Fantail Network to help Wellington business women fly

The Fantail Network spreads its wings and takes flight to Wellington next week, with an inaugural Wellington pop-up event for women in business offering a trio of entrepreneurial speakers.

Developed to support, connect and enable women in business, with a particular focus on technology, innovation and entrepreneurship, the Fantail Network aims to bring together diverse and innovative people who share a passion for business, want to stretch their thinking and be equipped for change.

The events, which have been running in Auckland, aim to support and encourage more women to enter and succeed in their chosen careers in technology, innovation and entrepreneurship.

"Women are under-represented in innovation, technology and leadership roles, both nationally and internationally," the Fantail Network says. "Yet the sector is experiencing exponential growth and faces challenges attracting skilled talent, particularly graduates and women.

"We recognise gender diversity is an international issue, supporting women pays dividends and New Zealand companies are committed to change.

Kathy McCombe, Fantail Network co-founder and trustee, says the Wellington launch follows a very successful first year of hosting events with a unique perspective, in Auckland.

"Our plans to launch in Wellington were fast-tracked due to the numerous requests we have received, asking us to bring the Fantail Network to the capital; so that's exactly what we are doing," McCombe says.

She says feedback from past attendees indicates that the new slant on networking is being well received.

"The events open up connections that enable women to grow ideas, build confidence and become equipped to embrace change," McCombe says.

The events, with a theme of 'Around the Corner' aim to expose attendees to ideas and methods, encouraging them to expect the unexpected and prepare for and embrace the changes coming their way.

The Wellington event, sponsored by Wynyard Group, Frog Recruitment, Xero, Vend and Adcorp, will feature three speakers: serial entrepreneur Laura Humphreys, 'entrepreneurial insider' Laura Reitel, and digital trailblazer Emily Loughnan.

Loughnan is co-founder of digital media business Click Suite, handling creative and strategic direction of new projects, while Reitel is Ligtning Lab's programme director, providing her a unique vantage point of the future gleaned from her work with entrepreneurs, mentors, investors and corporations.

Humphreys meanwhile will be sharing her rags to riches story of her progression from a secretary to business owner of Pet Angels. Following the sale of the business, Humphreys began using her knowledge to help other small businesses create valuable, scalable and ultimately saleable assets.

The Wellington event will be held at Xero's offices on Wednesday, 14 October.

Click here for more details.