Women in business

It has been a busy year in Thailand for upmarket business-tourism events. Recently a group of powerful women gathered in Bangkok for its annual meeting — an event that was able to showcase some very special elements in venues not usually open to foreigners. The American-based Leading Women Entrepreneurs of the World (LWEW) selected Bangkok for this year's event from March 18- 23, which was held to honour new members and also current members. LWEW began in 1997 as the Star Group with the LWEWtitle given to roughly 50 new inductees each year. In 2003 ownership of the Star Group changed hands to current president and chairperson Cheryl Womack. She immediately created a not-for-profit organisation by the same name. LWEWbegan its tenth year in March 2006 while in Bangkok, Thailand. The group represents just over 300 female entrepreneurs in more than 50 countries, who employ 525,000 people globally and add US$200 billion in annual revenues to the global economy through their collective business endeavours. Fifty attendees came from Asia out of the 300 delegates, the largest attendance for the event in its history. Happy theme Based at the Grand Hyatt Erawan in central Bangkok, the theme for this year's conference was 'Happiness on Earth', which Womack says was representative of Thailand as a country. "We additionally wanted to be respectful this year to honour the 60th anniversary of the coronation of the king of Thailand, while also celebrating our tenth year," Womack says. The opening night was held on the grounds of Wat Chai Wattanaram in the province of Ayutthaya where the governor of the province presided over the evening's festivities. Demonstrations of its rich history as well as a traditional presentation of arts and crafts were on show. "After dinner we watched a historical play," Womack says. "We enjoyed authentic Thai food with special Thai fruit drinks. The night concluded with a special fireworks and light show beginning with the soft orange lanterns rising to send blessings on our behalf." The following day the group was welcomed by the Thailand's deputy prime minister as the group gathered at the Isara Vinijchai Hall in the National Museum. "Once the opening ceremony was complete we had a chance to meet with some of Bangkok's most influential businesspeople to exchange ideas and get to know one another," Womack says. "We were then whisked away by boat to the Supatra River House where entertainment and another special meal was waiting for us." On the Monday evening the group visited different VIPs'private residences as they were hosted in smaller, more intimate groups, to get to know more about the hosts and each other. "Everyone continues to speculate that they were at the best home with the perfect hosts when the night was over," says Womack. Local palace The next day the group travelled to Bang Pa- In Palace and the surrounding grounds for an exclusive lunch at the Tewara Gate. The evening's hosts were the owners and management of Siam Paragon shopping centre and the governor of Bangkok addressed the group for dinner. The next day was spent discovering more of the sights and beauty of Bangkok and its culture and history. The group visited the Emerald Buddha as well as receiving a private tour through the former royal residence of the King. There was also a visit to the Principle Audience Hall, a place usually reserved for officials of state and visiting ambassadors. "We loved visiting the waiting rooms with their majestic portraits of past kinds and queens," says Womack. "After being totally spoiled by what we saw we were treated to lunch in the Phayathai Palace. "We were also able to go inside and see students learning their craft as well as see demonstrations and speeches on all of the remarkable activities that are going on at both the King and Queen's projects." The next event was held that evening, which was the most significant part of the trip when new inductees went through a ceremony to join the group officially. "It is like the Oscars for international women entrepreneurs," say Womack. Special guest The evening was made even more special as the opening induction ceremony was presided over by Princess Ubolratana, along with the deputy prime minister and several other important government and local officials. "As a special treat we were able to have one group photo with the princess before she left," says Womack. "Our induction ceremony and the regal appearance by the princess were all televised live throughout Thailand." The high-powered group and their high-powered hosts and guest helped make the experience in Thailand a fruitful one, says Womack. She was also surprised at the level of highranking officials who greeted them at special events and the access they had to Thai royal grounds. Next year's LWEWannual event will be in South Africa.