Taking place on Friday 14th June at Riddel Hall, Belfast, the conference will bring together more than 220 young leaders to share best practice and learn from established business leaders and from each other. The event is sponsored by Herbert Smith Freehills, reception sponsor EY and associate sponsors AKFP Group and VANRATH.
Keynote speaker Nigel was appointed as an international referee in 2005 and has officiated at the 2007, 2011 and 2015 rugby world cups. Memorably, he was selected to referee the 2015 World Cup final between New Zealand and Australia. In 2007, Nigel publicly addressed the media as the sport’s only openly gay official, being awarded Stonewall’s Gay Sports Personality of the Year Award and later Gay Sports Personality of the Decade.
Nigel overcame the numerous challenges and adversity he faced to become a patron of Bullies Out charity and was awarded an MBE for his services to sport in 2016.
David Meade returns this year as conference compere. David has been an avid supporter of Young Leaders since its inception and Young Leaders NI are delighted to have secured him as compere for 2019, particularly as he juggles an ongoing nationwide tour. David adds a unique dynamic to the day with his entertaining and insightful delivery.
Additional speakers include: Leadership and motivational speaker Andrew Toogood from Proclaim Consultancy, Emma Sinclair, described by Tatler Magazine as a tech head who “will be running the universe one day” and Hannah Shields, a local dentist from Kilrea who is Northern Ireland’s first woman to summit Mount Everest. The diverse range of speakers will share with the delegates the leadership lessons they have learnt from facing and overcoming adversity in their individual pursuit of success – both within their careers and personal lives.
Young Leaders NI is a group formed by the Junior Chamber International Belfast, the Northern Ireland Young Solicitors’ Association, the Chartered Institute of Public Relations Northern Ireland and the Chartered Accountants Ireland Ulster Society Young Professionals Group.
Speaking at the launch of the Conference, Chair of Young Leaders NI, Jenna Mairs said:
“I am delighted to launch our 2019 conference. This year’s theme is set to encourage debate and invites participants to share their experience of overcoming adversity. We are hopeful that our varied line-up for 2019 will make for another inspiring day. The four societies initially came together with the aim of inspiring young people across all sectors and we believe we have been successful in delivering this each year.
To have the continued support of our title sponsor Herbert Smith Freehills, EY, AKFP Group and VANRATH is testament to evolution of the event and the calibre of speakers and attendees it attracts.”
Lisa McLaughlin, Director of Herbert Smith Freehills LLP’s Belfast office, said:
“We are proud to be headline sponsor of the Young Leaders NI Conference for the eighth successive year. The conference’s focus on leading through adversity is a relatable theme, as most leaders will have experienced adversity and set backs at some point during their leadership journey. Each speaker at this year’s conference has a unique story to tell, and I am confident that the speakers’ insights and tips will inspire our future young leaders as they seek to build out their leadership toolkit. At Herbert Smith Freehills, we recognise the importance of identifying our future leaders and supporting our evolving team through times of adversity and challenge. With the right attitude, tools and support network, tough times can be turned into opportunities to develop and build resilience.”
Early Bird Tickets are now on sale for the conference and can be booked via www.youngleadersni.org.
Lisa McLaughlin, Director of Herbert Smith Freehills LLP's Belfast office with Jenna Mairs, Chair of Young Leaders NI
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