It's been almost three weeks since 1,050 of you filled City Recital Hall for our second Her Wealth Her Way and I am still coming down from that day.

Last year I set out to show what a finance conference could look like if it was created by women, for women. This year the brief got bigger. A bigger room, a bigger lineup and a bigger message: dare to want more. And judging by your survey responses, you didn't just hear that message. You took it home and started doing something with it.

Here is just a sprinkling of what you've said.

On the day itself

"It was such an engaging and inspiring day with an incredible array of important topics for women, which really aligned with the sentiment that wealth isn't just about money alone. Every speaker was captivating. Absolutely everything had been thought of, right down to the little stickers in the bathroom and the delicious, nourishing food. I walked away with a grateful heart and enough information to take action."

Natalie

"Absolutely brilliant event. One of the best I've EVER been to and so much better than I expected it to be! The calibre of speakers was incredible, the MC, the keynotes, the panels... all jam-packed full of value and insight but not overwhelming. Loved that we weren't sold to and it was such an inclusive, safe space!"

Claire

"It was honestly about and grounded in our human story. It wasn't about goals, goals, goals and hustle. It was about revealing and understanding. That made it a very personally empowering day. It's for us to do something with, rather than being told (more) of what we should do."

Anonymous

"HWHW is the high energy wealth creation conference women didn't know they needed. It was welcoming and inclusive from start to finish. A place where the tough topics were addressed without judgement and in a way that left every woman feeling more confident in her financial future."

Alison

On daring to want more

"The best day ever. I learnt so much, met some fabulous ladies and walked away with bucketloads of inspiration and action! Women are amazing and we want more. I'm not ashamed to want more anymore!"

Samantha

"I was reminded to dare to want more, not just for myself, but for the positive impact that can have on others, too. I left feeling energised, empowered and with my cup most definitely overflowing!"

Lisa

"Being in a room full of women, all thinking about what's possible for themselves, was so uplifting. Mel has a way of making you feel like she's speaking directly to you, and the energy was electric. I left feeling inspired to think bigger, bolder and brighter for my own life."

Carly

"My financial education improved as expected, but what I didn't expect was the way I now believe women can take control of their financial future, no matter the age or situation. As a woman it is not wrong to want."

Grace

On who you sat next to

More than half of you came on your own. Very few of you left that way.

"I came on my own and left with a tribe! From the moment I walked in, I was welcomed with open arms. I connected with an incredible group of women who are all about building true wealth and keeping each other accountable along the way. And of course, we named our WhatsApp group The Wealthy B*tches! Honestly, where else do you find a room full of women who want to see each other win?"

Eileen

"Through random introductions to friends we hadn't met before, our band of six met at drinks the night before and have been firmly in each other's corner since. The content, the presenters, the passion and knowledge... five stars all the way. But more than anything, the women and the power that coming together gave us all."

Natasha

"I was a bit shy coming solo but there was so much friendliness in the room. I'll be bringing an entourage next time."

Vicki

On what you did next

This is my favourite part of the whole survey. Because a great day is lovely. A great day that changes what you do on Monday is the whole point.

"Key takeaways: it's time to wake up, ask for what you want, be prepared to do the work and never give up. I have finally spoken to my partner about opening my own bank account. They were absolutely fine with it. I was holding myself back... no more!"

Linda

"At age 55, I was VERY happy with the takeaways that related to my financial situation. Thanks to this conference, I was able to immediately put into action one of my financial goals that my buddy promised to hold me accountable to! I will see you at the next conference!"

Jane

"I came to realise I still have this crazy idea that Prince Charming will come and rescue me, instead of me stepping up to save myself. I'm doing ok financially, but I can definitely be doing better!"

Leanne

"The action I've taken is to start a quarterly money meetup with my friends to discuss what we are doing to set ourselves up for the future."

Breanna

"We have been on a high all weekend and spreading the magic of HWHW. To be at a girlfriend's 60th and hear my partner discussing menopause and investing with women told me we both gained an enormous amount."

Rebecca

On the bits that weren't about money (but totally were)

Yes, we had a behavioural scientist, an AI panel and a hormones panel at a finance conference. And yes, you loved it.

"HWHW works kind of like so many of our brains. We kind of know where we want to go but there is so much going on that we need to deal with on the way. I want to know what the property market is doing but I can also do with a reminder to hydrate to keep my brain performing. I want to get on board with AI and I'm really happy to hear about it from a kick ass chick. All with a good dose of Mel's signature sparkle."

Amanda

"It's not even just about finance. It's behaviours, looking after yourself, navigating getting older. I loved learning about the scary world of AI that no longer seems as scary."

Lauren

"Don't be scared of AI, drink more water by 9am and don't be scared to talk to Mel when she walks right past me!"

Brenda

And a few that made me laugh, cry or both

"I honestly just love this event. It's so polished, great quality speakers and topics. I will come from NZ every time."

Kirsty

"I couldn't stop raving about last year's event so this year my husband came and he absolutely loved it. He said it was the best event he's been to."

Deb

"The fact she's also a Swiftie with the most divine shoe collection is a beautiful bonus that made the day extra fun."

Michelle

"Hands down the best conference I've ever been to."

Natalie

The numbers

And because I'm an ex-accountant and can't help myself, here's what more than 90 of you told us in the survey. You rated the day 9.4 out of 10 on average. 99% of you would recommend it to a friend, family member or colleague. More than half of you came solo, and 93% of you solo attendees said you'd encourage others to come along next time.

Which, frankly, is the best review I could ask for.

So what's next?

Here's the thing. An event like this takes the best part of a year to build, and I want every one we run to be better than the last. So our big, full-day Sydney based Her Wealth Her Way conference is moving to every second year, which means the next full conference will be in 2028.

But I'm not leaving you hanging. In 2027 we're taking Her Wealth Her Way on the road. Eight cities. One very good conversation about money. Breakfasts and dinners from Perth to Hobart, smaller rooms, same energy, and Finstincts members will get a member discount.

If you want to be the first to know when dates and cities drop, jump on the waitlist HERE 

Thank you! Here's to daring to want more.

Mel x