2026 Conference & Awards

MEMBERS & NON-MEMBERS

Step into a day designed exclusively for Scotland’s most driven entrepreneurs and business leaders – where every moment delivers genuine value and actionable insights. 

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 isn’t 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.

This is real-world wisdom, shaped by passion, fuelled by resilience, and grounded in the lived experiences of Scotland’s most successful and growth-minded entrepreneurs — the kind who inspire without ego.

You’ll gain direct access to fresh thinking, proven strategies, and candid accounts of challenges faced, and hear from our Expert Panel sharing their insights on what’s shaping Scottish businesses and our economy right now, as well as future predictions. More than just listening, you’ll be part of an energetic exchange – sharing perspectives, dissecting best practices and tackling the pressing issues that matter most to your success.

Beyond the insights, this is your chance to step out of the day-to-day, connect with like-minded peers and take a sharper, more strategic look at your business. Expect to leave with renewed energy, fresh inspiration and a clear vision for your next chapter.

“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!”

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.

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. 

INSIGHTS FROM OUR SPEAKERS

We’re thrilled to be welcoming three outstanding keynote speakers, each bringing powerful entrepreneurial stories of success, growth and the real challenges faced along the way. Expect thought-provoking insights, practical strategies and honest reflections—no rose-tinted tales here. To keep the energy high and ideas flowing, each keynote will be a dynamic 20-minute talk, followed by a 5-minute Q&A, giving you the chance to engage directly with our speakers.

Our confirmed speakers are Tony Quinn, CEO & Founder of SilverCloud and Acumen Cyber, Marie Owen OBE, CEO & Founder of LS Productions, winner of our 2025 Entrepreneur of the Year Award and Dr Poonam Gupta OBE, winner of our 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award. 

Find out more about the speakers HERE.

‘IN CONVERSATION’

We’re excited that our ‘In Conversation’ guest in the afternoon is Olivier and multi-award winning global theatre impresario, Colin Ingram.  He’s brought some of theatre’s best-loved stories to stages around the world.

His credits include lead producer of Back to the Future: The Musical, winner of Best New Musical at the Olivier Awards, and producer of Ghost the Musical, staged in 22 countries and 14 languages. From the West End and Broadway to Asia and Australia, Colin knows what it takes to turn creative ambition into an international business.

Colin brings a fascinating perspective on entrepreneurship behind the curtain: backing bold ideas,  raising investment building exceptional teams, managing commercial risk and taking a production into international markets.  You’ll also have the chance to put your questions directly to our guest during the Q&A.

Find out more about Colin HERE.

EXPERT VIEWS & PREDICTIONS FROM OUR PANEL

Our ‘Business & Economy’ panel bring together leading voices from Scotland’s business, economy and media landscapes, offering a rare chance to hear directly from the experts shaping today’s conversations. This interactive session, driven by your questions, will not only explore the current state of play, but also share forward-looking predictions on what’s ahead for the Scottish businesses. It’s a unique opportunity to gain fresh insights, challenge your thinking and stay ahead of the curve.

Find out more about the panel HERE.

NETWORKING

There will be two and half hours during the day to mix and mingle with fellow attendees followed by more time at our Drinks Reception to close the event.  We limit overall numbers to enhance networking opportunities and ensure participation is maximised for all attendees.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF ATTENDING?

Level up Your Leadership. Grow Your Business.

Step away from the daily grind and invest in the most valuable asset you have: yourself.  What else should you 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 outstanding 2026 WeDO Awards winners.

This is your opportunity to:

• Learn from the best. Gain inspiration and practical skills and knowledge from Scotland’s leading entrepreneurs and industry experts.
• Innovate and grow. Discover new approaches and innovative ideas to fuel your company’s growth, spark your creativity and refine your business strategy.
• Forge powerful connections. Cultivate new relationships and strengthen existing ones with like-minded, ambitious leaders. These connections can lead to powerful collaborations and grow your network with like-minded, driven entrepreneurs and business leaders.

This isn’t just time out of the office; it’s an investment that will deliver exponential benefits for you, your team and your entire company.

WHO CAN ATTEND?

The event is open to members and non-members, with tickets available on a strictly first come, first served basis.

The following is included in the ticket price:  a breakfast roll with tea/coffee on arrival, tea/coffee and snacks during breaks, a delicious 2 course plated lunch with a bottle of wine, beer and soft drinkson each table, along with a complimentary drink at the Drinks Reception (additional drinks can be purchased at the bar during lunch and the Drinks Reception.)

DRESS CODE:  Business dress.  Decorations may be worn.

A VAT invoice will be issued once you have booked your ticket.

THANK YOU TO OUR CONFERENCE PARTNERS

Click on the logos to visit our Partner websites.

If you’re interested in finding out more about opportunities to partner with us for this event, we have a variety of opportunities available to suit all budgets, click HERE for more information.

CANCELLATION POLICY

Tickets can be cancelled and refunded by emailing [email protected]. We regret that any tickets cancelled after noon on Wednesday 7th October will not be applicable for refunds for any reason.  Tickets can be transferred to a different name until Friday 30th October at 5pm by emailing [email protected]