January 31, 2014
Susan Dibbs, Wishful Events
At a Glance
Bio The path that led her to this point
I started my event management career organising wedding exhibitions, however I gave up my business when I became a mum, to concentrate on motherhood.
Returning to studies while my child was young, I grew my knowledge base and gained my official qualifications. When it was time for me to return to work I didn't want to go back to weddings and wanted to start something new.
It took me a long time to figure out what I wanted to do. Little did I know that what I wanted to do was right in front of me!
While my son was young I met lots of mums and watched how very similar we were in our motherhood experiences but how very different we were too. Some went to work part time, some full time some stayed home, some studied or owned their own businesses but we all had our own challenges.
I watched and learned, I spoke to lots of women and heard their complaints their difficulties and their challenges. I also heard their joys, their "ah ha" moments, and of course their victories.
All in all I came to the conclusion that women really are amazing!
However, we don’t get to celebrate this. There was no event just for us on a large scale where women could come together to learn, relax to be inspired and empowered so I decided it was time to give women something back.
Hence GO Festival was formed. GO is short for Girls Only and GO Festival is held 100% for women, something that was definitely missing in Melbourne’s event calendar.
At the time of starting the festival it didn't occur to me that this festival would have another very important feature, and that is to give women in business a platform to promote themselves. What a wonderful hidden gem that was!
It has been amazing to see the multiple platforms GO Festival has created for exhibitors and visitors alike. There have been visitors start new business ventures after attending and exhibitors create joint ventures.
It has been an amazing journey so far, and it still amazes me that this is just the beginning and there are plenty of new surprises to come.
I cant wait to see what the future brings and feel honoured to be able to organise this event for women to enjoy.
Q&A Insider advice & tips
What's been your greatest achievement to date?
Looking back on 2013 there is a lot to be proud of with the launch of GO Festival. In its first year we were able to give back to the female community with approximately 8000 women joining us over our two events. We gave away numerous prizes, helped several charities, launched new businesses and gave away around 800 free massages!
What's been your biggest challenge so far?
Being a sole parent has definitely made organising GO Festival more challenging, balancing work and parenting is never easy for any mum in business.
Best lesson you've learned along the way?
If I had to do it all again I would make sure my systems and processes were tightened up. Always hard because you don't really know until they are in motion, but this is the one area I would have liked to have improved.
A website, book or resource that has helped you in your business or inspired you and why?
Definitely Dropbox. I Dropbox everything and have all my files with me all the time! It's free to start but well worth spending a little to get more storage space. Its great for sharing files too!
Which person or brand do you most admire and why?
I love watching Marie Forleo, she has some great advice but delivers it in such a fun way! Even if she is covering things I already know I still love to take 10 minutes out of my busy week to watch her!
What advice would you give someone starting an independent business in your industry?
Event management can be very challenging but also very rewarding, Don't expect it to be easy, but follow your dreams and you will get there.
Finish this sentence
Everything changed for me when…
I started to meet so many fabulous women in business. We have been able to support each other and offer fresh perspectives to each other. I cant believe how blessed I have been to meet so many wonderful women.
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