2025 Agenda
Day 1 (8 July)
6:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Welcome Reception with buffet dinner
Delegates will meet for a relaxing evening networking and enjoying London’s savoury offerings. The reception will take place at the Waterfront Street Kitchen & Bar (WSKB). Address: Royal Victoria Dock, One Western Gateway, London E16 1XL
Day 2 (9 July)
9:00 am – 9:15 am
Welcome refreshments
9:15 am – 9:45 pm
Welcome everyone! Introductions
Let’s start the day with some introductions and getting to know one another. Let’s also set some objectives on what our takeaways should be.
Speakers:
9:45 am – 10:30 am
Keynote Speaker: Deborah Frances-White
Deborah Frances-White is an award-winning writer and comedian, best known for her hit podcast THE GUILTY FEMINIST. Her book, THE GUILTY FEMINIST was a Sunday Times Best Seller. Her second book SIX CONVERSATIONS WE’RE SCARED TO HAVE came out in April 2025. Deborah is an official ambassador for Choose Love and Amnesty International and will share her tale with the delegates of this, the 3rd Women in Exhibitions Summit!
Speakers:
10:30 am – 11:15 am
The Care Factor: Why Supporting Caregivers is a Business Imperative
Caregivers, whether parenting, supporting elderly relatives, or managing complex family responsibilities, make up a significant and growing part of the workforce. Yet caregiving remains largely invisible in talent strategies and leadership conversations. This session will shine a light on the business benefits of designing workplaces that truly support caregivers. We’ll explore the link between inclusion, performance, and loyalty — and share practical examples of how companies are getting it right.
Speakers:
11:15 am – 12:30 pm
Networking break followed by breakout sessions
BREAKOUT SESSIONS: delegates are invited to choose from the different parallel sessions. All breakouts are highly participative and delegates are invited to contribute! – Having Difficult Conversations that Drive Change – Technology & Innovation: What’s Next for Exhibitions? – Creating Effective Mentorship & Sponsorship Programmes (and Building Strategic Industry Networks That Open Doors) – Personal Branding for Business Growth & Visibility
12:30 pm – 1:30 pm
Networking lunch
Take time to sit with and get to know someone new over some delicious food!
1:30 pm – 2:15 pm
Allyship in Action: What Leaders Are Learning About Inclusion and Managing Conflict
Real allyship isn’t just about good intentions — it’s about daily actions, courageous conversations, and a willingness to listen, adapt, and sometimes be uncomfortable. In this session, leaders of all genders will share honest reflections on what it really takes to build inclusive teams and organisations. This is a session about progress, not perfection: about how we can all lead more openly, learn from mistakes, and create environments where difference is valued, not feared.
Speakers:
2:15 pm – 3:15 pm
More breakout sessions
Attendees are invited to join the breakout session of their choice from the following. Active participation is the name of the game! – Negotiation skills for exhibition contracts and partnerships – Is your workplace operating model designed for equity or by default? – Building careers & navigating change with confidence – Bias-proof leadership: Creating Inclusive & Psychologically Safe Workplaces
3:15 pm – 3:45 pm
Networking break and refreshments
3:45 pm – 4:30 pm
Future-Proofing the Industry: What Next-Gen Leaders & Experienced Voices Want from Work – and from Events
The exhibitions and events industry is at a crossroads. To stay relevant and resilient, we must understand how expectations are changing, not just around work, but also around how we design and deliver experiences. During this dynamic panel, next-generation talent and experienced leaders will come together to share their hopes, frustrations, and vision for the future of the industry. This session will be moderated by Laura Tythcott!
Speakers:
4:30 pm – 5:15 pm
Content Session: Feedback from the breakouts
During this session, a representative from each breakout group will share a brief summary of their group’s key insights, reflections, or takeaways with the wider audience.
5:15 pm – 5:30 pm
Wrap up by the moderators
Speakers:
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Summer Drinks!
SOLD OUT We are now at capacity for the summer drinks reception, thank you! The Women in Exhibitions UK Chapter is inviting all the summit participants to a drinks reception on the sumptuous Sunborn Yacht on the 5th floor in the Sky Lounge.