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Spencer Matthews to Headline the 2026 Young Leaders Conference
The Young Leaders Conference returns to Riddel Hall, Belfast, on Friday 12th June, with entrepreneur and Untapped podcast host Spencer Matthews confirmed as this year’s keynote speaker.
Now in its 13th year, with Carson McDowell returning as headline sponsor, the conference is recognised as one of Northern Ireland’s leading events for young professionals, attracting attendees from across industry keen to progress their careers and expand their networks. Each year, the conference delivers practical leadership insights, real-world experience, and access to influential speakers shaping business today.
This year, David Meade returns to host the event, which will also feature Dr Hannah Crithlow, internationally acclaimed neuroscientist, broadcaster and tech commentator, with further speakers to be announced soon.
Michael Noble, Chair of Young Leaders NI comments: Michael Noble, Chair of Young Leaders NI comments: “The Young Leaders conference has earned its reputation by giving young professionals access and experience they often don’t get early in their careers. We structure the event so it is practical, relevant and focused on the real challenges people face as they develop and lead. Spencer Matthews brings a perspective that we as a committee believe resonates - he’s built businesses, learned publicly from setbacks and understands what it takes to push forward. This year’s event is designed to give future leaders the clarity, confidence and practical tools to take the next step. The impact of a day like this can last well beyond the event itself.”
Neasa Quigley, Senior Partner at Carson McDowell, added: “We are pleased to return as headline sponsor for 2026. As Northern Ireland’s largest independent law firm, we work alongside many of the region’s leading businesses, so we see first-hand the role strong leadership plays in building resilient teams and a thriving economy. That is why supporting the development of future talent is central to our culture, and why the conference provides such an important platform for young professionals to learn, grow, connect and build their networks. We look forward to another year supporting Young Leaders NI and engaging with the next generation of leaders across Northern Ireland.”
The conference is supported by a strong line-up of partners - headline sponsor Carson McDowell, alongside Vanrath, Bank of Ireland, Oasis Travel and AAB. Queen’s University Belfast will once again sponsor the prestigious Young Leader of the Year Award.
Organised by a voluntary committee of leaders from across sectors, the Young Leaders Conference offers a full day of keynote sessions, panel discussions and networking opportunities. Early bird tickets are now available at www.youngleadersni.co.uk.
Are you the next Young Business Person of the Year?
To apply for the Young Leader of the Year Award, please fill out the following form and return to info@youngleadersni.org
Applications are now open for Northern Ireland’s Young Leader of the Year, searching for an outstanding young professional (under 35) who has shown exceptional leadership skills and demonstrated continued commitment to personal development - both their own and that of others.
This year's winner will be presented with the winner's trophy at the Young Leaders Conference, sponsored by leading law firm Carson McDowell, on Friday 16th May.
The opportunity will give the selected young leader from Northern Ireland a chance to further develop their leadership skills by receiving a complimentary place on the Emerging Leaders training programmes offered by the William J Clinton Leadership Institute at Queen’s University. “Supporting and nurturing inspirational young leaders will underpin the success of Northern Ireland’s economy for the future. We are delighted to partner with the NI Young Leader’s Association and invest in their professional and leadership development,” comments Sue Burns, Head of Sales and Marketing for the Clinton Leadership Institute at Queens University.
Celebrating 12 years of inspiring leadership, Northern Ireland’s Young Leaders Conference takes place on Friday 16th May at Riddel Hall, Belfast, and will bring together more than 220 young leaders to share best practice and learn from established business leaders and from each other.
Serial entrepreneur and Dragoness, Eleanor Chambers (formerly McEvoy) will head up an impressive line-up of speakers that include former Irish rugby star turned entrepreneur and TV presenter, Tommy Bowe, Chief AI officer of Kainos, Gareth Workman and a panel discussion featuring leading figures in Northern Ireland’s business community. Mentalist, David Meade, returns as the conference compere.
Nuala McAdams, Chair of Leaders NI, expressed her enthusiasm for the event’s return and the launch of this year’s Young Leader of the Year award, highlighting the importance of recognising and supporting emerging talent across Northern Ireland:
“We are excited to bring back the Young Leaders Conference for another year, offering a platform for young professionals to gain insight from industry leaders and develop their leadership skills. This year’s line-up features exceptional speakers who will share invaluable lessons on success, innovation, and adaptability, and who will undoubtedly encourage and challenge attendees to think differently about leadership and personal growth.”
