The Future Women Social Club is launching in Sydney and Melbourne as the premium online start-up expands its offering to give members more professional networking opportunities.
In the 10 months since Future Women was launched, more than 3000 women have attended 28 of its events around Australia.
They have been treated to exclusive and occasionally off-the-record access to celebrities and CEOs, from Gail Kelly, Julie Bishop and Allison Langdon to leading entrepreneur Jane Lu, designer Deborah Sams, basketballer Liz Cambage and feminist pioneer Wendy McCarthy.
Founder Helen McCabe said the FW Social Club builds on the momentum in Sydney and Melbourne to give members even more opportunities to connect.
“We’re announcing a three-month calendar of informal meet-ups to give Gold members the chance to pop by after work and connect with like-minded professional women and hear from our handpicked speakers,” McCabe said.
The launch of the FW Social Club for Gold Members means there is no change to the $23 a month membership fee which also entitles women to discounts on premium events, merchandise, and access to exclusive online articles, resources and podcasts.
McCabe said there will be a discount for members who live outside Sydney and Melbourne.
The Melbourne events are spearheaded by Future Women editor-at-large, Jamila Rizvi.
“We have reduced the entry membership fee to encourage a really broad membership and make it affordable for students, the budget conscious, or women who are unable to attend events,” McCabe said.
Future Women is currently on a national roadshow with partner Westfield, holding intimate events with speakers who include Jessica Rowe, Em Rusciano and Rosie Batty.
“Future Women has attracted strong attention from brands wanting to reach professional women in a different environment and we are building strong relationships,” McCabe said.
At the top end of the membership packages, Future Women has offered group discounts to encourage women to bring their friends and take advantage of premium events including the FW Executive Leadership conference and VIP dinners.
The Platinum discount for five or more friends gives women who want the best seats, guaranteed tickets and the FW concierge service a membership package starting at $789 a member.