This session is dedicated to all you women out there – and men too! Despite being an industry that vastly employs women, there is currently a very small minority holding senior roles. Research has consistently shown that gender diversity and hence complementary male versus female competencies is actually an important factor in business success. So why is this so? What can we do to help address this – to encourage women to reach higher and be more ambitious in the pursuit of their careers? And how can we as an industry help them on their career path?
This UFI connects session brings together several senior industry representatives including:
- Mary Larkin is the 1st female UFI President since the association’s creation in 1925, Mary has been part of this industry since 1992. Underrepresentation of female leadership is an important issue for Mary, and one to be addressed. Covid-19 has not helped, with a danger of amplifying the current disbalance.
- Debbie is CEO of Novo Cinemas in the UAE who was also voted as one of the 30 Most Influential Female Leaders in the Arab World in 2019 and 2020 LinkedIn 500 Global Influencer. Most of Debbie’s 30-year career was spent working in our industry, and Debbie will make a brief return to discuss female leadership and give her best advice to help other women.
- Cliff Wallace has a career spanning more than 57 years in the industry, with 45 as CEO. He was previously Managing Director of Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (Management) Ltd. (HML), responsible for the management and operation of the HKCEC. Cliff is also past Chairman of the World Council for Venue Management and Cliff has always been very supportive of female leadership where and when possible.
