10 Best Women in Leadership Conferences in 2026 for Empowering Change

Looking for the best women in leadership conferences in 2026? You’re not alone. Whether you’re aiming for the C-suite, building a stronger professional network, or just need fresh strategies to lead with confidence, the right conference can fast-track your growth.

These events aren’t just about inspiring keynotes (though you’ll get plenty of those), they’re about actionable insights, career-elevating connections, and real-world skills you can bring back to your organization. These conferences also spotlight the progress (and challenges) around gender equity in leadership.

To save you hours of scrolling through event sites and scattered lists, we’ve rounded up the top women in leadership conferences happening in 2026. From global summits to industry-specific gatherings, each one offers unique opportunities to learn, connect, and step into your next level of leadership.

1. Workhuman Live 2026

• Date: April 27-30, 2026
• Location: Orlando, Florida, Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center
• Event format: In-person
• Pricing: From $1595 (team discounts are also available)
• Key focus: Building more human workplaces through innovation, connection, and actionable leadership strategies
• Notable speakers: TBD; past speakers include Michael J. Fox, Michelle Obama, Viola Davis, and Dr. Bernice King
• Ideal for: HR professionals and people leaders
• Register here: https://www.workhumanlive.com/#tickets

Why attend

Workhuman Live isn’t just another leadership conference, it’s a movement. Over four days, you’ll gain access to 60+ breakout sessions, several inspiring keynote speakers, and 50+ hours of educational content designed to spark both big-picture thinking and practical change.

You’ll collaborate with HR professionals and people leaders from around the world, tackling tough industry challenges and walking away with actionable strategies you can put to work immediately. If you are an emerging leader or senior vice president, the sessions are carefully tailored to meet you where you are on your leadership journey.

The event also offers continuing education credits, making it valuable for career development. Expect a unifying and fearless environment that encourages bold conversations and meaningful connections — the kind of networking that extends well beyond the conference.

Renowned voices like Brené Brown, Adam Grant, Hamza Khan, Latasha Gillespie, and Jason Lauritsen have all taken the stage, cementing Workhuman Live as one of the top conferences for women leaders and HR executives who truly want to build a more human workplace.

2. Women in Leadership Conference - Rice Business

• Date: February 27, 2026
• Location: Rice University in Houston, Texas
• Event format: In-person
• Pricing: TBD
• Key focus: Provides learning and opportunity for women to lead in both professional and community roles
• Notable speakers: TBD
• Ideal for: Corporate females in the Houston area looking to lead
• Register here: Registration not open yet

Why attend

The Rice Women in Leadership Conference is ideal for students, executives, and professionals focused on women’s leadership in business. The conference offers world-class speakers, insightful panel breakouts, and opportunities to network with more than 400 professionals from different industries.

3. Women's Leadership Forum

• Date: February 25-27, 2026
• Location: Online
• Event format: Virtual
• Pricing: TBD
• Key focus: Leaders in higher education institutions
• Notable speakers: TBD
• Ideal for: Leaders interested in equity, innovation, and leadership across industries
• Register here: Registration not open yet 

Why attend

The 2026 Women’s Leadership Forum is a place to meet and learn from trailblazing, bold leaders in business. Attendees are inspired and, in turn, inspire others. The conference is ideal for those who are just stepping into leadership, with many networking opportunities.

4. Women in NECA (WIN) Leadership Conference

• Date: February 2-4, 2-26
• Location: Hotel Crescent Court in Dallas, Texas
• Event format: In-person
• Pricing: TBD
• Key focus: Women’s leadership in the electrical construction industry
• Notable speakers: TBD
• Ideal for: Women at all professional levels and men committed to understanding the challenges women face in the industry
• Register here: Registration not open yet

Why attend

Attendees join a community of like-minded professionals at all levels of the workplace. With expert-led sessions and interactive workshops, you gain inspiration and build lasting relationships.

