WHAT IS SWB
SWB is a gathering for diverse, smart & curious people to connect, learn, listen and debate. To share and be inspired to question what we can do to make our world a better place for today and tomorrow.

SWB is unique in its dedication to dialogue and exchange, and in its commitment to bringing the latest thinking and ideas to women as a deliberate strategy to positively influence their success.

SWB is an investment in women’s talent and a way to recognise & celebrate their diversity.

HISTORY
SWB began life in 2002 as the Ladies Masters of Business conference, held on the Gold Coast during the Australian Ladies Masters golf, at the time the largest women’s professional sporting event in the Southern Hemisphere. After two years, the conference evolved into: a strictly business event, held in a major capital city, where the number one item on the agenda was business – and so it became known as Serious Women’s Business for the next few years.

Today SWB is part of an exciting new era of co-investment and collaboration for men and women and our focus is on sustaining and supporting women in business to achieve their individual potential both professionally and personally.

THEME
The conference grows each year by continually reviewing the needs and aspirations of women in business; by listening to our Alumni feedback and by developing relevant and challenging new topics that provide the latest thought leadership all centred around a key theme.

SWB Conference themes
2002 Leading the way
2003 One of a kind
2004 Inspiring Leaders of tomorrow
2005 Women Impacting Change
2006 Unleashing Potential
2007 Defining Success
2008 Unique Connections
2009 The Art of Focus
2010 Step Up
2011 A New Era

COMMITTEE
SWB is guided by its Committee of Foundation Partners, a select group of progressive companies who came together in 2004 to form SWB and who continue to guide the agenda and evolution of the conference.

WHO SPEAKS
SWB bring together eminent and emerging leaders, innovators and change agents in business, science, technology, design, social innovation, entrepreneurship, education and the arts for a conversation like no other. SWB speakers share insights and strategies on the way forward, not only for business but an engaged and connected community at large.

Since its inception SWB has held various sessions off the record and closed to the media, where Chatham House rules apply to delegates, meaning nothing that is said inside the conference leaves the conference. This enabled SWB to become a unique forum where CEOs of major corporations and leading women in business and politics can express their views freely and frankly and discuss sensitive issues without fear of these being misrepresented or misinterpreted. Although today we encourage all our speakers to be free to share their views openly, we may from time to time have Chatham House Rules session to ensure we get the most out of the session for the delegates.

WHY ATTEND
SWB is a forum to inspire breakthroughs, create new opportunities, learn new skills, establish new relationships and discover new possibilities both professionally and personally.

It is an opportunity to expand your understanding by investing attention and energy into building a repertoire of insights both practical and inspirational to help us all move forwards.

WHO ATTENDS
SWB attendees come from diverse, professional backgrounds and environments. The common denominator is a willingness to move past the status quo, the traditionally ´tried and tested ‘and let their minds be challenged and inspired for the benefit of positive change, both personally and professionally.

We are expecting over 500 attendees and decision makers from around the world to connect at SWB2011, to exchange experiences and ideas in an intimate, relaxed and positively focused atmosphere.

Register now, and become a member of the SWB alumni of passionate professionals who wish to seek knowledge and make a difference for women everywhere.