"Leading with Authenticity, Building with Sustainability" For all Business Consultants, Mentors, Advisors & Coaches, 2026
Building on the huge success of our 2024 and 2025 conferences, MENTupLEADup is back with our 2026 annual conference "Leading with Authenticity, Building with Sustainability". The title sets the tone for a forward-thinking, values-led event.
This year’s theme could not be more relevant in today’s geopolitical climate. Our local businesses are needing to set clear direction and are looking to us for support expertise that is practical, based on experience, credible and built to last.
The day will provide you a unique opportunity to get in the room with others who genuinely understand the world of business support. We already have internationally renowned speakers secured who will recharge your thinking & challenge your perspective. With fresh insight, honest conversations, and the kind of energy that comes from being surrounded by people who care deeply about helping small businesses succeed, you will come away with valuable connections and practical ideas.
The day will offer:
A line-up of globally recognised speakers.
Key industry sponsors.
The presentation of the 2026 “Excellence in Business Support Award” sponsored by the Institute of Leadership & Management.
Networking with international contacts.
Already working on our line-up of exceptional speakers, panellist's and sponsors, the day will be moderated by Gary McDonald, Business Editor with the Irish News.
There will be an "in Conversation" with Ellie Carcamo, Founder of Caribe Coffee Co - who will talk about being authentic: 3 years on from turning down an investment on the BBC Dragons Den. We will also hear from Siobhan Moran the Co-Chair of Women in Banking and Finance NI, around better understanding your customer. We have also secured panellists from across Ireland covering sustainability, AI and longevity.
Once again, we will be running the “Excellence in Business Support Award” for 2026 with our panel of judges coming from the banking, CPD and academic sectors. Sponsorship is provided by the Institute of Leadership & Management.
This is more than a date in the diary, it is a chance for the business support industry to step out of the everyday, reconnect with purpose, and invest in the quality of expertise brought to others.