Australia's fast-growing and dynamic women's professional networking community, Collabor8Women, has unveiled its 2025 Venue Partners, reinforcing its commitment to fostering meaningful business connections over exceptional dining experiences.
This year's line-up includes eight of Sydney's most celebrated female-led venues, from waterfront icons to bold new dining destinations, plus Collabor8Women favourites.
The Collabor8Women 2025 Venue Partners are:
Betel Leaf, Bathers' Pavilion Olympus, Redfern Bloodwood, Newtown Cibaria, Manly Pacific Bistro Rex, Potts Point Catalina, Rose Bay The Butler, Potts Point love.fish, Barangaroo
Announced this week at Hickson House, in Sydney's historic Rocks precinct, the event attracted 130 professional women from diverse industries for an evening of connection, conversation, and collaboration—hallmarks of the Collabor8Women experience. Among the guests were leading women in hospitality and regular Collabor8Women attendees Judy McMahon (Catalina), Baci Moore (Bistro Rex), and Michelle Grand-Milkovic (love.fish).
Judy McMahon said: "What I loved about it was the energy in the room and the fact that everyone seemed to be very interested in everyone else."
Reflecting on the 20 events she has attended over the past three years, Michelle Grand-Milkovic said: "You have people on your table you didn't know you needed … somehow they (Karen and Sam) know exactly who to put together."
"This is the first time we've announced our Venue Partners for the year ahead—a testament to the strong relationships and trust we've built within the hospitality industry since launching Collabor8Women with just one table of eight in December 2021," said co-founder Karen Eck.
"Over the past three years, we've hosted 28 highly successful events, grown our network to over 1,000 high-calibre professional women, and contributed an estimated $1 million in economic value to New South Wales," added Karen.
"Collabor8Women has always been about more than just networking—it's about the energy in the room, the unexpected conversations, and the strength of the connections made," said co-founder Samantha Theron. "We choose our venues with that same philosophy in mind—each one offers a unique atmosphere that enhances the experience, making every event something truly special."
"The right setting transforms an event—it creates an experience, sets the mood, and encourages genuine engagement. This year's venues were chosen for their ability to do just that. From coastal classics to bold, modern spaces, each one brings something special to our community," added Samantha.
"With an exciting year ahead, Collabor8Women continues to redefine professional networking—where powerful connections are made, ideas are shared, and the city's best dining spots set the scene," said Karen.
About us:
About Collabor8Women: Networking Done Differently
Founded by Karen Eck and Samantha Theron in December 2021, Collabor8Women is an invitation-only networking collective connecting professional women across industries and leadership levels in a relaxed, engaging environment.
With a growing network of 1,000+ women across Australia, it has become a sought-after community known for authentic connections, thought-provoking conversations, and premium dining experiences. By redefining networking, Collabor8Women fosters meaningful dialogue and collaboration in exceptional venues. Collabor8Women supports women leaders in hospitality, including owners, head chefs and sommeliers. Register for an invite: www.collabor8women.com