She adds: “We’re thrilled to once again open the search for Northern Ireland’s Young Leader of the Year. Each year, we are inspired by the calibre of young professionals who are not only leading with impact in their own organisations but also supporting the growth and development of those around them. As we look ahead to the 2025 Young Leaders Conference, we can’t wait to see who steps forward to represent the very best of emerging leadership in Northern Ireland.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our sponsors, Carson McDowell, Bank of Ireland, EY, Vanrath and The William J. Clinton Leadership Institute at Queens University. Without their contributions and support, the quality and scale of the event we deliver would not be possible. Thanks also goes to the Prince’s Trust for getting involved again as our charity partner; we are delighted to be able to champion this worthy cause.”
Neasa Quigley, Senior Partner at Carson McDowell, commented,
“As headline sponsor, we are proud to support the launch of this year’s Young Leader of the Year award – a celebration of the talent, drive and vision that young professionals are bringing to organisations across Northern Ireland. At Carson McDowell, we believe in championing the next generation of leaders who are already making a meaningful impact in their fields. This award not only shines a spotlight on those individuals, but also reinforces the value of investing in leadership development from an early stage.”
Nominations for “Young Leader of the Year” Award must be submitted by midnight on Sunday 20th April. Entrants can be self-nominated or nominated by a third party who considers that the entrant meets the relevant criteria.
To apply for the Young Leader of the Year Award, please fill out the following form and return it to info@youngleadersni.org
Carson McDowell Announced as Headline Sponsor for 2025 Young Leaders Conference
Nuala McAdams, Chair of Leaders NI, expressed her enthusiasm for the event’s return and the support from Carson McDowell, commenting:
“We are excited to bring back the Young Leaders Conference for another year, offering a platform for young professionals to gain insight from industry leaders and develop their leadership skills.
“This year’s line-up features exceptional speakers who will share invaluable lessons on success, innovation, and adaptability, and who will undoubtedly encourage and challenge attendees to think differently about leadership and personal growth. Having Carson McDowell as our headline sponsor further strengthens the event’s impact and underscores the importance of investing in the next generation of leaders.”
Carson McDowell, Northern Ireland’s largest independent law firm, has a long-standing commitment to professional development and leadership within the region. Their sponsorship aligns with their ethos of supporting the next generation of industry leaders.
Neasa Quigley, Senior Partner at Carson McDowell, commented:
“Carson McDowell is delighted to be the headline sponsor of the 2025 Young Leaders Conference. As a firm that works alongside many of Northern Ireland’s leading businesses, we know that strong leadership is the foundation of a thriving economy. Investing in young professionals and providing opportunities for them to learn, grow, and connect is essential for shaping the future of our sectors. That’s why we see this conference as such an important platform – it brings together ambitious individuals, to connect with their peers, expand their professional network, learn from each other, and develop crucial leadership skills. We look forward to engaging with the next generation of leaders throughout our sponsorship.”
Young Leaders NI is a collaborative group formed by the Northern Ireland Young Solicitors’ Association, the Chartered Institute of Public Relations Northern Ireland, and the Chartered Accountants Ireland Ulster Society Young Professionals Group. The conference continues to grow year on year, cementing its reputation as a must-attend event for emerging leaders across industries. The event is sponsored by Carson McDowell and associate sponsors, Vanrath, EY and Bank of Ireland.
The Young Leaders Conference is set to return on Friday, 16th May 2025, at Riddel Hall, Belfast, bringing together young professionals and entrepreneurs for a day of networking, leadership development and to gain insights from esteemed speakers. This year, leading law firm Carson McDowell has been confirmed as the headline sponsor, reinforcing its commitment to fostering the next generation of business leaders in Northern Ireland.
Now in its 12th year, the 2025 conference boasts an impressive line-up of speakers, including former Irish rugby star turned entrepreneur and TV presenter, Tommy Bowe, who will feature in a special fireside chat, sharing his experiences transitioning from elite sport to business. The event will also explore the role of AI in future-proofing careers with a keynote from the Chief AI Officer at Kainos and a panel discussion featuring leading figures in Northern Ireland’s business community. Mentalist, David Meade, returns as the conference MC. Another exciting speaker will be announced soon, offering further insight and inspiration for attendees.