The countdown is on.
On Thursday 5 March 2026, over 400 women and allies from across the estate agency sector will gather at the Shaw Theatre in London for what has become the most talked-about event in the industry calendar.
But if this is your first time, let’s set the record straight: this is NOT a conference. Not in the traditional sense. There are no sales pitches, no ego-fuelled panels, no tick-box CPD sessions.
WiEA 2026 is different. It’s about energy, honesty, perspective, connection, and more than a little fun.
It’s also a day that can shift how you see yourself and your place in the industry, if you let it.
Here’s how to make it count.
This Is NOT a Conference, And That’s The Whole Point
At 9:30am, WiEA Chair Verona Frankish will officially open the day. But this won’t be your typical “welcome speech.” It will be a grounding moment to look around the room, take a deep breath, and recognise the power of being surrounded by others who get it. People who know what it means to juggle ambition, pressure, family, self-doubt and success, often all in the same week.
From there, the day opens up into a mix of:
- TED-style talks that are raw, personal and refreshingly unpolished
- Inspiring keynotes from voices inside and outside the industry
- Moments that move you, from laughter to tears to fire-in-your-belly inspiration
- And in true WiEA styles, surprise guests and entertainment you won’t see coming
You’ll hear from women who’ve started businesses at their kitchen table. Leaders who’ve burned out and come back stronger. Industry changemakers who are done playing by outdated rules. And all of it wrapped in a healthy dose of reality.
If you’re expecting polite applause and a notepad full of jargon, you might want to reset your expectations.
The Morning: Challenge, Courage and Connection
After the opening, things start strong with Absolute Collagen founders Maxine and Darcy Laceby, who built a multimillion-pound brand from their kitchen table, and they’re not here to tell a filtered story. Expect honest insights about growth, risk, and resilience.
Then comes Ali Mortimer, a high-energy executive coach who’ll speak about pressure, mindset, and performance. Ali brings practical tools and real talk, especially for women navigating big careers and even bigger expectations.
We’ll take a beat to honour the launch of the Spirit of Sarah Awards – a moment to reflect, remember, and recognise those in our industry who support others without seeking credit.
After a short break, one of the most popular segments returns: Agents of Change: Mistakes That Made Us.
These are three powerful stories of missteps, pivots and imperfect journeys:
- Mary Beeton from Hamptons opens up about the realities of senior leadership and confidence
- Natalie Moore shares how she built a values-led conveyancing firm while raising two kids
- Hannah White reflects on how stress has become something we’re expected to “just manage” in a high-pressure industry, and why it’s time to rethink what coping really looks like
If you’ve ever felt like everyone else has it all figured out, this session will remind you: no one does.
Midday: Practical Inspiration You Can Actually Use
Before lunch (and back by VERY popular demand), Rightmove’s Colleen Babcock brings her signature energy and insight to the stage with Agents of Belonging, a session on how local marketing, identity, and connection can build trust (and results). This is not a theory lecture; you’ll leave with ideas you can apply the next day.
After that, it’s time to refuel and reset with lunch, connections, and some quiet reflection before the pace picks back up.
Afternoon: Leadership, Laughs and Legacy
After lunch, get ready for a lift. WiEA never lets the post-lunch slump win, so you can expect entertainment, surprises and possibly something that gets you up on your feet.
Then, Sara Cox MBE, the UK’s first female elite rugby referee, takes to the stage. Her session draws powerful parallels between sport and leadership, including confidence under pressure, decision-making, and backing yourself when it counts.
From there, you’ll hear updates on:
- The Power of You training programme – how it’s growing and what’s coming next
- The reimagined WiEA Partner Programme (formerly the Charter) – and how to get involved in creating lasting impact across the sector
Next up: not one, but two keynote sessions to close. The final speaker is still under wraps, but what we can say is that it will be worth staying for. Expect depth, fire, and an emotional finale.
The Aftershow: Keep the Energy Going
When the official programme ends at 5pm, the party begins.
The WiEA Aftershow is your chance to debrief, relax, and maybe throw a few questionable dance moves around. Whether you came with colleagues or walked in alone, this is where new friendships are cemented and the day truly sinks in.
Tips For Making the Most of the Day
Whether it’s your first WiEA or your fourth, here are five ways to walk in feeling ready:
Set your intention
Ask yourself: what do I want to feel by the end of the day? Who do I want to meet? What question do I want answered?
Say hello, even when it feels awkward
Everyone’s a bit nervous. Everyone’s wondering where to sit. Introduce yourself, you’ll be surprised how many people are relieved you did.
Explore the WiEA Zones
This year, the experience Zones are back and reimagined. From wellness and tech to mentoring and networking, they’re here to be explored at your own pace.
Capture the gold
Bring a notebook, use your Notes app, or send yourself voice memos. Not just to record facts, but to remember how something made you feel.
Let yourself feel it all
You might laugh. You might cry. You might find yourself rethinking your entire 5-year plan. It’s all welcome. Just be there for it.
Practical Info
Date: Thursday 5 March 2026
Venue: Shaw Theatre, London
Time: 8:30am arrival, 9:30am start. 5:00pm the Aftershow starts
Full programme: https://womeninestateagency.co.uk/programme/
Final Thought
You don’t need to have a plan. You don’t need to know what you’re looking for.
Just show up. As you are. That’s where it starts.
WiEA 2026 is NOT a conference. It’s a turning point.
We’ll see you there.
Not got your tickets yet? Why Not?! Over half have already gone, don’t miss out!
