BYP Leadership Conference & Careers Festival 2026
About this Event
Join BYP Network for its flagship annual event bringing together Black professionals, employers, recruiters, leaders, founders and ambitious talent for a day of career opportunities, practical insight, networking and meaningful connections.
Whether you're looking for your next opportunity or preparing for your next leadership chapter, choose the experience that's right for you.
TWO EXPERIENCES. ONE LANDMARK DAY.
CAREERS FEST
For students, graduates, early-to-mid career professionals and career changers looking to develop their skills, meet employers, discover opportunities and accelerate their careers.
Expect: Recruiting opportunities, employer sessions, networking, Careers Expo, practical career sessions and a keynote from Fatima Whitbread MBE.
LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
For mid-to-senior professionals, executives, founders and leaders exploring leadership, influence, business growth, belonging and the future of work.
Expect: Senior level recruiting opportunities, thought-provoking sessions, networking and conversations on belonging, influence, business ownership, generational leadership and leading beyond success.
MEET THE EMPLOYERS
Hear directly from organisations including Capco, Investec, Delta, BSI, RX Global, VodafoneThree, Macmillan Cancer Support, UNICEF UK, Beazley and others about careers, recruitment, professional growth and what they're looking for in talent.
Event Details
Theme: Rest. Review. Reset
Date: Thursday, 17 September 2026
Time: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Venue: The Cumberland Hotel, London
Kindly see the detailed agenda at the end.
CAREERS FEST 2026
Practical sessions. Direct employer insight. Real career conversations.
From Career Ownership and Reviewing Your Career Brand to Stand Out. Speak Up. Get Hired., Career Anxiety in an AI-Driven World and lessons industry leaders wish they knew earlier — Careers Fest is designed to give you practical insight you can take into your next career move.
See the full Careers Fest programme below.
LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE 2026
REST. REVIEW. RESET.
A focused programme of fireside conversations, panels and expert sessions exploring belonging, influence, leadership teams, business ownership, generational leadership and leading beyond success.
Featuring Fatima Whitbread MBE, Investec, Delta, Joey Antwi-Kusi and leading professionals from across industries.
See the full Leadership Conference programme below.
WHAT ATTENDEES, SPEAKERS & SPONSORS SAY
"I enjoyed hearing about professionals who had pivoted from one industry to another, the challenges they faced and how it shaped them today." — Liliana, Attendee 2025
"Some of the applications we received for our graduate programme came from the BYP Careers Fest. These individuals said they spoke to us there—hence they applied." — BSI, Partner 2025
"The diversity in the talent was outstanding. It was an event that truly aligned to our organisation's values." — Macmillan Cancer Support, Partner 2025
For group or corporate ticket enquiries, email: [email protected]
"I enjoyed the leadership panels. The diverse professional background of all the speakers catered to both employees and entrepreneurs." — Attendee 2025
"Did not expect to feel so seen in the first 30 minutes... Genuinely left feeling like my setbacks were actually setting me up." — Attendee 2025
"The content and speakers were excellent. Great calibre of attendees which matched the type of jobs we have." — RX Global, Partner 2025
"The speakers on the Founder's panel kept it real. No fluff. Just the truth about what building actually looks like." — Attendee 2025
"It was such a brilliant event, really well put together and impactful. I am proud to have been a part of it." — Atinuke Awe, Speaker 2025
"The only networking event I have been to that I enjoyed and felt empowered, like I truly got value from the space." — Georgiana, Attendee 2025
Watch the 2025 Highlight Video.
IS THIS FOR YOU? YES!
Whether you're launching your career or leading at the highest level, there's an experience designed for you.
Careers Fest
Perfect for:
- Students and graduates
- Early-to-mid career professionals
- Career changers and career pivoters
Gain practical career advice, connect with employers, build your network and leave with actionable insights to help you stand out and get ahead.
Leadership Conference
Perfect for:
- Managers and senior professionals
- Executives and directors
- Founders and entrepreneurs
- Aspiring leaders
Explore the conversations shaping the future of leadership, influence, business growth and the world of work alongside senior leaders and decision-makers.
Conference Agenda
🕑: 12:00 PM - 01:00 PM
Arrival, Registration & Lunch
Info: Registration, Networking Lunch & Partner Expo (Expo continues all through the event)
🕑: 01:05 PM - 01:50 PM
Opening Fireside Chat
Host: Fatima Whitbread MBE
Info: Reset to Rise — Turning Setbacks into Your Greatest Advantage
🕑: 01:50 PM - 02:30 PM
Investec Session
Host: Jason Spivey
Info: Beyond Inclusion: Embedding Belonging Into Everyday Leadership
🕑: 02:45 PM - 03:25 PM
Delta Session
Host: Professor Doyin Atewologun
Info: Leadership Beyond Difference: Building High-Performing Teams in a Complex World
🕑: 03:25 PM - 04:00 PM
Fireside Chat
Host: Ifeoma Nembhardt
Info: The Franchise Route — An Alternative Path to Business Ownership & Wealth Creation + Q&A
🕑: 04:15 PM - 04:45 PM
The Panel
Host: Dionne Longmore
Info: The Influence Advantage — Building Visibility, Credibility and Impact Beyond Your Role
🕑: 04:45 PM - 05:15 PM
The Panel
Host: Elaine Cunningham-Walker
Info: Leadership is Generational — Raising the Next Generation of Leaders + Q&A
🕑: 05:30 PM - 06:05 PM
Closing Panel
Host: Shanara Hibbert
Info: Executive Edge — Leading Beyond Success: The Resilience, Influence and Growth Required for the Next Level + Q&A
Careers Fest Agenda
🕑: 12:30 PM - 01:30 PM
Arrival, Careers Expo, Lunch & Networking
🕑: 01:35 PM - 02:20 PM
Capco Session
Host: Millicent Lartey
Info: Career Ownership: Taking control of your professional growth
🕑: 02:20 PM - 02:35 PM
Keynote Address - Fatima Whitbread MBE – World Javelin Champion | Olympic Meda
Host: Fatima Whitbread MBE
🕑: 02:35 PM - 03:20 PM
RX Global Session
Host: Fontaine Chambers
Info: Review Your Career Brand: How You're Perceived Before You Enter the Room
🕑: 03:30 PM - 03:55 PM
Career Lab
Host: Chido Matiyenga
Info: Career Lab: Stand Out. Speak Up. Get Hired.
🕑: 03:55 PM - 04:40 PM
Career Accelerator Panel
Host: Marcia McFarlane
Info: Lessons Industry Leaders Wish They Knew Earlier + Q&A
🕑: 05:05 PM - 05:55 PM
AI & Career Anxiety
Host: Gospel Omotosho
Info: AI & Career Anxiety: Navigating Career Decisions in an AI-Driven World + Q&A
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
GBP 0.00 to GBP 150.00
