Today’s Women in Grocery (TWIG), a subcommittee of the Irish Grocers’ Benevolent Fund (IGBF), is thrilled to announce the speakers for its highly anticipated networking fundraiser event on Friday, May 3rd, 2024 at the Dublin Royal Convention Centre. Now in its 8th year, the annual TWIG event promises to connect professionals in the grocery, food and retail sector.
Sonya Lennon returns as the MC and will host a panel discussion with industry experts addressing an audience of key figures in Ireland’s grocery sector. These distinguished speakers come from various sectors of the grocery industry and include:
- Mandy Hennebry, Head of Ireland, Unilever
- Michelle Vance, Chief Executive Officer, Lily O’Brien’s
- Charlene Flanagan, Entrepreneur and Co-Founder of Ella & Jo Cosmetics
- Maeve McCleane, Chief People Officer, Lidl Ireland & Lidl Northern Ireland
- Brendan Courtney, Presenter, Entrepreneur & Co-Founder Lennon Courtney
This year’s theme, “Defining You”, invites the panel to share their journey to success in the industry, diving into the experiences and decisions that have contributed to their personal growth and professional success. From pivotal decisions to impactful relationships, the panel will offer candid insights into the transformative moments that have shaped their careers.
Speaking on the theme, Frances Higgins, Chair of the IGBF and TWIG committee member, said:
“We are delighted to be hosting our annual networking event and welcoming our colleagues and peers from the industry to discuss their defining moments. Each year, it is rewarding to see so many representatives and leaders come together to raise essential funds for the Irish Grocers Benevolent Fund. It’s all the more rewarding that this event has sold out for yet another year, demonstrating the important role that TWIG plays in our industry.
“This year’s theme, ‘Defining You’, is a great opportunity to discuss how some of our greatest challenges can play an important role in our personal and professional growth. I welcome our incredible line-up of speakers and eagerly anticipate the insightful conversations that we will have on May 3rd next.”
This year’s networking event is the first under the new leadership of Mary McBride, Head of Retail at Bewleys Coffee Ltd, who has assumed the role of Chairperson for Today’s Women in Grocery (TWIG).
Speaking ahead of the event, Mary McBride, Chairperson, TWIG said:
“I’m honoured to step into the role of Chairperson for Today’s Women in Grocery, which plays an important role in empowering and celebrating the thousands of women who work in our industry. Our annual networking event provides a great opportunity to bring women in our sector together to not only build their connections, but to learn about and share insights into various aspects of our industry. My predecessors have been key in advancing this organisation and I look forward to leading TWIG further in its mission of empowering women in the grocery industry.”
McBride succeeds Sharon Yourell Lawlor and Michelle Darlington as dedicated Chairs, and will continue to advance TWIG’s aim of engaging and enriching the lives of those in the grocery industry and to promote diversity, empowerment and professional development within the sector.
The Today’s Women in Grocery (TWIG) networking event will take place on Friday, May 3rd at the Dublin Royal Convention Centre. This year’s lunch will be kindly sponsored by Musgrave, Diageo, CPM and Suntory Beverage and Food Ireland. All funds raised from the TWIG luncheon enable the IGBF to continue supporting fellow colleagues across the trade who have experienced loss, or unexpected personal/financial difficulties. Due to phenomenal support, this event is now sold out. To get added to our waiting list, please contact Karen Satell at Hotel Solutions via email: Karen@hotel-solutions.ie
