A full day of bold ideas, honest conversations and powerful connections.
Across the UK, LGBTQ+ professionals are achieving incredible things. And yet, so many are still navigating their careers without visible role models, without safe spaces to reflect, and without networks that truly understand the nuances of being both ambitious and authentically themselves.
The Pride in Leadership Annual Conference was created to change that.
This is a day designed intentionally for LGBTQ+ professionals at every stage. Whether you already hold a formal leadership role, are growing your influence without the title, are exploring what leadership might look like for you, or simply want to build confidence and connection, this space is for you.
It’s somewhere you can think bigger, speak openly and connect meaningfully. A space where conversations about leadership, progression and impact go beyond theory and into lived experience.
We bring together senior leaders, emerging talent, founders, board members, allies and changemakers for one powerful day of insight, practical development and genuine connection.
Whether you’re stepping into your first management role, building influence at director level, leading from within your team, or still working out what your next move is, this conference will leave you clearer, braver and better connected.
This is not just another conference – it is a space for ambition. For visibility. For influence. For community.
BOOK NOW & USE THE PROMO CODE EARLY26 BEFORE SEPTEMBER TO GET OVER 20% OFF YOUR TICKET
Why attend?
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Inspiring keynote speakers and TED-style talks
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Practical masterclasses you can apply immediately
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Cross-sector networking with people who get it
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Honest discussions about leadership, power and progression
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A vibrant end-of-day networking celebration with music, food and drinks
If you’ve ever felt like you were navigating leadership alone, this room will remind you that you’re not.
Venue
Halle St Peters
Right in the heart of the city, with huge (and gorgeous) space for meaningful conversations and big ideas.
Outline Agenda
08.30 – Registration and networking
09.00 – Introduction and opening
09.25 – Discussion
10.25 – TED-style talk
10.45 – Break and networking
11.15 – Masterclass A & Masterclass B
12.15 – Lunch and networking
13.15 – Talk
14.05 – Break – return to masterclasses
14.25 – Masterclass C & Masterclass D
15.25 – Break
15.50 – Keynote
16.50 – Closing remarks
17.00 – Networking drinks, food and music
19.00 – Close
Speaker bios – coming soon
Masterclass details – coming soon
Speaker Biographies
Lord Cashman CBE
Actor, activist, politician and author, Michael Cashman is one of the most influential figures in the history of the UK LGBTQ+ rights movement.
Born in London’s East End in 1950, he first came to national prominence as Colin Russell in EastEnders. In 1987, he was part of the first same sex kiss broadcast on British television, a moment of profound cultural significance at the height of the AIDS crisis and during the era of Section 28. At a time of widespread hostility, his visibility helped humanise gay lives and shift public attitudes across the UK.
In 1989, alongside Sir Ian McKellen and fellow campaigners, he co founded Stonewall. As founding Chair, he helped establish what would become the UK’s leading LGBT equality organisation, transforming workplace practice, influencing legislation and challenging discrimination at every level of society.
In 1999, Cashman was elected as a Member of the European Parliament for the West Midlands. Over 15 years in Brussels and Strasbourg, he became a formidable voice for human rights, civil liberties and LGBTQ+ equality across the European Union. As co President of the European Parliament’s LGBTQ+ Intergroup, he built cross party alliances to combat homophobia and discrimination at a time when protections varied widely between member states.
In 2014, he drew global attention to Russia’s anti LGBTQ+ laws during the Sochi Winter Olympics by publicly cutting up his Visa card in the European Parliament in protest at corporate sponsorship that ignored human rights abuses. The act underlined his lifelong belief that equality must be defended both politically and publicly.
Appointed CBE for public and political service and elevated to the House of Lords in 2014 as Baron Cashman of Limehouse, he continues to champion equality and global LGBT rights. His many honours include Stonewall Politician of the Year, the European Diversity Lifetime Achievement Award and the Honorary Freedom of the City of London.
His memoir, One of Them: From Albert Square to Parliament Square, published in 2020, interweaves his working class upbringing, acting career, political life and the deeply personal story of his 31 year partnership with Paul Cottingham.
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Early Bird tickets now available
BOOK NOW & USE THE PROMO CODE EARLY26 BEFORE SEPTEMBER TO GET OVER 20% OFF YOUR TICKET
Early Bird tickets are limited and will be released for a short time only. If you know you want to be in the room, now is the moment to secure your place.
Book your place online now
or contact claire@onthelevelconsultancy.com to arrange invoice or BACS payment for multiple bookings.
Pay it forward
We have also created a Pay it forward ticket option for anyone who would like to buy a ticket for an LGBTQ+ professional who might not otherwise be able to attend.
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The Pride in Leadership Annual Conference is proudly sponsored by partners who believe in visible, confident and connected LGBTQ+ leadership.
Headline Partner
Our sponsors
