As business networking group Gen Collective marks 10 years, its immediate past president Jennifer Parkes explains its purpose.
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How did Gen Collective, or Gen X Women as it was first known, come about?
In 2008 our founder Melanie Hamilton identified that there was a gap in the market for a networking group for young entrepreneurs and career business women in Newcastle. I was lucky to have been one of the first few of this target audience that Mel reached out to and shared this idea with. What spoke to me was the opportunity to get to know other women likely in the same position in their career. The collegiate aspect of Mel’s idea was powerful. I have been connected to Gen X Women since this time.
Why set up another women’s network group?
It was important to create a network to enable opportunities to form relationships and friendships with like-minded women, particularly at the beginning of their business ventures and careers. These relationships have grown with members, and it is not unusual to see connections between members of the network still strong many years later.
What did you want to offer that was different?
Gen Collective did, and continues to, offer a variety of events which draw on broad interests – health and wellbeing, fashion, mentoring and leadership, lifestyle, hospitality – intermixed with networking and skill-building opportunities.
Your main goals?
To be able to authentically connect with others and to provide positive and interesting opportunities for this connection to take place.
How many attended the first event and what was it?
Lauren Miller-Cilento, CEO of HMMG Pty Limited, was our first guest speaker. Mel reached out to Lauren by email, and she was willing to come to Newcastle right off the bat! The first event on 1 May 2008 was attended by over 80 people.
How tough is it to maintain members in a somewhat saturated market?
Gen Collective’s subscribers are over 1,000 strong. We have found while there is certainly greater diversity in Newcastle now amongst networking events, we still attract new people to each Gen Collective event based on interest and curiosity about our event and strong, supportive recommendations from our subscribers.
Why the rebrand?
Gen X Women became Gen Collective in 2016. The rebranding came at a time where we were developing our supporter base and wanted to encourage people of all ages and professions to join. The name change revealed the inclusive community which had emerged.
How has your offering to members changed?
I am very proud to say that we have continued to offer a variety of events as often as on a monthly basis over the entire 10 years of Gen Collective. We love hearing from keynote speakers and attending workshops with industry experts, but equally our annual collaboration with Westfield Kotara for a seasonal fashion preview is also a highlight. In the lwellness space, we have a long-standing relationship with Endota Spa in Newcastle where we have held workshops and events in their gorgeous spa locations. In recent years we have also been fortunate to participate in partnerships with Commonwealth Bank, Newcastle Writers Festival, CPA Australia and Community First Credit Union to ensure that high profile Australian women key note speakers come into Newcastle, including Layne Beachley, Jessica Rowe and Mia Freedman.
Main challenges in keeping the network running?
Gen Collective is run by volunteers. Time constraints and competing priorities with work and family commitments are challenges, however we have become good at delegating.
Future goals?
To continue to be a network which offers someone new in their career, or to the Newcastle region, an exciting opportunity to build more than just business relationships with like-minded people.
What do members gain?
Access to many types of events, which showcase great content and speakers at some of our city’s best venues. I am thrilled to say that every Gen Collective event I have been to, I walk away with the feeling that I have genuinely connected to someone and learnt something new – this is absolutely the reason Gen Collective has been such an important part of my life.
