One outstanding day. The very best of Scottish business.
On Thursday 5th November 2026, our Conference & Awards will bring together established entrepreneurs, business owners, CEOs and senior leaders for one of the most anticipated events in Scotland’s SME business calendar.
For the first time, our highly respected Awards will form part of the Conference, creating a full day of honest conversations, fresh thinking, valuable connections and well-deserved celebration.
This is not a Conference filled with polished presentations and predictable soundbites. It’s a day built around real experiences, straight-talking insights and the lessons that only come from building, leading and growing successful businesses.
No egos. No fluff. No selling in the room. Just credible people sharing what they have learned and celebrating the very best of Scotland’s entrepreneurial and SME business community.
Real stories. Honest insights. Practical value.
The WeDO Conference has built a reputation for bringing together exceptional speakers, panellists and business leaders who are prepared to talk openly about the realities of entrepreneurship and leadership.
Our speakers don’t simply share their successes. They discuss the decisions, setbacks, risks and turning points behind them – the experiences that rarely feature in conventional business conversations but often provide the greatest value.
Throughout the day, delegates can expect:
- Candid conversations with accomplished entrepreneurs and business leaders.
- Thought-provoking speakers and an expertly chaired panel discussion.
- Practical insights that can be applied beyond the Conference.
- Different perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing Scottish businesses.
- Meaningful networking with founders, CEOs, senior leaders and decision-makers.
- The announcement and celebration of the 2026 WeDO Awards winners.
The speaker line-up will be announced soon, you can find out more HERE.
Celebrating Scotland’s outstanding entrepreneurs and businesses
Now in their 14th year, the WeDO Scotland Awards recognise outstanding achievement across Scotland’s SME business community.
These are credible, independently judged awards created to celebrate substance, not vanity.
Winning or becoming a finalist is based entirely on the strength of the application, the achievements of the individual or business and, if shortlisted to one of four finalists in each Award category, a rigorous finalist interview. There’s no requirement to buy a table, purchase tickets nor pay for promotional packages to improve the chances of success.
Our judges look beyond polished marketing and headline figures. They want to understand the decisions made, the challenges overcome, the impact created and the people behind the results.
The Awards recognise established entrepreneurs, high-growth companies, outstanding SMEs, international success, emerging entrepreneurial talent and exceptional executive leadership. Our Lifetime Achievement Award also honours an individual whose contribution to Scottish business deserves special recognition.
Why we have brought the Conference and Awards together
Businesses continue to operate in a demanding economic climate. Costs have increased, budgets are under greater scrutiny and time away from the business must deliver genuine value.
Bringing the Conference and Awards together allows us to create one exceptional day that offers far more than a traditional business event or standalone awards ceremony.
Delegates will benefit from the inspiration, learning and connections of the Conference while also sharing in the excitement and recognition of the Awards. It will be a day that reflects the realities of business while celebrating the ambition, resilience and achievements that exist throughout Scotland’s entrepreneurial community.
Serious business does not always need to happen in serious rooms. There will be energy, warmth and plenty of celebration too. Scroll down below to see video highlights from last year’s Awards and Conference.
We will also be hearing the views and opinions of a fantastic experts on our “Business & Economy’ panel which will be a highly interactive session with ample opportunity for attendees to ask questions. Find out more about the Panel HERE.
Additionally, there will be an ‘In Conversation’ with a very special guest with a highly engaging story to share.
NETWORKING
Having listened to feedback from previous years, we have included more time for networking – there will be two and a half hours during the day to mix and mingle with fellow attendees followed by a Drinks Reception to close the event.
WHO CAN ATTEND?
The event is open to members and non-members and tickets available on a strictly first come, first served basis.
“There is a fantastic energy in the room, that comes from having phenomenally successful Scottish business people mixing with exciting aspiring entrepreneurs. It’s a very powerful combination!”
PROGRAMME
Click HERE to view the Programme for the day.
PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
To find out more about partnering with us for this event and benefit from outstanding opportunities to raise the profile of your brand and increase engagement with the Scottish SME community, click below
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