A Unique Event

Anything is Possible provided it is backed up with a strong belief. It is this belief that moulds leaders and visionaries, that creates opportunities and new technologies. When we look at the number of women who strive for change through their business ventures and through social initiatives, the theme of our conference this year really comes to life.

The famous Author of our day, JK Rowling believes that “Anything is Possible if you’ve got enough nerve”. It is this nerve that will see business owners and managers stretch their minds and their abilities in order to succeed in the months and years ahead. As Rosemary Delaney, Publisher of WMB and Promoter of the O2 WMB Conference and Awards reflects: “Women have a huge capacity to give. I am always amazed at their ability to remain positive when times get tough. They show true innovation and strength of character. It is seeing these women succeed that inspires me as an individual and as an entrepreneur. Through WMB Magazine I meet wonderful women, ‘wonder women’ if I may call them that. They are ordinary people doing extraordinary things”.

Telefónica O2 Ireland through their title sponsorship of these Awards helps highlight the vital role women play in our society: “Now more than ever it is evident how important small and medium sized businesses are to our economy. To reach the top in any business has always taken not only huge effort and determination but also real passion. And this has not changed. Irish businesses continue to benefit from the fresh ideas, dedication, and leadership that women can bring. In recognising their achievements, these awards are encouraging even more women to succeed in their chosen field,” says Danuta Gray, CEO Telefónica O2 Ireland.

There are four awards this year to include:
O2 WMBusinesswoman of the Year Award;

Accenture WMBig Idea Award;

HP WMB Entrepreneur of the Year Award

and WMB Social Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

So what’s on the agenda for this day-long event? Well, you’ll have a rare opportunity to listen to some inspirational speakers to include Co-founder of Coffee Republic, Founder of Skinny Candy & Author Sahar Hashemi; Entrepreneur and Irish Dragon Sarah Newman, and Michael O’Dohert, Co-founder of Plexus Bio-Energy. In addition, you can expect lively debate from our ViewPoint panel – to include Brendan Keenan, Group Business Editor with Independent Newspapers; Marian Corcoran, Head of Accenture’s Management Consulting & Integrated Markets practice in Ireland and Mary Lou Nolan, Director of Sales for HP Ireland.
We also suggest that you bring plenty of business cards as you’ll have an opportunity to network and hopefully to secure some work during our ‘noisy but nice’ networking session which this year is sponsored by Peter Mark.