RISE 2026
22 June 2026 | The Midland, Manchester
A Skills-Led Leadership Conference & Expo for Women Shaping What Comes Next
Meet the Founder of RISE
RISE was created by Gulnaz Brennan, founder of She Inspires, to move women’s leadership beyond recognition and into real opportunity. Built on the belief that visibility should lead to influence, RISE brings together women across sectors to strengthen skills, expand networks, and step into spaces where decisions are made. Through She Inspires, Gulnaz has championed a model where recognition becomes a pathway to growth, collaboration, and long-term impact. RISE is the next step in that journey — a space designed not just to celebrate leadership, but to shape it.
Speakers at RISE 2026
Our speaker programme brings together a curated group of leaders, facilitators, hosts, and experts from across sectors.
What Makes RISE Different
RISE is not built around passive listening. It is designed for participation, connection, and real outcomes.
Every element of the day is intentional — from the way conversations are curated, to how people meet, to the opportunities created beyond the room.
- Skills-led, not just speaker-led
- Cross-sector by design
- Visibility with purpose
- Connection that converts
RISE is where leadership is not just discussed — it is developed, tested, and strengthened.
Who RISE is For
RISE is designed for women across sectors who are building influence, leading change, and shaping what comes next. Founders. Senior leaders. Emerging leaders. Educators. Coaches. Consultants. Policy voices. Corporate teams. Social entrepreneurs. Whether you are scaling a business, leading within an organisation, or stepping into your next level of leadership, RISE brings you into a room where growth, connection, and opportunity meet.
What to Expect at RISE 2026
- Keynote conversations and fireside sessions
- Panel discussions across leadership, business, health, and innovation
- Practical workshops focused on skills and strategy
- The RISE Expo showcasing businesses and opportunities
- Live podcast studio capturing key voices
- Curated networking designed for meaningful connection
A Platform for Connection, Visibility & Impact
RISE brings together founders, senior leaders, educators, innovators, employers, and emerging voices from across sectors to build relationships, share ideas, and create opportunities. Whether you are attending, exhibiting, or partnering, RISE offers access to a diverse and engaged audience within a trusted, purpose-led environment. More than a conference, it is a space where meaningful conversations lead to collaboration, visibility leads to opportunity, and connections create lasting impact.
Ideal for: organisations, colleges, universities, employers, training providers, professional services, charities, coaches, consultants, and purpose-led businesses.
What you gain:
• Meaningful connections across sectors
• Visibility within a high-quality leadership environment
• Access to talent, partners, and future collaborators
• Association with a trusted platform championing leadership, skills, and impact
Meet the RISE Conference Director
