9:00

WELCOME

9:05

OPENING REMARKS FROM THE CHAIR

9:15

INTERNATIONAL KEYNOTE ADDRESS

9:35

KEYNOTE PANEL DISCUSSION

Plugging the talent gaps to meet the needs of industry

Demand for STEM skills is expected to grow by 8% to 2025. The number of multinational tech giants establishing or expanding an Irish presence ahead of its EU neighbours places extra pressure on the local talent pool. One of the government’s key considerations is to target females with long-term recruitment and retainment policies, with a view to making STEM industries more attractive. However 46% of science, engineering and tech companies are struggling to fill key roles and 64% reporting that talent deficits are a critical concern for employers. This panel will discuss how companies can create diverse, equitable and inclusive workplaces that allow every employee to thrive. From promoting inclusive hiring practices to providing mentorship and support for underrepresented groups in STEM fields, these initiatives are breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for everyone to flourish.

What initiatives are making a significant impact in creating a more diverse and inclusive STEM community?

What scholarships, internships and placements and returners’ programmes are available for those who have taken a career break?

What innovative and effective recruitment campaigns have successfully attracted diverse and talented women?

10:15

KEYNOTE ADDRESS

Be yourself, everyone else is taken!

Lorna Martyn, Regional Chair & SVP for Technology of Fidelity Investments Ireland, recipient of the AmCham Global Leadership and Technology Ireland Person of the Year awards in 2023 will share her personal journey of finding her voice and using it at regional and c-suite level to amplify the voices of others. She will share why authenticity matters when building and sustaining a long career and why successful advocacy is the ultimate leadership award

10:30

PANEL DISCUSSION

Driving female entrepreneurship

Ireland’s economic success will be driven by harnessing a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem which utilises the skills, ambition and talent of a diverse population. Increasing opportunities for women is crucial in order to grow the number of women becoming entrepreneurs and increase the number of women-led start-ups with high growth potential. This panel will address the key challenges impacting on the growth of female led business opportunities and how government and key stakeholders across the public and private sector can drive better access to funding for women at all stages on their enterprise journey. It will also discuss incentives and recognition programmes that companies can offer to motivate women to pursue entrepreneurial endeavours within their organisations. Empowering women to take ownership of their work and pursue new ideas can help drive success and innovation within a company.

How can we increase the opportunities for women entrepreneurs and women in management?

Why are women under represented in entrepreneurship?

How can founders navigate the start-up ecosystem to start their business?

What incentives can companies offer to motivate women to pursue entrepreneurial endeavours within their organisations?

11:00

Coffee & Networking Break

1:00

Lunch & Networking Break

2:00

AFTERNOON KEYNOTE ADDRESS

AI and Human Flourishing

2:20

PANEL DISCUSSION

Artificial Intelligence (AI) – addressing the gender bias to achieve ethical AI

AI has become a hugely hot topic in recent years. From bias embedded within AI systems to ethical questions around facial recognition and surveillance, it has become a central discussion among both industry players and lawmakers.
The panel will discuss:

• the implications of the AI Act 2025 on women
• the benefits and challenges that come with this fast-paced innovation
• how this will affect businesses and end users, and how we can best prepare for the future
• the actions that are needed to ensure AI advances gender equality
• regulating AI while boosting innovation, ethical standards and trust in technology
• how digital and technology leaders can focus strategy to ensure that they add maximum value to the top and bottom line

2:50

LOCKNOTE PANEL DISCUSSION

Accelerating female corporate leadership: empowering DEI action in the C-suite

This panel will bring together thought leaders, innovators, and pioneers in industry to discuss transforming corporate leadership to accelerate female participation at senior levels in business. Expert speakers will discuss the next steps for businesses and employers and how best they can empower DEI action in the C-suite and embrace equity to inspire all future women of STEM including those with disabilities, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, ethnic and religious groups as well as those from less well-off socio-economic backgrounds.

3:20

CLOSING REMARKS FROM THE CHAIR

3:30

SUMMIT ENDS