2019 Conference

The WeDO Scotland Annual Conference is one of the flagship events in our calendar and  is focused on growth, innovation, success and company culture, giving demonstrable value as well as deliverable outcomes and actions for entrepreneurs and SME business leaders. Our theme this year is ‘Empowering Your Success’, whether you are an entrepreneur or a business leader, you will leave the Conference empowered to be a success, both personally and in your business.

Our outstanding, multi-sector line-up of speakers will be sharing their amazing stories of success and growth strategies, their learnings from the challenges they have faced along the way as well as their innovation insights.

Through panel debate and workshops, you will have the opportunity to absorb, learn from, and share the latest thought-leadership, innovation, best practises and challenges currently facing Scottish businesses which is a powerful offering to any entrepreneur or business leader.

Entrepreneurs and business leaders regularly have to play the role of CEO, COO, CFO, CTO, Sales Director and Marketing Director.  The opportunity to spend time with like-minded business owners and be more philosophical about your business is a powerful energiser, resulting in greater inspiration and a refreshed outlook.

WHO CAN ATTEND?

• One of only 2 events we host annually which are open to non-members.
• In support ofyoung people and potential entrepreneurs of the future, we have a limited number of reduced price tickets for students.Please note that .ed.uk email addresses must be used when purchasing Student tickets.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF ATTENDING?

• Learn from the best – an outstanding opportunity to be inspired & increase your skills & knowledge.
• Meet industry experts & learn from some of Scotland’s & the UK’s leading entrepreneurs.
• Network – build new relationships & strengthen those with business leaders you already know. 
• Taking time away from the office and working ‘on’ your business rather than ‘in’ it will encourage your creativity and idea generation.
• Meeting & hearing from like-minded, ambitious business leaders and entrepreneurs to spark your future plans.
• Find out about new approaches to business growth and innovative ideas to benefit your company.
• Investing in you as the business owner and leader will have exponential benefits to you, your teams and your company.
• Help sow the seeds & nurture relationships which often lead to reciprocal assistance for a variety of situations including innovation, joint ventures, distribution partnerships, investment, sales leads, market intelligence and much more. 

“There is a fantastic energy in the room, that comes from having phenomenally successful Scottish business people mixing with exciting aspiring entrepreneurs. A very powerful combination!”

Click HERE to read more about what attendees say about our Conferences.

SPEAKERS

We’re not about the ordinary, we’re about the extraordinary.  You won’t find speakers at our Conference who are ‘on the circuit’.  You won’t find speakers who you’ve already heard at other events. 

Who you hear will inspire you with unique, engaging stories far from the norm of many entrepreneurial events and business conferences.  They will be sharing their experiences, innovative approaches to successes and challenges along with key takeaways for delegates to consider implementing in their own businesses.  There will be a 5 minute Q & A afterwards to give you the opportunity to ask questions to each speaker.  

WORKSHOPS

The workshops are focused on business growth driven by innovation.Workshop sessions will take place in the morning with more taking place in the afternoon.  Once you have booked your Conference ticket, you will be sent a link to select your workshops of choice for the morning and afternoon sessions in order of preference.  You will choose one workshop in the morning and one in the afternoon, more topics which will be announced very soon.  The workshops are designed to be interactive and you will have plenty of time to ask questions.

Our speakers this year who will be sharing their amazing business journeys which will be hugely interesting, inspiring and entertaining and will be announced very soon.

PANEL DEBATE

This will be a fascinating opportunity to hear the views of some of Scotland’s most foremost business leaders.  The session will incorporate Q & As on each topic above, giving delegates plenty of opportunity to ask questions & join in the debate.  Click HERE to find out more about who’s on the Panel.

A limited number of Early Bird tickets are now on sale to both members of WeDO and non-members offering discounts of £15 on standard ticket prices.  We know these allocations will sell out quickly though so don’t delay in booking.  

In light of our support of the next generation of potential entrepreneurs, we also have a small number of discounted tickets available for full-time students.  Please note that .ed.uk email addresses must be used when purchasing Student tickets.

PROGRAMME

8:45am: Registration:  tea/coffee & pastries

9:10am: Welcome:  Belinda Roberts MBE –  WeDO Scotland Founder

9:15am: Speaker:  Colin Ingram– Colin Ingram Ltd

9:40am:  Speaker:  Elliot Jardine – McDonalds Restaurants

10:05am: Workshops  

11:10am:  Refreshment break & networking

11:30am: Speaker:  Andy Tait – Greenacres Group – 2019 Entrepreneur of the Year Winner

11:55am: ‘What Does the Future Hold for Scottish Businesses?’ Panel & Q & A

CHAIR:  Kenny Kemp of Kemp Communications

Tim Allan – Scottish Chambers of Commerce

Malcolm Cannon – Institute of Directors

Kerry Sharp – Scottish Investment Bank & Scottish Enterprise

Professor John Anderson – Strathclyde University Business School

Marcus Pickering – Pickering’s Gin – WeDO Scotland Executive Team Ambassador & 2017 Entrepreneur of the Year Winner

Anna Christopherson – Boda Swedish Bars & Restaurants Group

12:55pm:  Buffet lunch & networking

1:35pm:  Speaker:  David Thomson of DC Thomson

2:00pm:  Workshops

3:05pm:  Refreshment break & networking

3:20pm: Rocket: more information will be announced very soon

4:15pm:  Speaker:  Charlie Smith of Scottish Development International & Scottish Enterprise

4:45pm:  Event ends

5pm:  Post-event drinks at Hemma

There will be Q & A sessions after each speaker, during the Panel discussion and during the workshops giving you ample opportunity to participate and gain answers to your questions.

TICKETS

The ticket price includes all-day entry to the event as well as tea/coffee & pastries on arrival, tea/coffee & snacks mid-morning and mid-afternoon as well as a buffet lunch.  Once a ticket has been booked, you will receive an invoice emailed by return.

REFUND POLICY

Tickets can cancelled and refunded before 12 noon on Thursday 31st October providing that an email requesting a refund has been sent to [email protected]  We regret that cancellations received after this date will not be refunded.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

Click HERE to find out more about VentureFest Scotland 2019