An unforgettable day for ambitious women building their future in media, marketing and communication leadership.

WACL Talent Festival 2025 is a one-day leadership accelerator designed by women for women. An all day event taking place on 20th May 2025. 

There was a stampede for the London tickets, but it’s not too late for you to get your hands on virtual tickets or for the first time, our Manchester LIVE hub – book here.

In just one amazing day we’ll explore 5 topics – each designed to tackle the key leadership challenges for today and tomorrow.

About the Day: 5 ways to accelerate your leadership

-The day will help established and emerging female leaders:

-Discover innovative new leadership models

-Transform “imposter syndrome” in to a catalyst for growth and success 

-Acquire impactful negotiation skills and boost commercial confidence 

-Navigate health challenges unique to women – from menstruation to menopause

-Build resilience as a leader through times of uncertainty

Delivered through inspirational workshops and talks, this hands-on day is designed to bring new thinking, ideas and leadership tools so you can make a bigger and better impact for your organisation and the world around you.

Invest in your leaders, or yourself, and come to network, be inspired and take away new skills.

NEW FOR 2025 – MANCHESTER LIVE

We’ll be hosting our first in-person Festival of Talent event in Manchester hosted by Sue Benson, CEO of The Behaviours Agency. You’ll get the best of all worlds, streaming the mega bits from London, plus live in person sessions with senior marketers including Charlotte Dewhurst CMO of Matalan, Sara Holt CMO Centre Parcs, Dawn Paine CEO Aurora and Nicola Marsh MD, EssenceMediacom and you of course you’ll get to spend the day with other inspiring women. 

But what’s really special about Manchester is Speed Mentoring – at the end of the afternoon you’ll get the chance to share your challenges and receive advice from the best. Carol Naylor, Valerie Bounds,  Georgina Crosswell, Juliet Simpson, Kerttu Inkeroinen, Laura McKinlay, Gemma Longfellow, Lucy Barnes, Angelene Woodland Singleton, Niki Kilby & Nicola Nimmo.

The Talent Festival is packed with incredible sessions with Industry Leaders designed to inspire and equip future leaders.

Our agenda is currently being finalised and we’re delighted to announce the first wave of confirmed speakers at the event.

Prepare to be energised and enriched as we dive into a full day of engaging talks and workshops, featuring remarkable speakers who will share their insights and experiences.

Energiser Session: Leave Your Imposter Syndrome at the Door
Kick off the day with a light-hearted session led by the incredible Dionne Ried. Explore how to transform your imposter syndrome into your greatest ally. This fun, game-oriented energiser aims to break down hierarchy and self-doubt, ensuring everyone feels relaxed and ready to connect.

Opening Fireside Chat: Lessons of Leadership: Influence your future

Join Aline Santos and Mandu Reid and host Nishma Patel Rob for a practical and insightful discussion on leading businesses for tomorrow. This fireside chat will be packed with valuable lessons on overcoming challenges, identifying new opportunities, and pursuing innovative approaches in leadership.

Panel Discussion: Menstruation to Menopause
Navigate the important conversation around women’s health in the workplace with experts Lydia from Nurture, Melissa Robertson, Sarah Hesz, and hosted by Reeha Alder Shah. This engaging panel will provide practical tools and strategies for advocating for your health rights at work, ensuring that you thrive in your career because you’re a woman, not in spite of it.

Workshop: Negotiating your worth
Led by Susie Powis, this interactive workshop will equip you with negotiation strategies for advancing your career—whether it’s negotiating pay, securing promotions, or exploring new roles. Engage in practical exercises that emphasise mutually beneficial negotiation techniques.

Fireside Chat: Lessons of leadership: Create your future
Amanda McKenzie and Jan Gooding, discussing innovative leadership styles that adapt to today’s challenges.

Fireside chat: Lessons of leadership

Lady Phyll Opoku Gyimah and Mitch Oliver discussing reinventing leadership for the modern world sharing their insights on how to change the world and bring others with you. .