IWG Global Summit 2026: One Year To Go!

This week marks the ‘one year to go’ countdown until the IWG Global Summit 2026, hosted by the International Working Group (IWG) on Women and Sport. The Summit is set to be the foremost gathering of thought leaders in the sport industry, providing a platform for sharing best practices and the latest insights affecting women and sport.

The Summit, taking place from 9–11 July 2026 at the ICC in Birmingham, UK, will bring together over 1,200 senior decision and policy makers, presenting an unparalleled opportunity to be a part of the solution in creating a sports system where all women and girls can thrive.

As well as the launch of the brand new IWG Global Summit 2026 website, IWG has also revealed the five key themes for the Summit, which represent the most pressing issues surrounding gender equity and equality in sport:

• Investment – exploring how strategic investment is reshaping the future of women’s and girls’ sport worldwide.

• Leadership – building inclusive, collaborative, and transformative leadership that drives equity and progress in sport.

• Innovation – transforming sport for women and girls through bold, inclusive, and future-focused innovation.

• Visibility – harnessing the power of visibility to amplify opportunities and achievements in women’s and girls’ sport.

• Participation – breaking down barriers so women and girls can thrive in sport.

  
  

Annamarie Phelps CBE OLY, Chair of IWG, said:

“In exactly a year’s time, the IWG will deliver the 9th Global Summit in Birmingham, 32 years on from the last UK-hosted conference – this is a unique opportunity to hear from and input to the future of the sport industry, from elite, professional sport to community participation. Over 200 speakers and 1000 leaders from all corners of the globe will gather to share cutting-edge innovation, develop ideas and celebrate breakthroughs in women’s sport to make sport relevant to many more women and girls".

“The IWG Global Summit is the Davos of women’s sport, gathering international federations and Olympic committees, industry leaders, corporate and public investors, NGOs, athletes and academics with multiple stages, panels, discussions and side events. It will put the UK at the centre of global policy development for three days, so if you have an interest in the business of sport, the health and well-being of society through the lives of women and girls, or the contribution of sport to the UN SDGs, it is the place to be"

Don’t miss updates on our social channels, register your interest and look out for the ticket launch on 9 September.

Register your interest for the IWG Global Summit 2026 here