A coalition of female industry leaders and businesses have combined to create a brand new Female Leaders' Bar at MAD//Fest London on the 4-6 July at The Old Truman Brewery.

The Female Leaders' Bar is an inclusive space that will celebrate the achievements of female industry leaders, provide networking opportunities for current and future leaders, and create a rich archive of video content to inspire individuals and businesses.

There is still a striking lack of women riding to leadership roles in the marketing and communications industry. Women occupy just 39% of leadership roles in the industry, (in the UK), despite making up almost half, 48%, of the total workforce. (Source: Marketing Week)

The bar, which will be located in MAD//Fest's brand new Brick Lane Beach, is the brainchild of three prominent industry leaders - Street Agency founder Katie Street, The Advisory Collective Founder Ellie Edwards Scott and The Digital Voice founder Julia Linehan. It is being led by MAD//Fest London Project Manager Aoife Diamond. 

Several businesses have already committed to supporting the initiative including Accenture Song, The Digital Voice, PubMatic, Movable Ink, Channel Factory, Street Agency, Brand Champions, and The Advisory Collective. Packages include tickets, branding and the opportunity to create content that demonstrates a commitment to supporting female leadership in the marketing industry. 

"It's no secret that women are still under-represented at the most senior levels in advertising and communications. That is a fact that I personally am passionate about changing. The Digital Voice is proud to be a partner of the brand new for 2023 MAD//Fest addition of the Female Leaders Bar," said Julia Lineman, CEO and Founder of The Digital Voice and driving force behind the idea. "This is designed specifically to champion & empower female leaders and rising stars in our industry. Most importantly, it is a chance and a place to celebrate and network , and do it on a beach in East London! The difference starts with us and as always, we are stronger together. I am so excited to be alongside so many female founders and companies who truly do support empowering women" she added.

"An event like MAD//Fest isn't going to change things overnight, but we can use our platform to shine a spotlight on the inequalities that exist, the fantastic female lead businesses that are charting new ground, and the talent that underpins innovation and growth in our industry," said Aoife Diamond, MAD//Fest London's Project Manager and Female Leaders' Bar Lead. 

" The enthusiasm we've had for the Female Leaders' Bar is incredible. Several prominent businesses have already committed to supporting it and I'm excited about the potential to create not just a networking space, but a rich source of content that can inspire the next generation, celebrate female leadership and encourage businesses to raise the bar when it comes to addressing inequalities in our industry."

Expected to attract 10,000+ marketers and named ‘Event of the Year’ at the UK Event Awards, MAD//Fest London speakers include Tesco Chief Customer Officer Alessandra Bellini, Castore Founder Thomas Beahon and Ben & Jerry’s Director of Global Activism Christoper Miller, LIPTON Global Chief Marketing + Digital Officer Aparna Sundaresh, Co-op Chief Customer Officer Kenyatte Nelson and former Manchester United Captain, Founder and Broadcaster Gary Neville. 

Please contact ian@madfestlondon.com or harry@madfestlondon.com if you would like to support in the Female Leaders' Bar.