Phenomenal speakers at Women in Business conference

With one of the most prominent group of speakers to be assembled in the country at any one time, this occasion will herald the beginning of an annual event with the inaugural conference taking place at Shangri La's Barr al Jissah Resort and Spa.

These days the high status Omani women enjoy is reflected in the priority accorded to them in the country's development plans. Women account for half the Sultanate's population and are encouraged to play their part in the country's economic development alongside their male counterparts.

It is true to say that Omani woman have always played a vital role in the Sultanate; however, while they may once have been content to be good housewives and mothers, they are given the opportunity to be at the forefront of shaping the Sultanate's economy.

During the conference Delegates will be inspired and enthralled by the keynote speakers who are themselves outstanding leaders and successful businesswomen from around the world, lending their credibility and clout to this happening. Organisers Envent, are recommending that delegates book early, due to the great interest already being expressed in this significant event, both locally in the Sultanate and beyond.

Elisabet Sjostrand, managing partner, Envent, said,

"This ground-breaking conference will have an impact on the way large and small business are run, providing co-operation and inspirational opportunities for mutual support and networking. It will open up opportunities in many different areas, create new contacts and alliances, while energising women in the workplace, wherever that may be, today and in the future."

Speakers who will share experience and expertise with the audience, include Anousheh Ansari, the first female private space explorer who has received multiple honours including the Working Woman's National Entrepreneurial Excellence Award. Under her leadership, Telecom Technologies earned recognition as one of Inc. magazine's 500 fastest-growing companies and Deloitte & Touche's Fast 500 technology companies. Also addressing the audience will be Isabel Aguilera, CEO of Google Spain and Portugal, ranked by Forbes Magazine as one of the 50 most influential businesswomen in the world and Michelle Mone, the self-made, leading UK entrepreneur, who has won many accolades including the 'World Young Business Achiever Award', 'Business Woman of the Year' and one of the top 30 woman entrepreneurs in the UK.

The impressive line-up continues with Farhana Huq, recently recognized as one of the "40 Under 40" up and coming business professionals to watch by the East Bay Business Times, and named as the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2005. Also appearing are reputed local speakers Aisha AL-Kharusi, Deputy Director of Strategic Analysis - Middle East, Boeing International, Malak Al Shaibani, General Manager of Corporate Affairs for Sohar Aluminium project and Zahra'a Taher, Managing Director of T&M Eventscom, Bahrain. Yet more powerful speakers are in the process of being confirmed.

Envent has emphasised the importance of sponsor support, pledged from a number of key companies including Gulf Air, United Media Services, NBO, Ericsson, MB Petroleum, and Infoline. Additional corporations are currently finalising their involvement. Interested parties are invited to contact the organisers at the earliest opportunity in order to participate in this not-to-be-missed forum.

The conference begins with a networking breakfast on June 2nd, kicking off the packed two-day programme, which not only boasts phenomenal speakers but also incorporates productive and interactive workshops, luncheon on both days, valuable networking opportunities, and a glittering reception, prior to the official launch of the 'Women in Business' awards dinner on the first evening. The conference also includes an exhibition of sponsors, organisations and companies showing their newest products, services and innovations, providing for face-to-face meeting opportunities with future business contacts.

Whether an entrepreneur, a career executive, a successful business owner, a student, an international entrepreneur, this Women in Business Conference will provide the tools, techniques, information and contacts that will prove invaluable for the future.