Marie-Claire Andrews
CEO | ShowGizmo
Wellington, New Zealand, NEW ZEALAND
CEO at SmartShow Ltd
Biography
Well, yes OK, I am a ginger ... but not a typical one! I like working — yes really I do — and seeing new places, listening to music that moves me, eating chocolate, chocolate-related food and food in general.
I'm a business development, sales and capital-raising specialist having run my own and other people's businesses. Prior to SmartShow, most recently I was the establishment General Manager of the Wellington (New Zealand's capital) angel investment network and my 'girl geek' status was confirmed when I was appointed as chair of Unlimited Potential, New Zealand's leading technology business network, in 2006, a position I held for two years. I have been interested in the potential for technology to shape meetings and events since my involvement with Virtual Expos NZ established in 2007.
I've also owned a sales/business development consultancy, started and sold a café, managed sales for an enterprise software company in Wellington, established a government project office and founded a tech-startup which funded my Philosophy degree.
When I said I liked work, I meant it! In my spare time, I'm actively involved in the World Mentor programme, mentoring schoolgirls planning tech careers and have recently set up Founder Friday, a peer-to-peer networking group for female tech entrepreneurs in Wellington. I also provide business advice to the local MakerSpace.
I moved to New Zealand with my partner from the UK in 2001 and never looked back. We now live on a 60ft fishing trawler which we're renovating — a massive project which has now lasted several years and one which underlines my personal philosophy; no pressure no diamonds.
My dreams for the future are to travel the world working to give women the skills and confidence to follow their own dreams.
Industry Expertise (2)
Information Technology and Services
Events Services
Areas of Expertise (3)
Event Apps
Event Technology
Showgizmo
Education (1)
University of Leeds: Hons., Philosophy 1999
Links (1)
Style
Availability
- Panelist
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