World Forum Disrupt, a company providing professionals with a platform to develop their knowledge and further their careers across the globe, is staying close to home this December with their Women in Publishing event. With big name companies such as Forbes, Facebook, Penguin Random House and Walt Disney already confirmed to be in attendance, WFD aims to display a wide array of experiences from within the publishing industry as leading executives share their success stories.

This is not their first time placing the focus on women and building bridges within this community, as their successful 'Women In' series has had instalments in New York, Los Angeles and Hong Kong. This international scope is vital, since the gender debate stills needs to go further. As Hilary Ip, Head of Operations at WFD states, 'we are aware that there is still room for improvement. Whilst the necessity of gender based discussion is unquestionable, these conversations can be tricky to navigate and present authentically. Equality, empowerment and diversity are not buzzwords – they are imperatives. We will continue to evolve and rise to the challenge.'

There will be a wide selection of speakers moving this gender conversation forward in London, including Mulika Sannie (Kobalt Music Group Limited), Fiona Spooner (Financial Times), Vanessa Brookman (Warner Media) and Serena Guen (Suitcase). They will discuss their road to success, the challenges they have come across, the strategies they have implemented and much more, with the goal of inspiring women in attendance with tactics and strategies they can employ in their own working lives. The discussion topics include creating equal opportunities in media, building an inclusive company culture and smart media strategies for women.

It won't be all panel talks, however, as attendants can also participate in fireside chats, breakout workshops and networking opportunities. The best in the business will be within easy reach to impart their knowledge, with a selection of vendors on site and even available workspaces, if the inspiration hits you on the spot.

In Ip's own words, 'we are ending this year as we mean to start the next; with women at the centre of everything we do'.

Women in Publishing, London, Thu 5 Dec. Follow the official event hashtag #WIPDisrupt for updates.