RISE 2026
22 June 2026 | The Midland, Manchester
A Skills-Led Leadership Conference & Expo for Women Shaping What Comes Next
RISE brings together founders, senior leaders, and emerging voices across sectors to build skills, expand influence, and create real opportunities through connection, collaboration, and visibility.
Not just a conference — a space where leadership is strengthened, ideas are challenged, and conversations turn into action.
RISE 2026 is a skills-led leadership conference and expo bringing together women across business, education, technology, health, and public life. It is designed for those building influence, strengthening capability, and stepping into spaces where decisions are made — not just to be seen, but to grow, connect, and lead with confidence. Part of the She Inspires platform, RISE moves beyond recognition into real opportunity — creating a space where conversations are purposeful, connections are meaningful, and leadership translates into action.
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
Expo at RISE 2026
The Expo at RISE 2026 is a curated space for organisations that want to connect with women who are building careers, businesses, and influence across sectors. Set within the wider conference experience, the Expo is fully integrated into the day, ensuring consistent engagement, natural footfall, and real interaction with attendees. This is where colleges meet future students, organisations meet talent, and businesses meet collaborators.
Ideal for:
Colleges, universities, training providers, employers, coaches, consultants, and women-led businesses.
What you gain:
- Visibility in a high-quality leadership environment
- Access to a cross-sector audience
- Opportunities for meaningful engagement and follow-up
- Association with a purpose-led, trusted platform
If your organisation is investing in people, skills, or leadership — this is the room to be in.
Partner with RISE
Partnering with RISE is not about logo placement — it is about meaningful alignment with a platform shaping the future of women’s leadership.
RISE brings together an engaged, cross-sector audience of decision-makers, founders, educators, and leaders building influence and impact.
As a partner, you gain:
- Strategic visibility within a trusted platform
- Direct access to an engaged audience
- Association with purpose-led leadership
- Opportunities to contribute to panels and conversations
- Positioning as a brand investing in people and impact
We work closely with partners to ensure visibility, value, and alignment with the integrity of the RISE experience.
Meet the RISE Conference Director
Sandra McManus is the Conference Director for RISE 2026, bringing clear, calm leadership to one of the UK’s most impactful women’s leadership platforms. An independent Executive and Leadership Coach, she works with senior leaders and organisations to strengthen confidence, capability, and decision-making in complex environments.
At RISE, Sandra focuses on creating a professional, welcoming space where conversations are honest, connections are meaningful, and ideas lead to action. She ensures partners gain real value through strong visibility, trusted relationships, and access to engaged leaders.
As Conference Director, she oversees the flow and experience of RISE 2026, ensuring a high-quality, inclusive event where people feel supported and part of something that matters.
