Connect, Collaborate, Celebrate
For over 30 years, Clarion Retail has been dedicated to curating best-in-industry furniture shows that connect businesses worldwide. During that time, we have seen countless women push the boundaries and drive the industry in ground-breaking ways.
Here, we believe in the power of connection, collaboration, and celebration of women's achievements. That’s why we’ve founded the Women in Furniture Network. Whatever position you hold within the furniture industry, our group offers a supportive space where you can grow and thrive professionally.
Most importantly, we want to give you the platform and network to share your perspectives to learn and connect with other like-minded women in the industry. Therefore, we are excited to bring you specialised networking events to support professional growth in a male-dominated industry.
See You On The 9 September At Olympia London!
Join the Women in Furniture Network at their next event on Monday 9th September at 4:30pm at Olympia London.
Centred round the theme Amplify Your Voice, WIFN will bring together a motivational panel to discuss the challenges that women face when taking their place at the table and how they can overcome them. No matter if you are a seasoned professional or just starting to discover your potential, this event provides a platform to connect, learn, and grow while learning to use your voice to impact change.
With a empowering panel discussion and unmissable networking opportunities, you can expect to hear from our expert panel as they offer inspiring stories and guidance on how they used their voice to lead change in the industry. Watch this space to find out who our panel first!!
REGISTER NOW
Please note, this event will be co-locating with the UK's leading design-led tradeshow, Top Drawer. So your registration will be for Top Drawer, but you will be able to access the WIFN event.
Our Panel For Our Next Event: Monday 9 September
Zoë Bonser
Portfolio Dircetor, Clarion Retail
As Portfolio Director, Zoë currently oversees 7 live events in the retail sector including January Furniture Show and Manchester Furniture Show, Home & Gift, Top Drawer Spring and Autumn, Scotland Trade Fair Spring and Autumn, as well as the digital platform REVEAL. Zoë is passionate about supporting young talent, coaching and mentoring and in particular empowering women within the workplace to fulfill their potential. Zoë has successfully launched 3 networks dedicated to women, latterly the Women in Furniture Network, which aims to improve the visibility of women in the furniture sector as well as provide much-needed networking opportunities and access to a new mentoring platform.
Joanna Hauptman
Co-Founder, Hyde House
Joanna is the driving force behind Hyde House, where she has seamlessly married her passion for bespoke furniture design with her unwavering commitment to crafting captivating interiors that resonate with sophistication. Having started out in the vibrant world of publishing and fashion, Joanna's journey has been a tapestry of influences that culminate in her distinctive design sensibility. Her early years in the fast-paced realm of fashion publishing armed her with an acute understanding of trends and an instinctive grasp of aesthetics. This invaluable experience set the stage for her seamless transition into the realm of interior design, where she has elevated the concept of luxury living.
Katie Marshall
Managing Director, Vidato Interiors UK and Director of Bluebird
Katie has over 20 years experience in the furniture trade, starting in furniture retail management in the Yorkshire region and expanding skills to representing manufacturers to the trade. She then held a position for 5 years in a National UK Sales role with Yask manufacturing from Poland, which further developed on to include the US. From here Katie held tenure for 13 years with Stressless furniture handling the North East and Scotland including all independent retailers and the HSL multiple. She is now the Managing director of Vidato Interiors UK, a bespoke upholstery manufacturer in the Netherlands and also Director of Bluebird Agents and Consultancy handling a number of manufacturing agencies for the UK.
Simone Suss
Founder of Studio Suss
Simone is the Founder of Studio Suss and recognised as one of the “Country and Townhouse 50 Finest UK Interior Designers 2024”. The studio's projects range from new-build private residences for high-net-worth individuals across the world, to commercial developments and branded office and retail spaces for companies.
Simone trained at Central St Martins College of Art and Design, the Chelsea School of Art and Design, and the Inchbald School of Design and is a regular guest lecturer at several design schools. She is an alumnus of the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership and sits on the Professional Practice and Sustainability committee of the British Institute of Interior Design (BIID) whom she represents on the Construction Industry Council Climate Change Committee. She is a founding signatory of Interior Design Declares who she represents on the Built Environment Declares Steering Group, collaborating with colleagues to set the interior design industry’s sustainability agenda and long-term strategy.
