2025 - International Women's Entrepreneurial Challenge
IWEC Annual Conference · Barcelona · February. 9-12, 2025
2025 - International Women's Entrepreneurial Challenge
The International Women Entrepreneurial Challenge (IWEC) Foundation honored 33 women entrepreneurs from across the globe at its 17th Annual Conference, held at the IESE campus in Barcelona on February 9-11, 2025. The gala dinner took place at the historic commerce hall Llotja de Mar, where the awardees were presented with their trophies.
This edition’s sessions covered subjects such as the global economy, artificial intelligence, sustainability, the Orange Creative Economy, and global payment systems. It was hosted by IESE Business School, CaixaBank, Spanish Chamber of Commerce and Barcelona Chamber of Commerce.
IWEC is dedicated to developing a global network of successful women business owners. We bring together female entrepreneurs who are already in the global marketplace and want to expand, as well as those looking to branch out internationally. Headquartered in New York City, we work with approximately 50 international chambers of commerce and women’s business organizations.
As we navigate a new global landscape, the opportunities for innovation and growth are abundant and yet, challenging. Across industries and borders, disruptive technologies, new business models, and global connections are reshaping the way we work, connect, and lead. Women entrepreneurs are at the forefront of this transformation, leveraging their unique perspectives and leadership styles to innovate, collaborate, and drive progress.
At IWEC, we recognize the profound impact that women’s leadership can have in shaping the future of business. Today’s challenges require leaders who not only adapt to change but harness disruption as a tool for innovation and growth. The IWEC conference brings together a dynamic group of female business owners and entrepreneurs who are leading the charge.
As we gather in Barcelona for our 17th annual conference, we are not just discussing the future of business, we are actively creating it. Through knowledge-sharing, collaboration, and a strong, empowered network, we will explore how to harness innovation, leverage disruption, and unlock new avenues for growth. Our community of talented women leaders is proof that when we connect, empower, and support one another, there is no limit to what we can achieve.
And very specially, we will celebrate the founders who envisioned and inspired IWEC and look ahead to the future of women in business. Together, we will chart the course for the next chapter in global business leadership.
Organizers
Sponsors
At IESE, we have assembled a special collection of Academic Readings and Insights to help you prepare before the event and to complement, deepen, and expand on the discussions. You can access this additional content through IESE Publishing for the IWEC Conference.
Sunday, February 9
CaixaForum Montjuïc
19:00 – 20:00 |
Tribute to IWEC Founders: Ruth Davis, Adela Subirana, Mukta Nandini, and Nancy Ploeger |
How IWEC Founders and Institutional Supporters are Giving to Society Through IWEC
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20:00 – 20:45 |
Expo visit: Alice’s worlds |
20:45 – 21:45 |
Welcome Cocktail |
Monday, February 10
IESE Business School, Barcelona North Campus
8:30 – 9:00 |
Registration and Welcome Coffee |
9:00 – 9:30 |
Opening and Introduction |
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9:30 – 10:00 |
Dean Franz Heukamp, IESE Business School, introduced by Ibukun Awosika, Chairperson of IWEC |
10:00 – 10:30 |
Global Economic Outlook Under a Second Trump Administration |
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10:30 – 11:00 |
Awardees Presentation |
11:00 – 11:45 |
Coffee Break, Ubuntu Showcase |
11:45 – 12:45 |
AI: Using your Power for Good |
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12:45 – 14:15 |
Networking Lunch by Industry |
14:15 – 15:15 |
Integrating Sustainability into Your Business Model: Building it from the ground up or Evolving Existing Practices |
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15:15 – 15:45 |
Awardees Presentation |
15:45 – 16:30 |
Creative Orange Economy: Innovating the Future |
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16:30 |
Departure to hotels. Free evening |
Tuesday, February 11
IESE Business School, Barcelona North Campus
8:45 – 9:30 |
Scale your Company by Scaling yourself |
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9:30 – 9:45 |
… And Scale yourself from without |
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9:45 – 10:30 |
How to Overcome Barriers Claiming your Worth |
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10:35 – 11:05 |
Coffee Break |
11:05 – 12:00 |
Navigating Global and Local Payment Systems: Strategies for Seamless Transactions Across Borders |
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12:00 – 12:30 |
Shoutout Session with Nancy Ploeger |
| An open call where business women are invited to pitch the opportunities of expansion in their companies to open up conversations at lunch time | |
12:30 – 13:30 |
Networking Lunch |
13:30 – 14:30 |
The Power of Attitude. Learning from Teresa’s Courage and Achievements |
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14:30 – 15:00 |
Future of IWEC |
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15:30 |
Departure to Hotel – free afternoon |
Llotja de Mar (Barcelona Chamber of Commerce)
19:00 – 22:00 |
Gala Dinner & Awardees Recognition |
9:00 – 12:00 |
Company Visit |
| (First Come, First served) | |
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This 17th IWEC Conference Logistics Information guide provides all the essential details to ensure a seamless conference experience.
IESE has reached special agreements for a limited number of rooms with the following hotels at special rates until January 15. Please, see the their location in the attached map.
The hotel bookings will be handled by Anna Sánchez (anna@vintage.cat), who will send the paying link upon requests.
- Hotel NH Sants (n*) (10 rooms at 133.65€/night in double room single occupancy)
- Hotel AC Victoria Suites (n*) (30 rooms at 198€/night in double room single occupancy)
- Hotel NH Constanza (n*) (10 rooms at 201.30€/night in double room single occupancy)
- Hotel Palace (GL 5*) (10 rooms at 395€/night in double room single occupancy). Treat yourself with this unique opportunity in one of the most iconic hotels in town.
Bus transfers from and back to these hotels will be guaranteed by the organization according to the conference agenda
| Early bird fee: Nov. 8 - Dec. 30 | Regular fee: Dec. 31 - Feb. 5 | |
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| Standard (GD included) | €400 | €650 |
| Awardees 2024 (GD included) | €350 | €400 |
| Chambers & Supporting Inst. (GD included) | €350 | €400 |
| Under 30 years age (GD not included) | €50 | €50 |
| Gala dinner (GD) | €150 | €150 |
| Donation Row | €650 | €650 |
| IESE Alumni Members (GD Included) | €400 | €400 |