WOMEN4PROCESSING: A network for new ideas

Women are networking – and trade fairs provide the stage for this. With formats such as WOMEN4PACKAGING, WOMEN4PROCESSING, and Women4Cyber, several of our trade fairs in fall 2025 are creating spaces for exchange, visibility, and empowerment. The networks bring together women from industry, technology, and IT – across hierarchies, disciplines, and generations. In a short series of interviews, we present the formats – and talk to the women who help shape them.

Written by Johanna Köhler

A group of women wearing business attire in various colors stands on a stage. All of the women raise their arms in the air and smile at the camera. In the background, the title “THE NEW NETWORKING EVENT FOR WOMEN IN THE PROCESSING INDUSTRY” can be seen on a screen.

WOMEN4PROCESSING celebrated its premiere at POWTECH TECHNOPHARM 2025 – and immediately made a strong impression. The new network format brings together women from process technology: from industry, research, development, marketing, sales, and science.
In an industry that is traditionally male-dominated, the format creates a space for open exchange, critical reflection, and new ideas. At this exclusive networking event on the first day of the trade fair, committed women met for interdisciplinary dialogue.

Vera Strauch, founder and CEO of the development platform Dear Monday, was part of the program as a keynote speaker and spoke about the power of strategic networks. In an interview, she explains how WOMEN4PROCESSING empowers women in process technology – and why the format is more than a classic industry meeting.

Two women in business attire are conversing. The woman on the left with shoulder-length blonde hair is wearing a pink jumpsuit, and the woman on the right with long dark hair is wearing a dark purple pantsuit. Both are wearing name tags and are standing among other participants who are also dressed professionally. — Dialogue at eye level – WOMEN4PROCESSING creates space for new perspectives.

Ms. Strauch, you were the keynote speaker at the premiere of WOMEN4PROCESSING. What motivated you to participate?
WOMEN4PROCESSING brings together women from a technical and specialized industry. Especially in areas where women have been underrepresented up to now, it is important to me to create spaces for exchange, inspiration, and shared learning.
As the founder and CEO of Dear Monday, I experience every day how enriching it is when women talk openly about professional challenges, empower each other, and exert influence together.

In your opinion, how important are women's networks for technical and scientific industries?
They are crucial for creating visibility and support – especially in industries that are still heavily male-dominated. Networks open up opportunities for mentoring, career inspiration, and the exchange of experiences that would otherwise often remain invisible. They act as a multiplier – for professional competence, courage, and the natural presence of women in leadership, including in technical and scientific fields.

What makes WOMEN4PROCESSING special in your view?
The format combines the professional excellence of a specialized industry with the transformative power of a women's network. I see this as an important element in shaping the future. Industry-specific experience and expertise are combined with diversity here – that's what sets it apart from traditional networking events.

How can WOMEN4PROCESSING contribute to the further development of leadership and diversity?
For me, there are three key levers. First: making role models visible and strengthening them – because what we see, we can more easily imagine and apply to ourselves. Second: making leadership tangible – not as an exclusive concept for managers, but as an attitude that we live out in many professional situations. Whether in projects, in teamwork, or in dealing with managers: leadership begins with ourselves. That's why it's so valuable for all of us to develop leadership skills – for greater clarity, impact, and self-confidence in everyday working life. And thirdly: bringing new ideas into the system – each participant brings new perspectives and insights back to their work environment, thereby changing culture and structures.

How can WOMEN4PROCESSING empower women in the industry in the long term – and what are your hopes for the future of the format?
I see several levels at which networks can have a long-term impact: Individually – because women gain clarity, self-confidence, and a strong network. Organizationally – because they bring new ideas to their companies and act as change agents. And socially – because visible women and networks change the image of the industry, increase its attractiveness to talent, and inspire younger generations.
I wish WOMEN4PROCESSING: a vibrant network that has an impact beyond the event. A space where women can connect, learn from each other, and create projects together. This will not only lead to individual strength in the long term, but also to social change – through role models, exchange, and genuine connection.

A woman with short blonde hair stands on a stage in a pink jumpsuit with her arms crossed. Next to her is a small table with water glasses and documents. — “Leadership starts with ourselves” – Vera Strauch on courage, mindset and connection.

Author

Johanna Köhler

Online Editing // PR Trainee