Welcoming, fun and encouraging
“Loved meeting the freshest alumni, so passionate and excited,” was one Alumnus’ answer to the 2025 Alumni Dinner feedback form question, ‘what stood out for you?’. An alumnus commented, “Great vibe; openness, warmth, smarts! Like my Accelerator group on steroids!!” and also noted on the feedback form “The numbers of wonderful women who were there; catching up with friends and meeting new ones; and hearing women do their pitches for board roles.”
The venue was accessible. The food was tasty. Although year after year, what matters most when it comes to the annual Alumni Dinner is being able to connect with a bunch of great women and gender diverse people who met through my KickStarter and Accelerator programs.
Connections, friendship and opportunities: The alumni dinner
Before the 6:30 pm dinner commenced, the Angliss Restaurant was a hub of activity as our pre-booked professional headshot sessions got underway. Photographer, Shaney, a welcome and familiar face to the Take on Board alumni community, then skillfully gathered the group.
Whilst our move to the front steps was prompted by a fire alarm and evacuation (!), it was fortunately not an actual fire, so it didn’t dampen our spirits! We used the opportunity to grab our group shot. Shaney captured a dynamic group photo of the Take on Board KickStarter and Accelerator alumni dinner guests, representing the thriving 300-strong alumni network. The evening started with an unmistakable atmosphere of connections and laughter, setting the perfect tone for the night ahead.
Connections: Around the room
Throughout the evening, Shaney moved around the room, capturing the lively atmosphere in small group shots and candid moments around the tables. Many new connections were formed and old friendships were rekindled.
Mix and mingle: Table switcheroo!
Once the first course was enjoyed, it was time for a little ‘table switcheroo’! Everyone was game to move around, shuffling to new seats. It was a great way to break the ice and get everyone chatting with someone different.
Wrapping up with board marketplace
Board marketplace is an important part of any Take on Board event, whether it be the dinner or other events such as the Take on Board breakfasts (check the events calendar). Many have discovered their next board role through a Take on Board event (shout out to Kate Badgery-Parker, providing her own example of both finding board roles and finding great people for board vacancies at these events)!
“Anyone have a board role they’d like to advertise?” I called out to the room. “Or does anyone want to advertise themselves for a board role?”
I love board marketplace. Not only do we get to hear about new board roles, we also get to find out about each other’s board roles and boardroom expectations and changes.
Continue to meet, connect and have fun…
There are a number of ways you can maintain connections. Use the phone numbers and email addresses exchanged on the night (they’re also in the dinner booklet).
The alumni have access to the very active wider Take on Board community through:
These groups play a big role in supporting our boardroom journeys.
The Take on Board podcast sits at the core of this community. It’s where I explore topics suggested by community members. I announce events and special opportunities. You can subscribe through your favourite podcast app. I would love it if you would share an episode with a friend who might be interested. Ratings and reviews are also welcome.
