Apart from Picon chief executive John Brazier and council member Tim Webb, the invitees were all women with varied roles within printers, suppliers and the trade press.

The guests agreed that sexism in print was "not as bad now as in the late 1980s and early 90s", but still felt that women had to work harder than men to prove themselves in what remains a male-dominated industry. Many traditional networking opportunities, such as golf, remain male bastions and there was also a lack of female mentors or inspiring examples.

"You have to know your technical stuff better than a male counterpart," noted Hayley Masom, dealer manager at Creo. This was a view echoed by HighWater sales and marketing manager Sue Wood.

Combining a demanding career with parenthood whatever the industry remains a huge issue. "I have to question if Id have got to this position if Id had a family," said Sally Kyte of Reading-based EVC.

Picons Brazier said his organisation would strive to be more inclusive in future: "Picon and the industry should make an effort to involve women to contribute to the debate."

Story by Jo Francis