Women Growing Together in the North West - IWD2026

Join us this International Women’s Day for an inspiring, welcoming and connection-led event bringing together women from across Lancashire and the North West’s food, drink, hospitality, marketing and creative industries.

This half-day celebration is designed around the #GiveToGain theme — creating space for women to share experiences, learn from one another, build meaningful relationships and leave feeling energised, supported and inspired.

Whether you’re running a business, growing a brand, building your career or exploring what’s next, this event is an opportunity to step away from the day-to-day and be part of something collective.

Fireside Chat – The Power of Storytelling
The event opens with Meena McDonald and Seema Dalvi, in conversation, exploring Seema’s journey, her background, and how she built her award-winning restaurant. Expect honest insight, real experiences and practical takeaways.

Panel Discussion – Women Growing Businesses in the North West
Moderated by Meena McDonald, this panel brings together inspiring women food & drink producers from across the region to share their journeys, challenges, and lessons learned:

• Ann Farrell, Director, The Lancashire Mead Company
• Sara Dewhurst, Founder, Lytham Gin
• Adele Scott, Marketing Exec, Oato

Panel Discussion - Lifestyle, food, farming, sustainability and community

Moderated by Seema Dalvi, the panel shows how women from the North West are working on sustainable, lifestyle, health, art and community projects

• Maddi Nicholson - artist and artistic director of Art Gene in Barrow-in-Furness.
• Nicola Iredale of APRANA,
• Dr Beccy Whittle - Community Food Skills Working Group Lead & FoodFutures Fundraiser

Female-Founded Brand Showcase
Discover, sample and buy from an exciting selection of female-founded brands across food and drink.

Thoughtful Networking
Relaxed, welcoming networking designed to encourage genuine conversations and connections — not awkward pitching.

💛 Why Attend?

• Feel inspired by real stories from women building brilliant businesses
• Meet like-minded women in a supportive, non-competitive environment
• Discover amazing female-founded brands
• Build relationships that last beyond the event
• Celebrate International Women’s Day in a meaningful way

Spaces are limited — early booking is recommended.

✅ Who is the event for?

This event is for people who:

• Run or are growing a business
• Are founders or co-founders
• Work in food, drink, hospitality, marketing or creative industries
• Are building a personal brand
• Are considering starting something new
• Want to expand their network in a supportive, friendly environment
• Value collaboration over competition

You don’t need to be “established” or have everything figured out — if you’re curious, ambitious, and open to learning and connecting, you’ll feel at home here.

Come as you are. Leave inspired, connected and supported.

Agenda

10:00 – 10:30 - Arrival drinks, sampling & networking

10:30 – 11:00 - Fireside Chat – The Power of Storytelling
Meena McDonald in conversation with Seema Dalvi

11:00 – 11:50 - Panel Discussion – Women Growing Businesses in the North West

11:50 - 12:00 - Drinks & comfort break

12:00 - 13:00 - Panel Discussion - Lifestyle, food, farming, art, sustainability & community

13:00 – 14:00 - Canapés by Seema, sampling, shopping & networking

Key highlights

• Welcome drinks and free canapés included
• Sample and shop from a curated showcase of female-founded food & drink brands - Including - The Lancashire Mead Company, Oato, Lytham Gin, Jacquelines Chocolates, & CBD tea from APRANA.
• Fireside chats and panels featuring inspiring women from across the North West
• Relaxed, thoughtful networking throughout the day