The popular Women in Foodservice Returns Charity Event will return to Fine Food in 2017 for its fourth year, this time including the inaugural Women in Foodservice Awards.

Since launching in 2014, the brunch has cemented its place as a show highlight, providing guests the opportunity to be inspired and learn from successful women in the industry while networking with peers.

Hosted at Cyren in Sydney’s Darling Harbour, this year’s event will take place over a sparkling brunch on Wednesday September 13. A panel of industry icons will share their experiences during a discussion that will cover all aspects of the food industry. Facilitated by food writer and restaurant critic Elizabeth Meryment, the charity event will include a stellar line up of panelists including Christine Mansfield, Vivian Zurlo, Danielle Alvarez and our very own pastry chef, Lauren Eldridge.

Featuring for the first time at the charity event is the Women in Foodservice Awards, run by Foodservice News. There are four categories: leader in a restaurant management role; leader in a front of house role; leader in a back of house role and leading woman in foodservice returns (restaurateur, business owner, supplier or service to the sector).

All profits from the event will go to two charities: Women in Hospitality, an organisation that supports and fosters career development of women in the hospitality industry, and Outback Spirit Foundation which has two goals: to help Aboriginal enterprises raise money to grow and market native ‘bush’ foods, and to facilitate agricultural and market links between buyers and sellers with their agricultural output in regional and national markets.

Minnie Constan, Fine Food Australia Event Director, sees the Women in Foodservice Charity Event as an integral part of the wider show. “Fine Food Australia is about learning, discovering, exploring and networking, and the Women in Foodservice Charity Event is all of that, with the impetus to support and encourage a section of the workforce that has previously been largely overlooked. Fine Food has always been about being at the forefront of industry innovation and change, and we’re proud to be leading the discussion on what matters.”

Head to finefoodaustralia.com.au for tickets and more information.