Empowering Change: Reflections from Women in Tech: Warsaw

Last week, I had the incredible opportunity to attend the Women in Tech conference in Warsaw. This event brought together a diverse group of women from around the globe, all united by their passion for technology and innovation. As someone deeply invested in market research and insights, I was eager to learn about the latest trends, network with industry leaders, and be inspired by the groundbreaking work being done by women in tech. Finally, I was surprised by the conference's commitment to sustainability which left a lasting impression on me, showcasing a forward-thinking approach to event management.

The conference atmosphere was vibrant, with attendees eager to share knowledge, foster connections, and support one another. The venue had a sense of community and empowerment, providing women with a space to showcase their talents, exchange ideas, and celebrate their achievements in a male-dominated field.

One of the standout features of the conference was its dedication to sustainable practices. All the food provided at the event was vegan, demonstrating a conscious effort to minimise environmental impact. The organisers also emphasised climate action by dedicating an entire stage to climate-related talks, reflecting the tech community’s growing focus on sustainability.

I attended several workshops that provided hands-on experience with the latest technologies. I want to highlight a session titled "Breaking Barriers: Women in Science Program - Perspectives for Empowerment" which featured successful female entrepreneurs sharing their journeys and seeing how these speakers paved the way for future generations of women in tech.

The dedicated climate stage hosted several impactful discussions on how technology can address environmental challenges. One of the most thought-provoking sessions was by Joanna Maraszek, who spoke on "How to Quantify a Company's Climate Impact?" Her talk highlighted the importance of measuring and managing a company’s environmental footprint, providing practical insights and tools for businesses to adopt more sustainable practices. Joanna's approach to quantifying climate impact was both innovative and actionable, offering valuable takeaways for those looking to integrate sustainability into their business models.

I asked Ajitha (who was presenting a workshop on the first day) what she thought of the event and she saw AI everywhere!

“One word that was in the minds and lips of all the attendees of the Women in Tech event in Warsaw was AI. It was simply impossible to escape its influence, and I am equally guilty of contributing to the buzz. I conducted a workshop titled “What to ask when buying AI-based services" —a highly relevant topic given the increasing presence and necessity of AI in businesses everywhere.  

Through this workshop, I had the opportunity to introduce the audience to ESOMAR’s 20 questions to help buyers of AI-based services for market research and insights. Despite the document’s focus on AI-based services designed for market research activities, the questions identified by the project team in this guidance still rang relevant as they saw their relevance and significance in their respective fields. This was also evident from the questions raised during and after the workshop, which enriched the discussion even more.  

My interest in AI took me to attend the session “In the battle against global hunger: will AI end starvation or widen economic gaps?”. This presentation by BCG began with a sobering overview of the current state of global hunger, eliciting gasps from some of the audience members. However, it ended on a hopeful note, showcasing AI’s potential role in helping farmers manage crops, including innovative practices like vertical farming.” - Ajitha

This conference was more than just an event; it was a celebration of the significant contributions women are making to the tech industry. It highlighted the importance of diversity and inclusion in driving innovation and showed how women are at the forefront of technological advancements.

We left with a wealth of knowledge, new connections, and a renewed sense of purpose in supporting the advancement of women in the tech industry. The conference’s emphasis on sustainability, particularly the vegan food offerings and climate-focused discussions, emphasised the tech community’s commitment to a greener future. As I continue to explore the intersection of technology and market research, I am inspired by the incredible work being done by women in this field and look forward to contributing to a more inclusive and sustainable future.