Vegan Women Summit 2023 - NYC

When I heard that this year’s summit was in New York, I knew I wouldn’t be able to resist the pull of meeting all those like-minded people in one place!

I just got back from Vegan Women Summit in New York and I have been floored by the optimism, the energy and the slick execution of a multi-streamed event with over 1000 attendees, 2 stages, 3 venues and simultaneous activations going on. As an event organiser myself, I know the hard graft that goes into the planning and execution of such an event and let me tell you, it is no mean feat!.

What impressed me the most was the level of professionalism - most of the consumer vegan events in the UK look like they are organised by geriatrics whereas this was straight out of a millennial’s playbook. There were influencers as far as the eye could see, plenty of photo opportunities in front of the logo (though I failed to get a single one! Whoops!), and great food and music to keep the vibes rolling. Even into the 3rd day of the event; everywhere you looked, people were smiling, nodding their heads and laughing. In fact, I can’t think of another consumer event I have been to with such good vibes! The standard has been set!

Since it was held in New York, Jenny had organised a VIP Cocktail reception for the night before at the Mayor of New York’s place, Gracie Mansion on the bank of the Hudson complete with an address from Eric Adams himself!

Eric has changed the menus in hospitals in New York State so the default option is plant-based - and the 2nd option is too! This is the kind of thought leadership we need from politicians in 2023 - not the greenwashing we so often get. Naturally, not everyone agrees with all his policies: the event was stormed during his speech by activists demanding answers on his housing policies, which was a surprise for us all! I was standing with Sandhya from Shiok Meats at the time, and she turned to me and commented with grin, “Well, you don’t get this in Singapore!”.

The drama was shortlived however and the room quickly returned to a lively buzz of vegans meeting vegans; sharing stories and delicious food supplied by Wicked Kitchen. I had a blast meeting up with some of the women I’ve only ever met online, and helping Miyoko Schinner into the venue with her bags. I hadn’t seen her since ExpoWest so it was good to reconnect and hear about her upcoming trips to Italy.

Miyoko also opened the big event on Friday and talked about how white men have dominated the plant-based and animal rights space. From the representation there, it seemed odd that this is the case and with 80% of vegans being women, forced you to ask yourself why this is. Uncomfortable questions were the order of the day as Jenny Stojkovic and Deena Shanker from Bloomberg hit the stage to discuss Deena’s blistering critique of the plant-based industry which came out a few weeks ago.

Jenny put some salient arguments to Deena which seemed like the most part she agreed with. When Deena started to try and justify her position by asking for data from consumers on why they had stopped buying a certain product, my blood started to boil - how on earth could that data be collected? “Excuse me, can you tell me why you didn’t buy product X?” Crazy.

Apparently, she incensed some other audience members too and the heckling began from women at the front who were pointing out the health benefits of plant-based vs animal-based products. Deena kept her composure and Rachel Konrad, the moderator and industry expert, managed to pose their concerns back to Deena in a coherent question so the room could return to order. This event was not short on drama!

After the debate, it was time for some fun. A chef’s competition saw 3 female chefs compete against each other to create a unique and innovative dish using Impossible beef, TINDLE chicken and Wicked Ice Cream. They came up with some wild inventions - a stuffed poblano pepper with ice cream sauce; a waffle made of beef topped with ice cream and fried chicken with citrus overtones and a “rib” with lemongrass as the bone. The rib won the tastebuds of the judges unanimously and the creator, Chef Sonia Steele from Cleveland and her sister were overjoyed with the result as you can see!

There was so much going on, it’s impossible to report on it all! The after-party on the rooftop of a neighbouring building offered spectacular views of Manhattan at night and revved us up for the final day of fun on the 57th floor of the World Trade Centre. I think I was suffering from sensory overload by then as I took NO pics but will add them as I am sent them!

Day 3 saw Citizen Kind host a workshop where I posed the question, “What Can I Do?” having figured that by this stage the attendees would be sufficiently enthused to want to change their lives to integrate more activism and meaning into their work.

I was right! The reception was eager and grateful and I was surprised to have a line form after my talk to ask me follow-up questions. The most gratifying part was when a woman tearfully confessed that I had inspired her to quit her toxic job and pursue a more fulfilling career when she felt valued and appreciated. My cup runneth over!

Jenny’s Community Manager, Conny came and whispered to me, “Did you change someone’s life today?”

I replied, “ I think I did!”. The moments when you realise how much you have to offer and your value is what you determine it to be are so precious and if I can help one person discover their worth, then that feels like a job well done for me!

Here are some select snaps from the event - suffice to say, it was brilliant and I can’t wait for next year!