Past Gwen Events · Women’s networking events since 2024We’ve done this before.
And some very good things happen when you put the right women in a room together.
On film · November 2025
Hudson Manor
This isn’t our first room.
GWEN has hosted events and business workshops across the Garden Route, bringing women in business together for meaningful connection, visibility and practical learning.
Previous sponsors and partners
Speakers and expert brands
Previous venues
Barrington’s · Entabeni Farm · Kay & Monty Vineyards · The Foundation · George Arts Theatre · Weylandts · The Terrace · Sirocco · Bosky Dell Farm, Rose Pavilion · Luka Vineyards
What women say after the event
“The support and collaboration have been invaluable, and I've gained wonderful clients through the connections I've made. When you show up, build relationships and make use of the opportunities available, the network really works.”
“I've learned a lot, met women with so much to share, and the networking opportunities have been brilliant. When you show up, get involved and make use of the network, that's where the real value happens. Lorenza's enthusiasm is infectious.”
“I've not only gained new clients and business opportunities, but also made some wonderful friends.”
★★★★★Quicket review
“This was an extraordinary event! I will attended this definitely again. Great networking, well organised, and well worth the money spent on tickets.”
★★★★★Quicket review
“A warm inspirational event, loved the speed networking, would have enjoyed doing that even longer! It was a lot of fun. Welldone GWEN aka Lorenza ;)”
★★★★★Quicket review
“It was a great experience, and a wonderful evening with everyone chatting and laughing and connecting which is so great and this will grow into something so special with amazing connections being made”
★★★★★Quicket review
“Thanks Lorenza, for such an awesome day yesterday! Huge congratulations on putting on such a professional and world-class event. Was so good to reconnect with you and other old friends, as well as to meet such inspiring other women too. Looking forward to the next one already! xx”
★★★★★Quicket review
“What a stunning evening and great opportunity to meet like-minded driven people! Loved the happy energy in the room and I thoroughly enjoyed the guest speakers. Thank you Lorenza!!! When is the next one? ;)”
Saturday 20 June 2026
Kay & Monty Vineyards, The Crags
Kay & Monty Vineyards is a GWEN member: see the listing →
- Keynote: Lorna Scott, founder of Inverroche Gin
- Inverroche welcome drink
- Twelve exhibitors each introduced their business from the stage
- Wine tastings from Telluric Wine Estate and THAT Wine
- Seated lunch
- Lucky business-card draw
Saturday 28 February 2026
The Terrace, George
- The first GWEN event in George
- Keynote: Di Marshall, founder of Wonki Ware
- 100 women in the room
- Partnered with Glacier by Sanlam, with Hannah of Simplifi Law speaking
- Wine tastings from Kay & Monty, Newstead Wines and Jakkalsvlei
- Audrey on saxophone
Saturday 29 November 2025
Hudson Manor, Entabeni Farm, Knysna
- Keynote: Samantha Skyring, founder of Oryx Desert Salt
- Partnered with Glacier by Sanlam
- Jill Jacobs of Glacier on money stories and financial confidence
- 100 women in the room
- Partnered with incredible local vineyards
- Expo tables, wine tasting and lucky draw
Saturday 30 August 2025
The Rose Pavilion, Bosky Dell Farm
- The first daytime Saturday event, 11am to 3pm
- Panel: “Doing Business Smarter, Not Harder” with Carol Hampshire, Mari-Luisa and Lorenza Allan
- Sponsored by Straughan Inc.
- Speed networking
- Welcome bubbly and expo tables
- Prize: two nights in Plett from Straughan Inc. And so many more!
Thursday 22 May 2025
Barrington’s, Plettenberg Bay
- The first GWEN event in Plett
- Keynote: Seanagh Fannin of Carrick Athena on financial empowerment, with Q&A
- Structured networking, matched in pairs for six minutes each
- Woman-owned Expo tables
- Dinner and drinks
- Lucky draw with incredible prizes
Thursday 13 February 2025
The Foundation, Knysna
- Panel: Natalie Laubli and Sharlee Moriarty on marketing and social media
- Expo of products by women makers stocked at The Foundation
- Raffle that raised over R5,000 for Revive Knysna
- Live saxophone by Irene Vermaak
- Affogato and juice bar
- Photographed by Jacey Searra
Thursday 7 November 2024
Upstairs at Sirocco, Knysna
- Speakers: Catherine Black of Black Mountain Agency on AI and content, Pauli Coetsee Botha of Ile de Païn and Nest, and Maricia Schempers of Meraki Scrubs
- Sponsored by Investec
- One-minute elevator pitches
- Prize: four seats on the Knysna Above helicopter flight, from AER Helicopters
- Prosecco on arrival
- The Gwen Members' Club announced for the first time
Thursday 11 July 2024
Upstairs at Sirocco, Knysna
- The first ever GWEN event
- Speakers: Thelma and Liezie Schempers, Charlotte Jones and Kamantha Mannar
- Speed networking
- Ice-breaker questions to get conversations going
- Dinner and bubbly
- Sponsored prizes
Next
Come to the next one.
Saturday 14 November 2026 · Luka Vineyards, Plettenberg Bay