"Companies across Africa are experiencing the innovation and collaboration that talented female leaders are bringing to the workplace. We are currently in an exciting phase, as the business world adapts to the impact that these tech leaders bring to a range of industries. It's time to come together to explore new ways of encouraging innovation, diversity and collaboration, as Africa continues its steady rise on the world stage."

So says Debby Edelstein, CEO of QualityLife Company, organiser of the Wired Women Conference set to take place at the Protea Hotel Parktonian, in Braamfontein, on Thursday 23 October.

Delegates to the fourth annual Wired Women Conference will have the opportunity to hear first-hand insights from some of the top female and male tech and business leaders on the African continent. "We have recently seen a surge in mentorship by experienced tech leaders to the rising female stars on the continent. Women are talking about diversity, change and the impact they make in their organisations. The conference will connect more of our rising female and male tech stars and unlock new opportunities for collaboration and knowledge-sharing."

The one-day conference will feature a range of keynote presentations and panel discussions with some of the most recognisable names in tech, including Enyonam Kumahor, regional managing director of ThoughtWorks, which was nominated as Best African Company of 2013; Professor Barry Dwolatzky, director of the Joburg Centre for Software Engineering; and Dr Miriam Altman, Head of Strategy at Telkom. "Staying true to our vision of also creating a platform for tomorrow's rising stars, the conference will also feature a number of up-and-coming female tech leaders who are making an impact in their organisations."

"After a long association with QualityLife, Strate is pleased to once again be sponsoring the Wired Women Conference. Events of this nature bring together businesswomen to discuss not only the future of technology, but more importantly, the ways in which we can bring more women into this growing industry," says Monica Singer, CEO of Strate.

Kusile Mtunzi-Hairwadzi, General Manager of the MTN SA Foundation, also sponsor of the Wired Women Conference, says: "MTN SA Foundation's ICT development projects are not only about supporting the implementation of technology in communities. Developing innovative solutions that allow all to leverage the growing talents in ICT has become a key pillar in our foundation programmes. We will continue to make a significant contribution in developing women for leading roles in the bold new digital world that beckons women in the 21st century and beyond."

Panel discussion themes at this year's conference includes:

* Creating a culture of innovation
* Tech start-up: Who dares wins
* Best tech tools for marketing your business and career

"Anyone who is intrigued by technology, no matter their level of experience or knowledge, should join us on 23 October. The exciting speaker line-up and range of important panel discussion topics will provide a platform for open discussion free from intimidating jargon. If you feel that you can make a contribution to the rise of tomorrow's African tech and business stars, book your seat now," says Edelstein.

Call Lizzy Mafalo on 011 880 9749, or go to www.wiredwomen.co.za to book your seat.