Plus, A Workshop From: Cheryl Busby
Cheryl Busby, People Consultant & Performance Coach
Cheryl will be taking the network through a insightful workshop on personal branding - Why pay attention to your Personal Branding? From the first impressions, to forming relationships, personal branding is integral for anyone's career. Cheryl will explore what personal branding is, why it matters and how to build yours - you won't want to miss it!
Our Next Events
Top Drawer
Location: Olympia London
Amplify Your Voice
9 September 2024
16:30-18:00
Theme: Find Your Voice
January Furniture Show
Location: NEC Birmingham
21 January 2025
17:30-19:30
Theme: Celebrating Success
Registration coming soon!
MENTORSHIP PLATFORM
Our events are the perfect space to meet and connect but we know that sometimes you need support or advice outside of our events. So we have created the Mentorship Platform where you can connect with our group of Mentors all at the top of their field across the furniture industry.
The platform is your space to connect with Mentors ready and willing to share their expertise and insights no matter what stage you are at on your career journey. Our diverse collection of Mentors are here to inspire, advise and support our fast growing network.
Whether you are looking for long term mentoring or some advice on facing a challenge, our group of Mentors are here to help.
Contact Franky now to find out more and access the Platform.
Hear From Our Members...
First Time Joining WIFN?
Here is what you can expect...
Our events are tailored to support women professionals in the furniture industry, providing an exceptional opportunity to establish connections, foster collaboration, and expand your professional network.
Meet Industry Leaders: With opportunities to listen to and meet key female leaders from across your industry. This is a great way to hear success stories and be inspired by accomplished women who have made a significant impact in the field of furniture.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with like-minded professionals, forge valuable partnerships, and expand your professional network. Share experiences, exchange ideas, and collaborate with fellow women in the industry.
Supportive Community: Join a community of like-minded women who share your passion for furniture and design. Build long-lasting relationships, find mentors, and contribute to a supportive network that can help navigate challenges and celebrate achievements together.
Provide Your Input: Let us know what we can do for you. This event is the first of many, and we want to make sure you get the most out of the WIFN.
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At Clarion, we recognise the incredible talent and expertise that women bring to the industry, and we believe in providing an equal platform to network, collaborate, and excel. As a Portfolio Director, I understand that networking is crucial for professional development and recognise that women can face unique challenges and biases. We firmly believe that diversity and inclusion are essential for a thriving industry, and we are actively working towards creating more opportunities, promoting leadership roles, and celebrating the achievements of women in this field. I invite all women in the UK furniture sector to join our Women in Furniture Network and I look forward to seeing many of you at our upcoming event.
Women In Furniture Network News
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The Women in Furniture Network are excited to announce their speaker line-up for their next event! Taking place at Olympia London on Monday 9 September at 4:30pm, read on to find out more...
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The Women in Furniture Network (WIFN) are excited to announce the keynote speaker for their fifth event at the Manchester Furniture Show on the 11 July. WIFN will be hosting a Brunch where La-Z-Boy In ...
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After the success of the first Women in Furniture Network event in June, there are 3 upcoming new dates for women from across the UK to unite in their shared passion for innovation and design. As the ...
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Clarion Retail, the organiser of trade events including the January Furniture Show, Manchester Furniture Show, Home Interiors Show, Top Drawer and Home & Gift, has announced its next Women in Furnitur ...
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Clarion Retail (the organiser of industry trade shows including January Furniture Show, Manchester Furniture Show, Home & Gift and Top Drawer) has announced three more meeting dates for its Women in F ...
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Clarion Retail, the organiser of trade events including the January Furniture Show, Manchester Furniture Show, Home Interiors Show, Top Drawer and Home & Gift, has launched a professional network to e ...
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The first Women in Furniture Network (WIFN) event, held at London's Furniture Makers’ Hall yesterday afternoon, saw attendees from diverse areas of furniture and furnishings gather to network and hear ...
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The first Women in Furniture Network (WIFN) mixer – entitled Cocktails, Canapés and Connections – proved a resounding success, paving the way for more like it, says Zoë Bonser, portfolio director at t ...