IoD NI Women's Leadership Conference 2026
Renowned restaurateur, food writer, entrepreneur and television presenter, Prue Leith CBE, will headline the 2026 Women’s Leadership Conference.
Best known for her role as a judge on Channel 4 hit, The Great British Bake Off, Prue has enjoyed a stellar career, spanning more than five decades, and will share her experiences with leadership and insights on how to build a successful brand at the annual event held by the IoD in NI to mark International Women’s Day.
This conference is set to be another complete sell-out with world-class speakers, the 9th 'Pitch Perfect' competition for a chance to win a £4,000 bursary for your female-led start up business, and a chance to connect with over 550 attendees in person.
Keep an eye on our socials @IoDNI as we announce further speakers over the coming weeks!
A special thanks to headline sponsor Herbert Smith Freehills as well as associate sponsors NIE Networks, KPMG, Henry Brothers, SONI, The Irish News, Cathedral Eye Clinic and Translink for their continued support.
Speakers
Dame Prue Leith CBE
Michelin star chef, Prue Leith is one of the country’s best loved television cooks, presenters and businesswomen.
From the Great British Bake Off to award winning fine dining restaurants, Prue’s career in the food industry is undeniably impressive and pioneering in equal parts. In her current role as a judge on the Great British Bake Off, Prue Leith has been adored by fans since taking up the position in 2016. Alongside Paul Hollywood, Prue judges the amateur bakers work, and the duos on screen dynamic is the highlight of the show for many.
Considered, confident and knowledgeable, it's not surprise Prue was a favourite for the programme, and her previous experience as a judge on My Kitchen Rules for a year, and The Great British Menu for a further decade, secured her the spot on the award winning baking programme. Determined to carve a career as a chef, Prue Leith moved from South Africa to the UK when she was twenty to attend the prestigious Cordon Bleu Cookery School. With a foundation in fine dining learnt, Prue set about establishing her first business venture Leith’s Good Food, that provided up market business lunches and catering to high class events.
With an entrepreneurial spirit and natural talent in the kitchen, Prue has gone on to open a Michelin starred restaurant in London, founded Leith’s School of Food and Wine and the Prue Leith Chef’s Academy in her home country. As a chef, her reputation in the industry is formidable and Prue Leith has appeared across the media as a much loved expert.
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