Acclaimed confidence expert, TEDx speaking coach and presenter Nicole Joy will deliver the keynote address at the 2026 CATO International Women’s Day Lunch, on Tuesday, 10 March at Brisbane’s The Calile Hotel.
With close to two decades of experience across stage, screen and leadership roles, Nicole Joy is widely recognised for her work in confidence, visibility and personal impact. As an official TEDx speaker coach and founder of the SHEspeaks Academy, she has worked with women across Australia to strengthen their presence, develop their voice and step into leadership with greater clarity and conviction.
“We are delighted to welcome Nicole Joy as our keynote speaker for International Women’s Day 2026,” CATO managing director Brett Jardine said. “Her work around confidence and visibility strongly reflects the experiences of many women in our industry. Nicole’s keynote will be both energising and relevant, and a meaningful addition to this important CATO event.”
At the CATO International Women’s Day Lunch, Nicole will introduce her powerful philosophy – Visibility isn’t vanity – reminding women that being seen, heard and expressed is not self-promotion, but a necessity, especially in an AI-driven world. Her message speaks to both established leaders and those building their influence, making her a natural fit for CATO’s annual celebration of women in travel.
The 2026 CATO IWD Lunch promises an unforgettable afternoon of celebration, industry connection and insight into the achievements and aspirations of women across the travel sector. Attendees can look forward to thought-provoking conversation, lively networking and Nicole’s compelling call to action to lead with courage and conviction. CATO thanks Major Sponsor Sisterhood Women’s Travel, along with Gow-Gates Insurance Brokers, TravelPay and Stuba for their support of the event.
