Ex Animo and Digital Women’s Network – New York Study Tour 2019

Empowering Future Leaders: The 2019 New York Study Tour by Ex Animo and Digital Women’s Network

In 2019, Ex Animo partnered with the Digital Women’s Network to create the New York Study Tour, a business innovation and leadership event that provided participants with unparalleled access to the world’s most influential business minds. The tour, which was designed for budding leaders, C-Suite executives, and business owners, combined high-energy professional development sessions with immersive cultural experiences in New York City. The event was structured to include workshops, networking opportunities, and attendance at the World Business Forum, all aimed at equipping participants with the knowledge and tools to drive business innovation and leadership excellence.

DATE2019
INDUSTRYEducation

The Challenge

The Digital Women’s Network sought to transform its members’ professional development experience by organising an international study tour focused on business innovation and leadership. The challenge was to design a comprehensive, engaging, and high-impact event in one of the world’s most dynamic cities: New York. The event needed to cater to a diverse audience of leaders, executives, and business owners while providing practical tools and insights that participants could apply directly to their businesses.

The Ex Animo Transformation

Ex Animo collaborated closely with the Digital Women’s Network to bring the New York Study Tour to life, ensuring a seamless experience combining world-class learning and unforgettable cultural immersion.

  • Event Design and Planning: Ex Animo was instrumental in conceptualising and planning the tour, which offered two options: a two-day and a five-day experience. Both options included attendance at the World Business Forum, where participants could learn from global thought leaders.
  • Pre-Tour Preparation: The tour started with a pre-tour workshop in Melbourne titled “Mindset Mapping Your Journey.” This session helped participants define their personal and professional objectives, setting the stage for a focused and intentional learning experience in New York.
  • Immersive New York Experience: Upon arrival in New York, participants were greeted with a blend of business-focused workshops and cultural exploration. Highlights included:
    • Ambition Workshop: Led by Tony McGinn OAM, this session helped participants map out their business and personal ambitions.
    • Walk Like a Boss Tour: A guided tour of iconic New York landmarks, providing opportunities for networking and team bonding.
    • Art of Networking Event: A signature event by the Digital Women’s Network that focused on mastering networking skills in a fun and interactive environment.
  • World Business Forum: Attendees spent two days at the World Business Forum, gaining insights from renowned speakers such as Simon Sinek and Janet Yellen on topics ranging from leadership to innovation and global economic trends.
  • Post-Tour Integration: To ensure that the learning from the tour was effectively applied, Ex Animo and the Digital Women’s Network hosted a post-tour workshop in February 2020. This session provided a platform for participants to reflect on their experiences, share insights, and develop strategies for integrating their learnings into their professional lives.

Results

The 2019 New York Study Tour was a resounding success, delivering on its promise to empower participants with the knowledge and tools to drive innovation and leadership within their organizations. The combination of high-calibre speakers, immersive workshops, and cultural experiences provided a unique and impactful learning journey. Participants left the tour not only inspired but equipped with actionable strategies to implement in their businesses.

Participant Feedback

Participants praised the tour for its comprehensive content, expert facilitation, and the unique blend of professional development with the vibrant energy of New York City. The event solidified the Digital Women’s Network’s reputation as a leader in delivering high-impact professional development experiences.