The Council of Australian Tour Operators has announced Ashleigh Conwell as its second speaker for the International Women’s Day Lunch in Melbourne on 6 March.
This year’s theme, Emotional Resilience, shines a light on the extraordinary achievements of women in the travel industry and beyond. Conwell, a compelling figure known for her resilience as a mother of triplets and widow, shares her journey of empowerment.
Conwell, well known for her work at Flight Centre, is also the founder of Yellow Falcon and co-hosts the ‘Just Life & Lemons’ podcast, both platforms where she inspires women to transform challenges into opportunities for growth.
CATO has also announced Ingrid Berthelsen, a valued member of its Board of Directors, will serve as MC. Berthelsen has more than two decades of travel industry experience, with leadership roles at Evolution Travel Collective, Rail Europe, G Adventures, in addition to her involvement with the Travel Industry Mentor Experience (TIME) for the last 10 years.

“Having Ashleigh and Ingrid at our event is a perfect match for this year’s theme,” CATO managing director, Brett Jardine, said. “Their experiences and insights will undoubtedly enrich our discussions and inspire all attendees. Their leadership and advocacy align seamlessly with CATO’s commitment to supporting the remarkable women in our industry.”
This year’s event welcomes organisations to unite under a shared purpose. Partnership opportunities are still available, offering brands the chance to come together to stand alongside others in unity as Brands for a Cause.
Event details:
- Date: Thursday 6 March 2025
- Time: 12pm to 3pm
- Location: Q Events, 123 Queen St, Melbourne
Ticket pricing:
- Individual: $185 (incl. GST)
- Table of 10: $1,850 (incl. GST)
Featured image: Ashleigh Conwell will be a guest speaker at CATO’s IWD Lunch.
