Some conferences are measured by the number of delegates they attract or the calibre of their speakers. Others are remembered for something much harder to quantify—the conversations that continue long after everyone has gone home.
That is what RISE 2026 was all about.
Held at the iconic Midland Hotel, Manchester, RISE 2026 brought together founders, senior leaders, educators, entrepreneurs, policymakers, innovators and emerging leaders for a day dedicated not simply to discussing the future, but to shaping it. Every conversation, every panel and every introduction was designed with purpose, creating an environment where ideas could flourish, partnerships could begin and opportunities could emerge.
From the moment delegates arrived, there was an unmistakable sense of energy throughout the venue. The exhibition space buzzed with activity as organisations showcased their work, conversations flowed over coffee, and new connections were made between people who may never otherwise have met. Throughout the day, the Midland provided the perfect setting, complemented by excellent hospitality that encouraged delegates to pause, connect and continue conversations between sessions.
At the heart of RISE is a simple belief: leadership is not built by listening alone. It is developed through dialogue, curiosity and collaboration. That philosophy shaped every aspect of the conference. Across multiple stages and learning spaces, delegates explored topics including leadership, artificial intelligence, future skills, education, women’s health, financial wellbeing, social mobility, sport, legal leadership and international collaboration. Rather than isolated presentations, sessions were designed as conversations—inviting discussion, challenge and shared learning across sectors.
Our sincere thanks go to our wonderful hosts, Michelle Eagleton, who expertly guided delegates through the main stage conversations with warmth and professionalism, and Angela Kelly, whose engaging style ensured delegates in the breakout programme enjoyed thoughtful discussions and meaningful participation. Together, they created an atmosphere that was welcoming, energetic and genuinely inclusive, allowing every speaker and every delegate to feel part of something much bigger than a conference.
Behind every successful event is an exceptional team, and we are incredibly grateful to Sandra McManus, Conference Director for RISE 2026, whose leadership, experience and unwavering commitment helped bring the vision to life. Sandra’s calm professionalism and meticulous attention to detail ensured that every element of the conference reflected the values that define She Inspires—excellence, collaboration, inclusivity and impact. As Sandra reflected after the event:
“RISE was created to bring people together with purpose. When talented people from different sectors come into one room with openness, generosity and curiosity, remarkable things happen. The conversations don’t end when the conference finishes—they become collaborations, new ideas and opportunities that continue long afterwards.”
One of the most rewarding aspects of RISE continues to be its commitment to investing in future generations. This year, more than a dozen students from Bolton Sixth Form College joined the conference team, gaining invaluable work experience across event operations, photography, media, podcast production, delegate support and front-of-house. Supported by Annabelle and the dedicated college staff, the students were not simply volunteering; they were learning by doing. They spent the day surrounded by leaders from business, education, healthcare, technology and the public sector, seeing first-hand what leadership looks like in practice and discovering possibilities for their own futures. It is an investment that reflects our belief that opportunity grows when young people are trusted, included and given meaningful responsibility.
Another highlight of the day was the launch of the Voices of RISE Podcast Studio, where inspiring guests shared stories that will continue to educate, encourage and inspire long after the conference itself. Capturing these conversations means the impact of RISE extends far beyond one day, creating a growing archive of leadership, innovation and lived experience for others to learn from.
Throughout the conference, one message emerged again and again. The future will not be shaped by individuals working in isolation. It will be shaped by people who are willing to collaborate, share knowledge, champion one another and create opportunities together. That philosophy sits at the very heart of RISE.
At She Inspires, we often talk about moving from recognition to impact. RISE is an important part of that journey. It is where visibility becomes influence, where conversations become collaborations, and where leadership becomes action. It is also where women’s economic agency comes to life—not as a theory, but as something tangible. Every introduction has the potential to become a partnership. Every conversation can lead to a new client, a mentor, an investor, a board opportunity or a lifelong collaborator. That is the true legacy of RISE.
As delegates left the Midland at the end of the day, they took with them far more than notebooks full of ideas. They left with new relationships, renewed confidence and a wider network of people committed to helping one another succeed. For us, that is the true measure of success.
RISE has never been about creating another conference.
It is about creating a movement where women lead the future together.
We would like to thank every speaker, sponsor, exhibitor, partner, volunteer, student and delegate who made RISE 2026 such a memorable success. Together, you demonstrated that when people come together with purpose, generosity and ambition, extraordinary things happen.
We are already looking ahead to the next chapter—and we cannot wait to welcome you back.
