Masculinity in the Workplace - 2026 (In-person)

Masculinity in the Workplace is an annual event designed to help men better support inclusion and diversity.
About this Event

MASCULINITY IN THE WORKPLACE - 2026

Brought to you by Token Man and The Hobbs Consultancy.

Welcome to Masculinity in the Workplace, the International Men's Day event designed specifically to engage men with creating inclusive cultures. The objective of our event is to give men both the reason and the skills to lean into the conversation, while also providing women and non-binary people with the confidence to engage more men in culture change. Because ultimately we can only make real change by working together.

Date: Thursday Nov 19 2026

Time: 12.45pm to 6pm

Location: Conway Hall, 25 Red Lion Square, London, WC1R 4RL

Our speakers will share their insights and experiences, shedding light on the evolving dynamics of masculinity, leadership and culturein diverse work environments. You'll have the chance to ask questions and participate in interactive sessions.

The theme for this year is 'Winning Masculinities: Past, Present and Future'.

As Masculinity in the Workplace celebrates its tenth anniversary, this year's event will explore the different versions of masculinity that have shaped our workplaces, communities and society over the past decade, and ask which forms of masculinity are thriving today and which we want to see more of in the future.
At a time when masculinity is being pulled in many directions, from the influence of social media and public figures to changing expectations of leadership and inclusion, the conversation has never felt more relevant. Through a diverse range of speakers and stories, we will explore the behaviours, values and qualities that are rewarded, celebrated and amplified, and the role organisations play in shaping those choices.
This anniversary event will combine reflection, challenge and celebration. Alongside recognised leaders and public figures, we will shine a spotlight on the everyday examples of masculinity that positively influence teams, families, communities and workplaces. Together, we will explore what has changed, what remains unresolved, and what kind of masculinity we want future generations to inherit.

This site is for the in-person experience. Otherwise you can register for the online version here.

FYI - There will be coffee and refreshments but lunch will not be provided.

Who is this event for?

This event is for anyone passionate about creating more inclusive, equitable, diverse and human workplaces, and we welcome attendees of all identities and expressions.

Historically, our audience has included around 60% men and 40% women or non-binary people, with a wide range of roles and lived experiences.

This year, we’re especially keen to welcome CEOs, HRDs, CMOs, Inclusion & Diversity leaders, People & Culture teams, and anyone working to engage men more effectively in their organisations. Whether you're a parent, people manager, or someone invested in systemic culture change, this event is for you.

By attending, you’ll be joining a growing community of people committed to reshaping masculinity, unlocking allyship, and building workplace cultures where everyone can thrive - from boys and young men to senior leaders and everyone in between.

EVENT PARTNERS

A huge thank you to our fantastic partners, it is so critical that companies weigh in on this important discussion:

* If you are interested in becoming a partner, please e-mail daniele[@]tokenman.org

EVENT SUPPORTERS

We are also super grateful for our event supporters:

ACCESSIBILITY

We believe inclusion is fundamental in the creation of healthy workplace cultures. Which is why we want to make sure all of our events, physical or virtual, are inclusive and accessible to everyone. If you require any adjustments to make access to this event inclusive and equitable whether you're attending in-person or virtually, please contact Liz Ramsden via [email protected] and we will work together to make sure that effective adjustments are put in place.

And if you are struggling financially but would like to attend, please contact Liz about a free ticket. We want to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to attend.

Agenda

🕑: 12:00 PM - 12:45 PM
Reception/Networking
🕑: 12:45 PM - 01:00 PM
Welcome
Host: Roxanne Hobbs - The Hobbs Consultancy
🕑: 01:00 PM - 01:40 PM
Where have we come from and how do we get to where we want to go?
Host: Laura Bates

Info: Author, Laura Bates, will look back over the past 15 years of workplace masculinities and women's experiences of workplace harassment and discrimination, including looking at the role algorithms and social media platforms have played in radicalising young men and the ways in which misogyny has manifested in the workplace. We'll consider positive interventions and progress, the role of AI and emerging technologies is playing in the context of a gender divide, and how both organisations and individual men can support as we move forward towards a goal of more equitable workplaces.

🕑: 01:40 PM - 02:10 PM
Research: What a Man Is Not
Host: Harry Carr, Author

Info: What Men Value and How They Feel They’re Judged

What do men value in themselves, and what do they believe society values in them? Drawing on new polling and wider research from his new book launching today, Harry Carr explores the gap between men’s own aspirations—such as care, connection and equal parenting, and the enduring pressure to prove mental and physical strength. He will consider what these expectations mean for men, women and workplaces, and why creating greater freedom for men benefits everyone.

🕑: 02:10 PM - 02:55 PM
Repainting Masculinity
Host: Daniele Fiandaca, Founder - Hard as Nails

Info: What does it mean to be a man at work today?

In this interactive keynote, Hard as Nails founders Daniele Fiandaca and Sam Conniff Allende explore the invisible rules shaping how men behave, connect and lead.

Through the “Man Box”, they examine expectations absorbed early: be strong, stay in control, hide vulnerability and conform to narrow ideas of masculinity. They reveal how these rules follow men into the workplace, influencing leadership, relationships, wellbeing and belonging.

Daniele and Sam share the story behind Hard as Nails - an experiment challenging men to paint all ten nails for a week.
Drawing on the 100 Man Project, the keynote offers a broader vision of masculinity, rooted in openness, empathy, kindness, honesty, curiosity, respect and care.
The future isn’t about asking men to be less masculine. It’s about giving men more ways to be men.

🕑: 02:55 PM - 03:15 PM
Break - with nail painting
🕑: 03:45 PM - 04:15 PM
Panel: Masculinity in the Workplace - hosted by James O'Brien
Host: James O'Brien, Broadcaster

Info: Masculinity in the Workplace: What Are We Really Rewarding?

What happens when the expectations placed on men collide with the realities of working life? Hosted by James O'Brien, this panel will bring together different perspectives to explore how masculinity shows up in our workplaces today, in leadership, ambition, relationships, vulnerability, caring responsibilities, wellbeing and belonging.

We'll ask which behaviours still help men to succeed at work, which come at a cost, and whether our workplaces genuinely reward the qualities we say we value. What makes it easier or harder for men to lead with empathy, ask for help, prioritise family, challenge outdated norms or simply be themselves?

Drawing on the experiences of our panellists and the audience, we'll explore the role organisations, leaders and colleagues can play in creating workplaces where there are more ways for men to thrive, and where greater freedom for men contributes to better cultures for everyone.

🕑: 04:15 PM - 05:00 PM
Breakout Sessions - led by Roxanne and Tashan Nicholas
Host: Roxanne Hobbs

Info: After an afternoon of ideas, stories and challenge, this interactive session creates space to reflect on what we have heard and translate insight into action.

In groups, participants will share what has resonated, challenged or surprised them, before exploring what it means for their own workplaces. Which behaviours and expectations do we need to challenge? What do we want to encourage and amplify? And what can individuals, leaders and organisations practically do to create greater freedom for men and more inclusive cultures for everyone?

The session will turn the conversation into commitments, helping us move from the masculinities we have inherited and experience today towards those we want to see thrive in the future.

🕑: 05:00 PM - 05:15 PM
Close
Host: Roxanne Hobbs - The Hobbs Consultancy
🕑: 05:15 PM - 06:00 PM
Optional networking