5. OASSA Women’s Leadership Conference

• Date: February 3-4, 2026
• Location: The Hilton Columbus at Easton in Columbus, Ohio
• Event format: In-person
• Pricing: $399 for members, $299 for leadership
• Key focus: Education
• Notable speakers: TBD
• Ideal for: Teachers, administrators, and aides
• Register here: https://oassa.finalforms-amp.com/events

Why attend

Benefit from networking opportunities and professional development sessions with other women in the education field. Learn from those in all roles within the school system.

6. Women in Retail Leadership Summit

• Date: April 27-29, 2026
• Location: JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa
• Event format: In-person (invitation only)
• Pricing: TBD
• Key focus: Women in retail
• Notable speakers: TBD
• Ideal for: Women in leadership at top brands
• Register here: https://www.womeninretailsummit.com/interested

Why attend

This conference is an invitation-only opportunity for women in high positions at top retail brands. From retail technology to leadership development, the forum offers insight from some of the most successful women in retail.

Former speakers include Paula Schneider, president and CEO of Susan G. Koman, Aimee Carroll, executive vice president for Catalyst Brands, and Kim Vaccarella, founder and CEO of Bogg Bag.

7. Women in ASHRAE Leadership Symposium

• Date: April 13-14, 2026
• Location: Los Angeles, California
• Event format: In-person
• Pricing: TBD
• Key focus: Women in the HVACR industry
• Notable speakers: Gail Brager
• Ideal for: Students, entry-level workers, and seasoned veterans in the HVACR industry
• Register here: Registration not open yet

Why attend

In a male-dominated field, the conference gives you a chance to network with women in similar positions in the HVACR industry. It’s designed for every woman impacting the built environment and provides leadership development, networking, and inspiration. 

As a conference attendee, you’ll not only hear from top speakers but also build meaningful peer-to-peer connections.

8. Women in Leadership Conference by She Speaks CEO

• Date: May 15-17, 2026 
• Location: Denver, Colorado
• Event format: In-person
• Pricing: Start at $475, with different pricing packages
• Key focus: Empowering, educating, and connecting women
• Notable speakers: TBD
• Ideal for: C-suite women in leadership (female executive professionals, entrepreneurs, founders, CROs, COOs, CMOs, CEOs)
• Register here: https://www.shespeaksceo.com/events-1/women-in-leadership-conference-by-she-speaks-ceo

Why attend

This conference offers panels and keynotes from brilliant, visionary, bold women who want to help others lead. The agenda includes sessions that feel like executive coaching, giving women leaders practical tools to thrive in senior roles. Take advantage of networking events, short how-to sessions, engaging panels, and inspiring keynotes.

8. Annual Worcester Women’s Leadership Conference

• Date: May 7, 2026
• Location: DCU Convention Center
• Event format: In-person
• Pricing: TBD
• Key focus: Career development and networking for women
• Notable speakers: TBD
• Ideal for: Forward-thinking female leaders in Massachusetts
• Register here: Registration not open yet

Why attend

Over the last 17 years, attendees at the Annual Worcester Women’s Leadership conference have met for personal growth, professional development, and business networking. The focus is on empowering women through shared experiences and inspiration.

9. 17th Women's Leadership and Empowerment Conference (WLEC2026)

• Date: March 1-3, 2026
• Location: Bangkok, Thailand
• Event format: In-person
• Pricing: Starts around $380
• Key focus: Women as agents of change and powerful voices
• Notable speakers: TBD
• Ideal for: Those hoping to leave a lasting legacy through leadership
• Register here: https://www.wleconference.org/apply.html

Why attend

Learn from women all over the globe who hold positions of leadership. Enjoy diverse perspectives and opportunities to collaborate. This women's leadership conference uses several formats, from storytelling to thought-provoking discussions.

