The Association of Women in Events (AWE) launched March 31 to connect and empower women in the meetings and events industry. The association serves as a collaborative community for women to share innovative ideas, build powerful professional relationships and advance careers. AWE will cater to both seasoned industry leaders as well as young professionals.
Founded by Carrie Abernathy, Tamela Blalock, Mas Tadesse Harris, Mary Higham and Kiki Janssens, AWE is a national association based in Washington, D.C.
“This organization fills a need,” said Carrie Abernathy, AWE Co-Founder. “There are a lot of resources out there, but it’s difficult to find anything specifically geared towards women. AWE empowers a thirsty community; a community that should feel like home.”
AWE looks to integrate, support and engage with existing industry organizations and build long-term collaborative relationships. Suppliers will benefit from hosting and sponsoring AWE events by gaining crucial onsite captive audiences from the driven community of demand. Both men and women can join the social network forum. AWE wants men to be a part of these conversations to support women in the workplace and beyond.
“Whether you are male, female, supplier, vendor, organizer, young professional or seasoned veteran, we need you! The Association of Women in Events mission and purpose is to serve the entire events industry and we need your valuable input in order to make this a success” added Mary Higham, AWE Co-Founder.
In July 2015, AWE plans to launch the inaugural Board of Directors, who will direct membership, scholarships, events and education decisions for the association. Applications for Board of Directors are immediately being accepted at womeninevents.org.
“What a wonderful opportunity to be the change we want to see in the world, than to stand on the sidelines and just wish for it,” commented Tamela Blalock, AWE Co-Founder.
The co-founding team has found the response to the launch of AWE to be overwhelmingly positive. Many large players in the industry are anticipated to orient their leadership to the AWE community.
For membership information and resources, visit womeninevents.org/membership.html
Follow active updates from AWE, on Twitter (@AWEwomen) and on Facebook (www.facebook.com/AWEwomen1).
For more information, contact admin@womeninevents.org
