LeaderFest 2026
Preparing leaders for the decade ahead.
LeaderFest is a high-energy, future-focused day for SME leaders who want to stay ahead of accelerating change. Through powerful interviews, expert insight and interactive collaboration, you’ll explore how to respond to disruption, harness new technologies and adapt your business for the decade ahead.
This is not theory, it’s real-world insight, shared experience and practical strategies from SME leaders facing the same challenges as you.
Book here
Rewind, Reflect, Realign
To look forward with clarity, we must first look back with honesty.
Over the past decade, leaders have navigated disruption on every level.
In this collaborative session, we rewind the journey, reflect on how we responded, and realign our thinking for what comes next
Future Forecasting
The future of business is already being shaped.
Leading experts from across key disciplines drive a rapid-fire view of what is emerging.
Expect insights, contrasting perspectives and unexpected truths that challenge how you think about the next decade.
From insight to action
The future is no longer theoretical
Following the expert briefings, leaders work together to explore what the future means for their business, identifying where they’re most exposed, where opportunities exist and the actions needed to prepare for the decade ahead.
Mirror Moment
From Insight to Action
A quiet, structured reflection session where leaders move from insight to personal commitment.
Through individual reflection and brief peer discussions, participants identify what must change, what must stop and the action they will take forward.
Live AI Demo
Information to follow
Interviewees
A captivating line up of interviewees will share their wisdom as we delve into leadership insights and experiences, with an emphasis on innovation and resilience. The floor will be open to the room to engage directly.
Future Misjudged
The most successful leaders aren’t those who predict the future accurately, they are the ones who adapt to it fastest
Predicting the future has never been easy. Looking back at some of history’s most famous misjudgements, this engaging session reminds us that certainty can be dangerous. By challenging conventional thinking and embracing uncertainty, leaders can become more agile, resilient and better prepared for whatever comes next.
Sponsors
Forward thinking, engaging and ready to share their expertise. LeaderFest is made possible in part by the generous support of our sponsors.
Team & Collaborators
Meet the talented team and collaborators bringing this event to life.
Dine, connect & recharge for LeaderFest 2026
Our informal dinners create the space for business leaders to connect outside of formal settings. No agendas, no pressure, just good food, great conversation and the chance to get to know fellow SME leaders on a personal level.
Further details tbc
Don't just take our word for it...
- Light, inspiring and friendly as ever. Like sitting in a roomful of friends.
- Some really impressive businesses in the room. Hopefully we can collaborate in future.
- No other peer group compares.
- Fantastic organisation, great location, and a smooth-flowing day with no dull moments.
- George’s energy kept the room alive!
- Great insights and inspiration and excellent opportunity to network.
- Truly inspiring day
- Great opportunity to connect with new people and refresh old connections.
- Lovely people and a friendly, inclusive atmosphere.
- Every single part was great.
- Moving around tables for networking was an awesome idea.
- Fantastic day and very well planned
- Professional organisation and delivery.
- Huge credit to Emma and the team for a great mix of interviewees and collaborative workshops , looking forward to the next one!
Taking place at:
Green Park Conference Centre, 100 Longwater Ave, Reading RG2 6GP
Transport & Parking:
Green Park offers excellent travel access by road, rail and bus. With direct access from the M4 at Junction 11 or catch a bus or train from Reading Station.
Places to stay nearby:
We’ve sourced the Holiday Inn, Reading South as our recommended B&B accommodation. For those who’d like to make the most of the event, you also have the option to book Dinner, B&B, which includes a private networking dinner the evening before.
Book your stay here (via Eventbrite until 22nd September).
If you’d prefer to explore other options, you’ll find details of alternative accommodation in the surrounding area via the link below. And of course, if you have any questions, our team will be happy to help.
A portal will be available to all attendees with full details of the day, including an attendee list and extra activities.
