AIM & WIN Partner To Offer Free Public Speaking Training For Women In Music

16 January 2017 - Press release

The Association of Independent Music (AIM) and the Worldwide Independent Network (WIN) have partnered to offer a free public speaking course for women working in music, as part of the two organisations’ commitment to championing equality and diversity in the music industry. The course will be delivered by WIN CEO Alison Wenham at AIM’s Chiswick headquarters, and offer 14 women in music the opportunity to develop their public speaking skills and confidence.

A recent Huffington Post blog by AIM Marketing & Events Director Lara Baker highlighted the difficulty of organising gender-balanced conferences in the music industry, in part because women are more likely to decline public speaking invitations. By providing this training, AIM and WIN hope to empower women who may lack the confidence to speak at events with the skills and confidence that they need, and offer a practical solution to the imbalance that exists at industry events.

The pilot session will take place at AIM’s London headquarters in Chiswick on Tuesday 28^th February from 2.30-5.30pm, and offer 14 places which will be allocated at random from those who apply.  Women working in the UK music business who have not previously done more than 2 public speaking engagements are eligible to apply. 

The session will be led by WIN CEO Alison Wenham OBE, who has over 35 years experience leading music companies and organisations, including previous engagements as MD of Conifer Records and BMG Entertainment International (UK), and as Chairman and CEO of AIM. Alison has received an OBE for services to the Creative Industries, been inducted into the MMF Roll of Honour and in 2016 received the Music Week Outstanding Contribution to Music award at their annual Women in Music Awards. Alison will share her tips and techniques for effective public speaking, whether as part of an industry panel, giving a presentation or delivering a keynote speech.  Further sessions will follow during 2017 according to demand.

Alison Wenham, CEO of WIN, commented: ‘It is entirely natural to fear public speaking, but avoiding it is not in anyone’s interests. A little bit of training goes a long way to overcoming the stress of making a public presentation or appearing on a panel. We are offering these sessions free of charge as part of our continuing commitment to gender diversity in our industry.’

Paul Pacifico, CEO of AIM, commented: ‘At AIM, we are absolutely committed to our work on improving diversity in the music industry including the gender balance.  This training will equip attendees with the tools and support they need to take on public speaking with confidence, and should in turn lead to industry events which more accurately represent the breadth of talented people in our industry.’

To apply for a place, email lara@musicindie.com by Wednesday 25th January. Successful applicants will be notified the following week.