22 October 2009

Awards handed out at AWTE lunch

The Association of Women Travel Executives presented winners of the Business Impact Award and the Joan Richardson Honorary Award at its annual Chairman’s Awards lunch sponsored by The Network.

Sarah Smalley, CEO of research company GFK Ascent-MI UK, was recognised for business impact.

AWTE long-standing member Monika Warburton, of Working Websites, was presented with the Joan Richardson Award for her contribution to the association.

Guest speaker Jane Dyson, of The Network, highlighted the importance of confidence for women in business as she spoke about the sale of the company to Menzies Distribution last year.

AWTE chairwoman Tricia Handley said: "We need to continue to promote women in business through the association’s initiatives-and these awards are important for motivation, confidence and recognition."

The AWTE was established in 1954 and provides business and personal development opportunities for women in the travel industry through free director development seminars, entrepreneur forums, hosted events and networking.

New initiatives support diversity in the boardroom and promote fellow entrepreneurs as the organisation aims to lead the way for women in travel today.

*AWTE members attending the annual Christmas lunch this year will qualify for a TravelMole after lunch party. For more information: visit www.awte.org.uk