IWF UK - Cornerstone Conference - 12 to 15 May 2026

IWF UK first planned to host this Cornerstone Conference in 2020, and it was wonderful to finally see it come to life in May 2026 under the theme “Tradition to Transformation.”

Ten members from IWF Ireland, including some UK and Ireland members, joined 750 women leaders from 41 countries in the heart of London for what proved to be a rich, thoughtful and energising few days. As one would expect from IWF, the programme was impressively diverse, ranging from world politics and AI to comedy, creativity and the future of leadership. The event opened in memorable style at the magnificent Natural History Museum, where attendees were greeted by a uniformed band and warmly welcomed by flag-waving IWF UK members.

Across the conference, members took part in more than 22 “Behind the Scenes” experiences and 63 dine-arounds across London, creating many opportunities to connect, reconnect and share conversations designed to inform, inspire and advance women’s leadership. I felt that the IWF UK leadership and local organisers approached some of the most challenging and important issues shaping leadership today with real courage and care, including geopolitical change, technological transformation, mental health, justice reform, fintech, higher education, beauty, creativity and collective leadership. The addition of musical comedy act Flo & Joan brought a welcome sense of fun, wit and quirkiness, rounding out the more serious and thought-provoking elements beautifully.

The thematic groups are also becoming an increasingly important part of international IWF events. Marguerite McGrath plays a major role in the AI theme and chaired one of the best-attended sessions of the conference. The Legal, Healthcare and Higher Education forums are open to all members and offer valuable opportunities to connect not only in person at events, but also virtually throughout the year with like-minded members around the world. As always, the final night of Cornerstone was marked by a wonderful Gala event.

The Irish were once again among the first to reach the dance floor, happily boogying the night away to the sounds of an excellent Beatles tribute band. We had the pleasure of meeting some of the organising IWF UK members in Dublin at the end of February this year, and I hope they know there will always be a very warm welcome for them should they choose to return.

Finally, a heartfelt well done to IWF UK on delivering such a memorable and meaningful Cornerstone Conference.

Ena.