A series of learning sessions dedicated to diversity, gender equality and female empowerment will be taking place at IMEX Frankfurt.

She Means Business  will invite women and men from across the global events sector to share their views, experiences and current diversity and gender equality challenges.

Challenges around gender parity persist according to the Global Gender Gap Report 2022 of the World Economic Forum which states it will take 132 years to close the existing global gender gap. While the events industry is female-dominated in terms of numbers, its glass ceiling inhibits female representation at senior leadership levels.

Carina Bauer, CEO of the IMEX Group said: “The industry is 70% women-powered, but only 20% women-led, meaning that clearly more work around equality of opportunity is needed.

“The events industry needs to collaborate and engage in open dialogue to ensure opportunities for everyone regardless of gender. We’re delighted to introduce a really supportive and well-informed She Means Business programme packed with honest discussion and women who are leading the way to a more equitable future.”

Kerstin Wünsch from tw tagungswirtschaft – dfv Media Group and co-founder of She Means Business said: “Diversity and gender equality are not only an answer to the staff shortages in our industry. With the new Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), corporations in the European Union are now required to report on sustainability in all its dimensions, including the social dimension. She Means Business is doing its part.”

Sessions taking place throughout the three days of the show, 23 – 25 May, cover future skillsets, building connections and mentoring practices that best support women’s career development.

Find out more and register here.