversation
with Ita Buttrose AC OBE

The Hon. Justice Michael Lee, Australian jurist and former barrister

Ita Buttrose AC OBE, Women in Media Patron

DISCUSSION

Federal Court judge, the Hon. Justice Michael Lee held the unenviable task of untangling the "omnishambles" behind one of Australia’s most famous gender-political defamation trials. In a media landscape where truth and audience trust are increasingly challenged, Justice Lee joins Women in Media Patron Ita Buttrose AC OBE for an exclusive interview exploring our industry, society, and the rule of law.

The Hon. Justice Michael Lee
Ita Buttrose AC OBE

12:15 PM

Lunch

1:15 PM

Business of Media

PANEL

They’re at the top of their game and running some of the most influential businesses in the country. Not long ago, these positions were almost exclusively held by men. Given how influential the media is on culture and society, and how many of us this industry employs, it is critical women hold these leadership positions too. So where to next? What’s their strategy for growth and sustainability, selling to consumers in a cost of living crisis, keeping up with evolving technologies, and creating positive workplace cultures? Join women at the top of their game for a behind the scenes discussion about the Business of Media.

Belinda Rowe, ARN Media

Beverley McGarvey, President Network 10 and Head of Streaming

& Regional Lead Paramount ANZ

Natalie Harvey, CEO Mamamia

Moderator: Bridget Fair, CEO Free TV & Director,

Women in Media director

Belinda Rowe
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1:50 PM

Pivots and Portfolios: Modern media careers

PANEL

Research shows you will change careers at least once in your life, and if you are anything like the average person, you will do it three to seven times over 45 working years. The younger you are, the higher the number of career pivots you are predicted to have. Add to this job insecurity, the gig economy and revenue-sharing platforms enabling people to set up their own small businesses, and we also have increasing numbers of 'portfolio careers', especially within media, where people are curating their own paid activities and revenue streams. Join a cross-generational panel and explore how to best prepare for a life of so much job diversity and so many careers.

Anisha Khopkar, Co-director McAuliffe & Khopkar

Jane Caro AM, columnist and author

Zara Siedler, Co-founder The Daily Aus

Moderator: Megan Brownlow, Houston Consulting

Anisha Khopkar
Jane Caro AM
Zara Seidler
Megan Brownlow

2:20 PM

Women in Media Announcement

Kym Middleton, Women in Media General Manager

2:25 PM

Afternoon Tea

3:00 PM

WORKSHOPS

How to create a podcast that lands an audience

You have a cracking idea or your company knows that podcasting is a sticky way to engage an audience. Now what? Learn how to harness the power of podcasting from conception to production and, the oft-forgotten piece of the puzzle, distribution. How do you develop a format, pitch your idea, and get your audio baby in the market and into the ears of listeners? Plus, we reveal some exclusive data from Australia’s podcast insights survey PodPoll on who’s listening and to what.

(Delegates to select 1 of 3 concurrent sessions)

Presented by Kellie Riordan, Deadset Studios

Kellie Riordan

AI for Small Business and Freelancers

This no jargon workshop will equip you with AI tools you can start using right away to automate tasks and increase productivity – from deploying bots for efficient lead generation to harnessing powerful ways to do in-depth client and market research, you’ll learn how to leverage AI to enhance efficiency and drive growth. You will walk away with the practical know-how to wield artificial intelligence to your benefit. Because AI won't take your job, but someone who knows how to use it just might.

Presented by Dr Nici Sweaney, AI Her Way

Dr Nici Sweaney

Communicate like a leader: How to inspire and influence

This workshop will equip you with the skills to communicate with the confidence and clarity of an inspiring and persuasive leader. You will learn to identify who you are and what you stand for – your personal brand – and how you communicate – are you clearly nailing your message. From here you will be given tools on how to approach conversations and inspire and influence your audience toward your goal.

Presented by Suzie Rogers, Forté Communications

Suzie Rogers

4:30 PM

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Reflecting the Real Australia in Storytelling
presented by SBS

PANEL

As an industry we talk a lot about connecting with the diverse and multicultural country we see each day when we walk outside our doors. But often our screens and news stories struggle to reflect the true diversity of Australian audiences. In this practical, solutions focused panel hear from three leaders in the space about what they are doing to help drive a more diverse media and connect with audiences.

Bernadine Lim, Senior Commissioning Editor of Factual SBS​

Karina Holden, film producer of Love on the Spectrum (US), Employable Me and Blue

Rosemary Blight, Producer Goalpost Pictures

Moderator: Janice Petersen, Presenter SBS World News

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Rosemary Blight
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5:05 PM

How to Say No

PANEL

One syllable. Two letters. Yet so hard to say. From wanting to 'lean in' and climb the career ladder, to avoiding disappointing your work buddy or boss, to ensuring clients return again and again... there are so many reasons to say yes. Yes to more responsibilities, yes to more hours, yes to skipping that health appointment, special event and even sleep. We’ve all been there. But a working life where we never say no is unsustainable. With burnout disproportionately affecting women and our lives being more than our jobs, this session looks at positive ways to put up some protective parameters and say that difficult word: no.

Ghada Ali, Producer ABC

Kiranpreet Kaur Dhillon, Managing Director 42North Consulting

Shuktika Bose, Clinical Psychologist

Moderator: Dee Madigan, Executive Creative Director & Founding Partner Campaign Edge

Ghada Ali
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5:40 PM - 6:30 PM

Drinks & Networking

Event concludes

(Please note, conference program is subject to change. Refer to this page for the most up-to-date version).

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Key takeaways

  • Network with media professionals from across the country

  • One-day event with panel discussions and workshops 

  • Conversations on career moves, industry trends and visionary insights

Who should attend?

  • Business leaders 

  • Early to mid-career professionals

  • Entrepreneurs and freelancers

  • Students 

  • Diversity and equality advocates

Topics

Technology that's changing our world, and influencing how we work

From AI to social influence, and the ethics in between.

Change-makers breaking barriers

Embracing diverse voices for greater inclusion.

Myth busting and storytelling

From advertising to content development.

Future of media

From platforms and changing distribution models, to reaching audiences.

Sponsors

Major Media Partner

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Presenting Partner

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Supporting Partners

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Become a Sponsor

The annual sell-out event is the largest gathering of female media professionals from across the country; an event known for its high calibre speakers, honest discussion and break-out ideas. 

We’d love to discuss the ways you can partner with us and support the National Conference.

Accommodation and Parking

View more details and secure your discounted room rate by directly booking with the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth.

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Volunteer at the 2024 conference!

Are you looking for an opportunity to collaborate with like-minded women, contribute to this year’s much anticipated Women in Media Conference and gain industry insights?

We'd love to hear from you!

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Pay-it-Forward

Donate to support women who can’t otherwise attend the National Conference.

Our goal is to fund SEVEN women (nationwide)

Your contribution can have a massive impact, sending these talented women that would otherwise not be able to attend the National Conference.

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What happened in 2023?

With a lineup of stellar speakers from diverse media backgrounds, last year's conference left a lasting impact on all the attendees.

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