An event management expert from Staffordshire has travelled to Saudi Arabia to provide key support for a ground-breaking event celebrating International Women’s Day.
Mary Walker of Stafford-based ELM People is helping to deliver three days of workshops and a seminar about women in industry.
The event is being hosted by SABIC, a petrochemical giant based in Riyadh which has a history of championing female employees.
Although previously the company has marked International Women’s Day it’s the first time it has developed a structured training and networking event on the theme.
Mary told Daily Focus: “I am very excited to have been approached to support this event.
“To be in Saudi Arabia and celebrate the work of women with industry on International Women’s Day is an honour and truly history-making.
“SABIC is one of the biggest employers in Saudi Arabia so these celebrations are noted by others as the way forward.”
The ELM People CEO’s role in Riyadh involves helping to ensure the delegates are treated correctly, briefing participants, coaching the master of ceremonies and working with keynote speakers to deliver a slick event.
Around 1,200 SABIC employees are attending today’s seminar and a number of female staff will be among speakers covering topics such as networking, bias and diversity.
One panel session will highlight 10 years of women in SABIC and another will focus on the career path, development and executive support for women in the business.
Mary, who has a 30-year career in leadership and management, launched ELM People in 2020 to work with businesses to deliver a range of interventions including team effectiveness, challenging conversation, leadership and event management.
