How BESydney Helped Bring the 5th World Conference of Women’s Shelters to Sydney

Representing nearly 300 grassroots women’s organisations, WESNET plays a critical role in advocating for safety, equity, and innovation in support services for those affected by gender-based violence. With a strong commitment to underrepresented voices, WESNET saw 5WCWS as an opportunity to advance global collaboration and shine a light on both Australia’s leadership and its challenges.

That ambition aligned naturally with BESydney’s Social Impact Strategy, a globally recognised model for embedding purpose into business events. Together, BESydney and WESNET are proving that a conference, when guided by the right partnerships, can become a catalyst for transformation.

Beyond the Bid: Aligning on Purpose

The World Conference of Women’s Shelters is the largest and most influential international gathering focused on violence against women. Until now, it had never been hosted in the Southern Hemisphere.

Bentley and the WESNET Board recognised Sydney’s potential. “We needed a destination that not only had global appeal but could also offer safety, accessibility, and affordability – especially for delegates from low- and middle-income countries,” Bentley explains.

BESydney’s Social Impact Strategy was key to strengthening the case for Sydney. Grounded in specific impact pathways and domains (including equity, ‘Women in’ leadership, First Nations inclusion, and regional engagement) it provided the strategic clarity WESNET needed.

“BESydney was a logical choice for WESNET as a strategic partner to help us deliver on our social impact goals,”Bentley says. “They shared our long-term vision, helping us think through every layer of the delegate experience, from cost and transport to safety, inclusion and legacy.”

Building Regional Momentum

One of the most significant outcomes WESNET hoped to achieve through 5WCWS is the creation of a women’s shelter network for the Oceania region, something that does not yet exist. Bentley says: “Many countries in our region experience high rates of violence against women. Connecting to share practice approaches and build a network will be transformative.”

With BESydney’s support, WESNET is using the conference as a foundation for long-term collaboration, not just a four-day gathering. “The conference is our anchor, but the real impact will be what comes after,” Bentley notes. “We’re planting the seeds for partnerships across the Pacific that will grow well beyond 2025.”

This ambition fits squarely within the goals of BESydney’s Social Impact Strategy, which places strong emphasis on regional engagement and long-term legacy across the Asia-Pacific.

Unlocking Financial and Social Accessibility

Accessibility for 5WCWS went well beyond physical infrastructure. For WESNET, genuine inclusion means addressing the financial barriers that have historically excluded frontline workers from global conversations. “We’re changing that,”says Bentley.

The conference model included two scholarship categories, one covering registration and another contributing to travel and accommodation. Through a collaborative funding approach involving government, philanthropy and private partners, WESNET worked to support those who might otherwise be unable to attend.

This reflects the wider intent of BESydney’s Social Impact Strategy, which redefines accessibility to include affordability and representation for First Nations, grassroots and underrepresented communities.

Creating Local & Global Legacy

What distinguishes BESydney on the international stage is its unwavering commitment to legacy. Every detail of the 5WCWS was planned with impact in mind, from programme design to community participation.

The conference featured a First Nations Lounge and dedicated workshop space, guided by Indigenous experts, ensuring that cultural knowledge and healing practices are integrated into the experience. Through storytelling, ceremony, art, and inclusion in the speaker line-up, these components aimed to make the conference not only inclusive but transformative.

There are also efforts to connect with local shelters and frontline workers, and to build volunteering pathways that allow both locals and visitors to contribute meaningfully. “For many of our delegates, this isn’t just professional development, it’s deeply personal. It’s a moment to be seen, valued, and feel like part of a global movement,” Bentley says.

“Women’s specialist services can be life-saving. From prevention to recovery, this event brings together global and local voices that can drive change at every level. We know this work has the power to change – and save – lives.”

How BESydney Measures Social Impact

For BESydney, legacy is measurable. Their practical impact framework begins early in the bidding process and continues beyond the final session, enabling them to work with clients and community groups to define shared goals and track progress.

Their methodology draws on tools such as surveys, interviews and data analysis to understand the full range of outcomes for delegates, for Sydney, and for the communities involved. Aligned with frameworks like the UN Sustainable Development Goals and local government priorities, it offers a comprehensive view of what success looks like in the business events sector.

“We want every event we host in Sydney to leave a legacy – not just make a profit or create memories,” says BESydney CEO Amanda Lampe. “Our job is to help clients bring their purpose to life in a way that matters long after the closing session.”

As the world continues to confront gender-based violence, inequality and displacement, the 5WCWS arrives at a critical moment. Thanks to the partnership between WESNET and BESydney, the 2025 conference not only marked the first time this global forum was held in the Southern Hemisphere; it also helped lay the foundations for systemic change across the region.

To learn more about incorporating social impact into your next Sydney event contact BESydney.