10. IAEE Women’s Leadership Forum

• Date: April 27-28, 2026
• Location: Oxon Hill, Maryland
• Event format: In-person
• Pricing: $549
• Key focus: Exhibitions and events industry
• Notable speakers: TBD
• Ideal for: Women in the events and exhibitions industry
• Register here: https://www.iaee.com/wlf/registration

Why attend

The International Association of Exhibitions and Events® (IAEE) is holding their annual Women’s Leadership Forum, which focuses on female leaders of all ages in the exhibitions and events industry.

From entry-level employees to executives, the conference provides inspiration and motivation to help you succeed and take a step up the corporate ladder. The event also teaches leaders how to have a good work-life balance.

11. HMC Women in Leadership Conference

• Date: March 17, 2026
• Location: TBD
• Event format: In-person
• Pricing: Starts at $350
• Key focus: Professional development for women leading in public and private schools
• Notable speakers: TBD
• Ideal for: Women who are aspiring and current middle and senior leaders in schools
• Register here: https://hmcpd.arlo.co/w/courses/1056-women-in-leadership-conference-tuesday-17-march-2026-venue-tbc/1143

Why attend

Held by HMC (The Heads' Conference), this conference offers an opportunity to travel internationally and learn more about leading independent schools. Develop support tactics for colleagues, share ideas, and brainstorm solutions to common challenges women face in schools.

Choosing the right conference for empowering women

Here are some tips to help you narrow down the list of conferences to the one that best serves you. 

1. Understand your leadership goals and conference themes

First, consider what your professional and personal goals are for the conference. You may be interested in networking, skill development, or career advancement — see which conferences emphasize your priorities. 

2. Consider location, dates, and conference reputation

Another basic issue is logistics. A couple of questions to consider:

• Do you have the budget to travel to the conference location?
• Is the event scheduled at a convenient time in your work schedule, or will you be too busy with urgent work to take the time away?

If you prefer the short and sweet learning of a two-day conference, find one in your area that you can attend for minimal cost.

Also consider the reputation, longevity, and reviews of the event. Look for information from former attendees regarding how engaging and helpful the speakers were and how it was organized. 

While new conferences can be exciting, an organization with a track record of successful forums may be a better bet if you have to choose between one or the other.

3. Assess networking opportunities and peer connections

One of the greatest benefits of conferences is the networking and peer connections. As you build stronger connections within your industry, you gain deeper insight into shared challenges and how to succeed. 

At a conference, look for people with roles like yours, as they'll have similar problems. They can become valuable sounding boards long after the event ends, offering fresh, outsider perspectives when you’re stuck.

It’s commonly accepted that many people get jobs “because they know someone.” If you hope to climb the ladder or move to another position, the people you know can get you there. So, make as many connections as possible. 

Exchange email addresses, share business cards, and connect on professional sites such as LinkedIn. 

You won’t remember the information in the middle of a cocktail hour, so make sure to write it down as soon as possible. Connecting with like-minded professionals also opens the door for collaboration and mentorship.

Conclusion

Choosing the right women in leadership conference can shape not only your year, but your entire leadership journey. Each event on this list offers something valuable, whether it is networking across diverse industries, gaining executive coaching insights, or hearing from women leaders breaking barriers in their fields.

But if you are looking for the most impactful, energizing, and future-focused experience, Workhuman Live 2026 stands out as the top choice. With world-class speakers, tailored sessions for every career level, and a proven track record of uniting professionals around building more human workplaces, it delivers both inspiration and actionable strategies you can use right away.

As you plan your year, keep an eye on pricing and speaker announcements, and put Workhuman Live at the top of your list. It is more than a conference; it is the movement that will help you lead with purpose, confidence, and vision.

About Alex Yap-Dubois

Alex is a workplace storyteller with a knack for breaking big ideas into clear, actionable insights. As an author on the Workhuman Live Blog, he focuses on list-style articles that bring clarity to the most pressing workplace trends, from recognition and culture to leadership and the future of work. With a background in digital strategy and content creation, he approaches every topic with a balance of research and practical takeaways, helping readers find inspiration they can put into action right away.