From Shire Lunches to City Drinks: Women in Business Goes CBD

Last week marked a big moment for SLAM - we officially expanded our Women in Business series beyond the Shire and into the Sydney CBD, launching our first Women in Business Networking Drinks.

And it delivered in every way.

Built From Something That Already Works

Our monthly Women in Business Lunches in the Shire have become a core part of SLAM - consistently selling out, with women returning month after month because the connections are genuine and the conversations go deeper than surface level.

So stepping into the city wasn’t about starting something new - it was about growing something that already works.

Taking that same energy… and bringing it into a new space.

Two Formats, One Purpose

The Shire lunches and city drinks each bring their own rhythm — and that’s what makes this evolution so exciting.

In the Shire:

• Slower, intimate lunch setting

• Deeper, more personal conversations

• A familiar, close-knit feel

In the City:

• After-work drinks energy

• A mix of industries and backgrounds

• A vibrant, high-energy atmosphere

Different formats. Same intention: real connection for ambitious women.

The Night: A Rooftop in the City

Hosted at Melba’s Rooftop, the setting set the tone from the start.

Sweeping harbour views, golden hour light, and that unmistakable city backdrop created a space that felt elevated, yet relaxed enough for conversations to unfold naturally.

From the moment everyone arrived, there was a buzz, with over 20 women in the room, all showing up open, confident, and genuinely ready to connect.

It was the women who made the night. Driven, welcoming, and generous in the way they shared, supported, and engaged with one another.

No awkward networking.

No forced small talk.

Just real conversations, flowing effortlessly.

When Ambitious Women Get Together

There’s often a perception that ambition creates competition.

But what we saw in that room was something else entirely.

• Women supporting each other instantly

• Sharing ideas and perspectives

• Making meaningful introductions

• Talking collaborations before the night even ended

“I almost didn’t come because I didn’t know anyone - it ended up being the best decision I’ve made this month.”

The energy was powerful - not just in the moment, but in what it sparked beyond the room.

A Natural Next Step

This wasn’t just about one night in the city.

It’s part of a bigger shift - growing what already works in the Shire, and creating more opportunities for women to connect across Sydney.

Different spaces. Different formats.

But always the same intention.

What’s Ahead

If this first city event was anything to go by, there’s a lot more to come.

We’re continuing to explore new spaces, new venues, and new ways to bring ambitious women together - both in the Shire and now across the CBD.

And as these rooms continue to grow, so does the impact of the connections being made within them.

If you’re curious to experience one of these rooms for yourself, you can explore our upcoming events here.