Wonder Women 2026 speaker line up announced

Wonder Women has announced the speaker line-up for the 2026 Wonder Women Conference, with leaders from YouTube, Amazon MGM Studios, Aardman, 5, Channel 4, UKTV, Fremantle and more lined up.

The event will be held at BAFTA on Thursday 1^st October, welcoming 250 mid-to-senior-level women from across TV, film, and the broader creative sector.

Now in its fourth year, the annual Conference will “lead bold, necessary conversations about the future of the industry and the experiences of women working within it, alongside career-advancing insights, community building, immersive AI training to upskill attendees and networking.”

Sessions will include ‘Women at the Top in TV’, ‘Positive Disruptors’, AI for Creative Storytelling Masterclass, ‘Women & Money’ and ‘How to Rise’.

The 2026 speaker line-up includes:

Alison Lomax, Managing Director, YouTube UK & Ireland
Amelia Brown, CEO Fremantle UK
Ayshah Tull, Presenter & Journalist, Channel 4 News
Claer Barrett, Finance Journalist & Broadcaster, Financial Times
Deborah Joseph, Journalist, Editor and Content Creator
Denise Parkinson, VP Sales & Marketing Global, Variety
Diane Kenwood, Women of the Year Chair
Dr Anne Marie Imafidon MBE
Emma Hardie, Executive Commercial and Brand Director, Aardman
Gemma Bird, Money Mum Expert
Gillian Joseph, Broadcast Journalist, Sky News
Hilary Rosen, Director of Commissioning, UKTV & BAFTA Chair
Katharine Sacks-Jones, Chief Executive, Young Women’s Trust
Maike Currie, VP Personal Finance, PensionBee
Margaret Parvin, Head of International Business Affairs, Amazon MGM Studios
Manori Ravindran, Journalist & International Correspondent, The Ankler
Marverine Cole, Journalist & Broadcaster, ITV
Neila Butt, Head of Creative Equity, Channel 4
Olulaide Sadiq, Director (Grenfell: Uncovered)
Poorna Bell, Author & Journalist
Rebecca Hodges, General Manager, UK, Nordics & Japan, Audio Network
Reemah Sakaan, President, 5
Remel London, Broadcaster & Podcast Host
Sadie Clayton, Copper Wellness Artist & Cultural Commentator
Stephanie Ronan-Chlond, AI Specialist & Coach
And Ria Hebden, Broadcast Journalist, Entrepreneur, Wonder Women CEO

Ria Hebden, Founder, Wonder Women said: “The Wonder Women Conference has been meticulously designed to deliver an informative, insightful and joyful experience to leave people feeling empowered about their careers. For freelancers, the last three years have been unwavering. This is a day where women, particularly those from marginalised backgrounds, can come together in a positive and welcoming space – to upskill, connect and feel part of something bigger than themselves. As businesses merge and the tech, media and advertising sectors converge, representation is only part of the story; we also need to look at who remains, who is progressing, who is being given access to opportunity and who gets to have a seat at the decision-making table.”

She added: “The Conference was created to provide a space where women can be honest about the realities of building a career in this industry, learn from those who have navigated the path before them, and build the networks, confidence and connections to take their next step. We know that talented women, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, can face additional barriers to progression and retention, so creating opportunities to connect, learn and be celebrated is more important now than ever. Ultimately, we want attendees to leave feeling that they belong, are supported and, importantly, energised by what’s possible – helping to build a stronger, more inclusive pipeline of women in leadership across television, film and the wider creative industries.”

Wonder Women is guided by an esteemed advisory board of senior female leaders across media, law, social impact and TV production, including: Nicole Marie Joseph (Various Artists Limited), Nicola Hill (Orchard Studios), Hayley Brady (Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer), Anne-Marie Douglas (Peer Power Youth), Tolu Akinsanya (Media Relations Consultant) and new board member Babita Bahal (Film & TV Talent and Partnerships Consultant).