About this Event
Experience GWBC’s biggest and most anticipated event of the year, celebrating International Women’s Day in a stunning waterfront setting in Geelong.
GWBC Geelong 2026 is an empowering, inspiring, and inclusive networking event designed to bring like-minded people together to connect, network, and socialise, while engaging in meaningful conversations around confidence, leadership, business, life and all things in between.
Expect an unforgettable night filled with inspiring speakers, honest dialogue, laughter, and connection - all in a beautifully curated setting by the water. Champagne on arrival, canapés through out the night, and thoughtful surprises included.
⭐ Event Details ⭐
🗓 Saturday, 21st March 2026
⏰ 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM
📍 Bayside, Geelong
🥂 Champagne on arrival
🍴 Gourmet canapés
✨ Event Theme
STEP INTO YOUR MOST AUTHENTIC, CONFIDENT SELF
For business, life and all things in between.
Here’s what to expect:
🎤 A powerful keynote address from Colleen Callander
💬 An inspiring panel discussion with Tess Holmes, Jess Byrnem Emily Finalyson and other speakers (more to be announced)
🧠 Honest, thought-provoking conversations designed to create real impact
🤝 Mingle with like-minded women in a relaxed cocktail-style setting with networking, connection, and collaboration opportunities
🥂 Champagne on arrival
🍴 Gourmet canapés
📚 A copy of Colleen Callander’s best-selling book (valued at $34.95)
🎁 Exciting door prizes
🧘♀️Intention setting with the inspiring Heather LA
✨ Actionable golden nuggets from our speakers that you can implement in your life and business
💖 Supporting a local charity in 2026
|| Keynote Speaker ||
Colleen Callander
Award-winning former CEO, best-selling author, keynote speaker, and business advisor
|| Panelists ||
Tess Holmes
Former celebrity makeup artist, marketing coordinator at RAEF The Label, and a trusted voice in confidence, beauty, and motherhood. Known for her natural approach and empowering education, Tess inspires women to feel confident, seen, and comfortable in their own skin.
Jess Byrne
Founder of Fuel Fitness, coach, and mum. Jess is passionate about helping women build strength, confidence, and sustainable movement habits through inclusive, judgement-free training — creating community-led spaces where women feel supported, capable, and strong.
Emily Finlayson
Myotherapist, Pilates practitioner, business owner, and mum. Founder of Payne Therapies and a Geelong local redefining confidence through movement, resilience, and self-trust — proving that challenges don’t stop you, they shape how you rise.
**Plus more panelists to be announced
|| Host / Founder of GWBC ||
Merrin Schnabel
@merrin_schnabel
|| Intention Setting ||
Heather LA
@theheatherla
|| Charity Partner ||
TBA
|| MC ||
TBA
GWBC is all about bringing like-minded people together to connect, network, and socialise. Our events are designed to leave you feeling empowered, inspired, and supported - with real conversations, real connections, and real takeaways.
Stay after the event to mingle, deepen connections, and make the most of the GWBC community.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Bayside Geelong Hotel & Apartments, 13-15 The Esplanade, Geelong, Australia
AUD 99.00 to AUD 119.00
