The Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) has officially announced a dynamic speaker lineup for its highly anticipated International Women’s Day (IWD) Lunch on Thursday, 6 March 2025. With this year’s theme, “Emotional Resilience,” the event promises to be a powerful gathering of industry leaders and changemakers, celebrating the unwavering strength of women in the travel sector and beyond.
Empowering Women Through Resilience
CATO has proudly confirmed Ashleigh Conwell as its second keynote speaker. Ashleigh’s story is one of profound courage and resilience. As a mother of triplets and a widow, she has transformed life’s toughest challenges into opportunities for empowerment.
Best known for her impactful work at Flight Centre, Ashleigh is also the founder of Yellow Falcon and the co-host of the popular podcast “Just Life & Lemons.” Through her platforms, she inspires women to embrace adversity and use it as a stepping stone for personal and professional growth. Her insights at CATO’s IWD Lunch are expected to leave a lasting impression on attendees, offering a fresh perspective on perseverance and leadership.
A Seasoned Leader to Guide the Event
Ingrid Berthelsen
Stepping into the role of Master of Ceremonies is Ingrid Berthelsen, an esteemed CATO Board Member with an extensive career spanning over two decades in the travel industry. Having held leadership roles at Evolution Travel Collective, Rail Europe, and G Adventures, Ingrid brings a wealth of experience and industry insight.
Additionally, she has been actively involved with the Travel Industry Mentor Experience (TIME) for the past decade, supporting and guiding the next generation of travel professionals. Her deep-rooted passion for mentorship and advocacy for women in business makes her the ideal host for an event dedicated to empowerment and resilience.
CATO’s Commitment to Industry Growth & Inclusion
Brett Jardine, Managing Director of CATO, expressed his enthusiasm for this year’s lineup:
“Having Ashleigh and Ingrid at our IWD event aligns perfectly with this year’s theme. Their experiences, leadership, and resilience will undoubtedly inspire every attendee. CATO remains steadfast in its mission to support and uplift the incredible women in our industry.”
Emphasising inclusivity and collective empowerment, the IWD 2025 Lunch encourages organizations to unite under a shared purpose. Partnership opportunities remain available for brands eager to align with “Brands for a Cause,” reinforcing their commitment to gender equality and professional development in the travel industry.
Event Details & Ticket Information
- Date: Thursday, 6 March 2025
- Time: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
- Location: Q Events, 123 Queen Street, Melbourne
Ticket Pricing:
- Individual Ticket: $185 (incl. GST)
- Table of 10: $1,850 (incl. GST)
Secure Your Spot Today
Join CATO and an inspiring community of industry professionals for an afternoon of storytelling, networking, and empowerment. This is more than an event—it’s a movement.
🔗 Get your tickets now: CATO IWD 2025 Event.
Written by: Anne Keam
