Save the Date:
LEAD Network Conference 2027
Oct 13–14 | Amsterdam
LEAD Network Conference 2026: Creating Inclusive Workplaces in CPG & Retail
LEAD Network Conference 2026 All In: Shaping an Inclusive Future
Oct 6–7 | Dublin, Ireland
All In: Shaping an Inclusive Future
This year’s conference was an invitation to come together as a community shaping the future of work in the European CPG and Retail industry.
Across two days, this conference brought together senior leaders, partners, and changemakers, sharing real stories, learning from evidence-based insights, and exploring practical ways to create more inclusive workplaces through everyday decisions and actions.
Why attend the LEAD Network Conference
This conference brought together leaders from across the CPG and Retail industries who are committed to advancing gender equity as a powerful driver of inclusive workplaces. Designed for leaders who want to turn commitment into impact, the conference focused on practical, business‑relevant approaches to inclusion that strengthen organisations, leadership, and industry progress.
Lead Change for Gender Equity and Inclusion
Strengthen your impact as a leader and change agent, equipped to drive progress on gender equity while shaping workplaces that serve the needs and strengths of every individual.
Embed Inclusion into Business Strategy
Learn how advancing gender equity supports broader inclusion, performance, innovation, and resilience—moving inclusion from intention to strategic execution.
Apply Proven Practices and Real‑World Insight
Access advanced practices, practical tools, and lived experience you can apply immediately to create more inclusive, equitable outcomes.
Connect and Collaborate Across LEAD Network
Build meaningful relationships, share openly, and strengthen LEAD Network’s community as a platform for strategic connection and collective impact.
Our Theme for 2026
Being All In reflects our collective responsibility to build bridges across difference, challenge assumptions with facts, and turn inclusive intent into meaningful action—action that strengthens workplaces, leadership capability, and business performance alike.
Conference Topics
This year’s conference brought together advanced practice, credible innovation, and lived experience to accelerate gender equity through business‑led action. Across two days of plenary sessions, interactive breakouts, and peer connection, participants explored:
High‑Performance Cultures of Belonging & Fairness
Build psychologically safe environments that remove barriers, strengthen decisions, and unlock sustainable commercial performance.
All‑In Leadership for a Future‑Ready Workforce
Advance accountable, performance‑driven leadership that enables stronger execution, resilient teams, and faster results across business and life stages.
Equity‑Driven Systems, Technology & the Future of Work
Embedding intersectional insight and inclusive AI into systems that strengthen reliability, talent allocation, and frontline productivity.
Bold Moves that Shift the Needle
Showcase high‑impact initiatives connecting real business challenges, targeted interventions, and measurable commercial returns.
Special Thanks to our Conference Sponsors
Premier Sponsors
Key Sponsor
Supporting Sponsors
Featured Speakers
John Amaechi OBE
Founder, APS Intelligence
Sarah Ferguson
General Manager – Central & Eastern Europe, Nordics and Mediterranean, Kellanova (part of Mars Snacking)
Andrew Keating
Chief Financial Officer, Musgrave
Revani Pillay
Global Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Beiersdorf
Mary Robinson
Former President of Ireland
Testimonials from Our Delegates
Shaping Change, Inspiring Action
Experience the Expertise of 50+ Industry Leaders
Be inspired by short, high-impact plenary sessions featuring powerful perspectives, real-world success stories, and big-picture insights from influential voices across and beyond the CPG and retail industry.
Expand Your Knowledge with up to 20 Breakout Sessions
Go deeper in 60-minute interactive sessions exploring fair workplaces, emerging retail trends, leadership, and personal growth built for meaningful discussion and practical takeaways, whether you are tackling new challenges or refining established strategies.
Build Meaningful, Lasting Connections
Connect with 600+ professionals and thought leaders who share your commitment to equitable and future-ready workplaces. Exchange ideas, build partnerships, and grow a strong network of peers and allies to support your personal development and organisational goals.
Agenda
All times are in Irish Standard Time (IST) which is CEST–1 • Please note: The agenda is subject to minor changes.
Unless otherwise stated, all agenda items throughout the day will be held at the Royal Dublin Society (RDS). Any sessions or events taking place at a different venue will be clearly indicated.
Monday, 5 October
12:00-19:00
Store Tour | Co-Host: Newton
(by invitation only) • Visits include Musgrave, Lidl, Jameson Distillery, M&S
Tuesday, 6 October
09:00 – 12:00
LEAD Network Committee & Community Meetings, CEO and CIO Roundtables
(by invitation only)
11:30 – 12:45
Official Delegates Opening Lunch
13:00 – 15:00
Official Welcome & Plenary Session including LEAD Network Award Ceremony
15:00 – 15:45
Refreshment Break
16:00 – 17:00
Breakout Sessions: Round 1
17:00 – 19:00
Relax & Refresh
19:00 – 19:45
Bus Transfer to Networking Celebration Dinner
19:30 – 23:00
Networking Celebration Dinner
Guinness Storehouse (hosted by Diageo) • Bus transfer service available between 21:30 – 23:00
Wednesday, 7 October
09:00 – 10:00
Breakout Sessions: Round 2
10:00 – 10:45
Refreshment Break
11:00 – 12:00
Breakout Sessions: Round 3
12:00 – 13:15
Lunch Break
13:30 – 15:15
Plenary Session & Official Farewell
15:15
Departure
