How to Empower Women in the Workplace

Claire Van Vuuren is the head chef and co-owner of Bloodwood in Newtown, Sydney and the recently opened Popla in Bellingen in Northern NSW. Her food is bold, heartfelt, packed with flavour and reflects her heritage and love of travel.

My key areas of expertise are events, partnerships, community development, sponsorships, communications, administration and project management focused on the hospitality and community development space. Within this, my strengths lie within team building, planning, training, outreach and customer engagement.

I'm a self-confessed digital marketing nerd, specialising in marketing automation, developing multichannel journeys, and optimising the client experience. I'm passionate about creating rich and engaging digital marketing experiences for clients across different industries. The harder the problem, the more exciting the project. I am inspired by all aspects of online activity, strategy and harnessing behavioural data. In a past life, my experience has seen me seconded to the Irish member firm (at a global management consultancy) to work on strategic projects. I have lead global work streams focused on digital marketing strategy, process and training. I like my whisky neat, my rum a quick sipper and puns terrible. Nominated in the 2021 Top 25 Bartenders in Australia, Host of the Year 2021 and 2019 Bartender Magazine's Top 100 Most Influential List.

Brydie Allen is the editor of National Liquor News, Australia’s leading magazine for the off-premise liquor sector. She began her career interning with top women’s publications including Vogue and Mamamia, before an interest in the liquor industry lead her to Food and Beverage Media where she was a journalist across Australian Hotelier, Bars & Clubs, National Liquor News and The Shout.