WEL Conference 2026

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k8woXxdbN2c&t=49s

October 23-24, 2026

Crowne Plaza Venice

Venice, Italy

ABOUT

Join an elite community of global entrepreneurs, executives, and Innovators in Venice to master the irreplaceable human skills driving the 21st Century economy.

WHAT'S ON

The Human Advantage

This year’s WEL Conference theme: Mastering the human skills required to take advantage of the AI boom in 21st Century

Develop New Skills

Transform your future and learn new skills from the women, entrepreneurs and leaders who are rewriting the rules in business, leadership and life.

Develop New Skills

Transform your future and learn new skills from the women, entrepreneurs and leaders who are rewriting the rules in business, leadership and life.

Expand Your Network

Forge new partnerships in a global community of thought leaders. Expand your network, establish joint ventures and find your new business besties.

Expand Your Network

Forge new partnerships in a global community of thought leaders. Expand your network, establish joint ventures and find your new business besties.

Get More Clients

Apply to be a speaker and share your message with the world. Enrol new clients, sell more products and go global with ease.

Get More Clients

Apply to be a speaker and share your message with the world. Enrol new clients, sell more products and go global with ease.

A gradient image transitioning from dark black to light gray tones.

Want to be involved?

Get in touch

A NEW ERA

The Human Edge

''At the WEL Conference, you’ll connect with visionary women leaders, coaches, authors, publishers, entrepreneurs, educators, innovators, and changemakers from around the world who are shaping the future of business, technology, leadership, and human development''

✦ Millions of jobs will be transformed or replaced

✦ Technology is advancing faster than ever before

✦ AI agents are already building new AI tools with minimal human input

But in the midst of this, there’s a ''set of skills that women'' have intuitively excelled at since the beginning of time that will become more valuable:

✦ Communication that’s heartfelt and emotionally intelligent leading to empathy and trust

✦ Creativity that can intuitively guide AI to build the future and achieve the impossible

✦ Connection to art, nature, community and purpose so the human spirit can thrive

Join women from around the world who are embracing these superpowers—leading with heart, wisdom, and courage.

SPEAKERS

Keynote speakers

Learn from the women, entrepreneurs and leaders who are changing the way we work, lead and live.

All speakers

Jodie Nevid

Founder

Find Your Freedom

Dr. May Li

Founder

Power on the Edge

Dr. Debra is an international speaker who speaks from her heart to help others shatter the lies that have kept them from achieving their dreams. Having overcome learning problems, abuse, cancer, and trauma, she uses the principles from her studies in transformational leadership; she aids others in uncovering their unique superpowers to live victorious. Degrees in Communication, speech, and drama, a Master's in Education, and a Doctorate in Transformational Leadership give her a base to assist others in unleashing their superpowers and becoming the heroines of their own stories. She has worked as a drama coach and director for over 20 years in schools, community theatre, and churches for all ages. She is proud to be a speaker and workshop leader for Blissful Living, Leo International conferences, WEL Women Empowerment Conferences, Global Research Conference Cambridge England, LOSD Skill Live, Disrupt Aging Classroom, and AARP workshops, Changing the Narrative, Optimal, Show Me, and ASA aging Summits. She's a dynamic coach who helps women own the stage from the beginning by speaking dramatically.

Dr. Debra Mrock

CEO, SHE ROARS BOLDLY

Anne Maree Lyons

Founder

Challenge Your Thinking

Francesca Toso

Founder, Francesca Toso Coaching

DreamBuilder Coach, Life Mastery Consultant

Mariquita Joy

Owner, Small Steps Rehab Case Management

Founder, The Ladybug Speaks Ai Consultant Services

Dawn Gates

Founder, Pivot to Passion Coaching

Transformational Coach, Speaker

Rosie Bartlett

Founder

Mindseye Training & Consulting

Jamie Gabriel

Founder, WOVEN, LLC

Stacy Phoenix

stacyphoenix.com

Cheryl Patterson

RN, BSN

MSN, MBA, PhD (Virtual)

Sandra Bonifacio

Founder, Xpattitudes

Cross-Cultural Leadership Coach

Dr. Kerry Ann Thompson

Licensed counselling psychologist, community social worker

Social Entrepreneur

Dr. Heather Theisen-Gandara

Certified Divorce Coach

Founder, Reignite Collective, LLC

Amie Rich

Nervous System Practitioner

Babita Spinelli

Founder, CEO

Babita Spinelli Group

Jennifer A Parker

Former healthcare leader

Business owner, Entrepreneur, Patient Advocate (Virtual)

Dr. Rena Lyons

Founder

REBx3 Consulting

Dr. Anne Katona Linn

BCBA, LBS

Katona Linn Consulting, LLC

Jane Thomas

Sex Educator, Researcher

Clea Nuss-Troles

Co-Owner & Marketing Manager

INTO Education Group

Katherine McLeod

Founder and Creator

The Infinite Woman

Katherine Tuominen

Founder

Catalyst Brand Strategy

Dr. Felicia A. Gokool

Founder, CEO

Together in Unity, LLC

A smiling young woman in a pink blouse stands in an office setting, with soft lighting and a professional backdrop.

Andjela Petrovic

Global HR Director

People & Culture Strategist, Leadership Accelerator

Dr. Petya Gemuenden

Psychologist

NLP Hypnotherapist, Author (Virtual)

Beckie Callahan

Founder, Callahan Global Ventures

Dr. Kieva Hranchuk

Founder & CEO

Buyer Behavior Inc

Dr. Gloria Trueh

Start-Up Queen

Mentor, Entrepreneur, Pastor

Carmen Croonquist

President, Intentionality LLC

Prof. Dr. Ona C. Miller

CEO & Founder

Global Female Civility Leadership Institute

Dr. Darcell Streeter

CEO, The Women's Circle, Inc.

Founder, B.HER Global

Jenni Lee

Director, JL Keez

Harvey Deutschendorf

The Other Kind of Smart:

Emotional Intelligence Expert

Terry Earthwind Nichols

Creator of RBCR® | Award-Winning Profiler

Vision & Business Strategist

Dino Carella

Corporate Leader, Coach, Consultant

Author, The way of the wind

Jeffrey Miller

Trainer, Education Success Coach

Sheila L. Hall

Functional Medicine Health Coach, Nervous System Wellness Educator

Sara Varotto

Ph. D in Physics,

Transformologist®, Singer

Viviane Chauvet

Founder, CEO

Infinite Healing From The Stars® (Virtual)

All speakers

OCT 23-24, 2026

Agenda

Download Program

Oct 23

Morning

Networking Breakfast, Keynote Sessions
Speaker Sessions
Panels, Refreshments
Author & Founder Spotlight Expo

Afternoon

Workshops
Speaker Sessions
Panels, Networking Lunch

Evening

Speaker Sessions
Lightning Talks: Big Ideas in 5 Minutes
Panels

Oct 24

Join the global comm

Morning

Networking Breakfast, Speaker Sessions
Keynote Sessions: One to One Networking
Panels: Networking Coffee Brak
Author & Founder Spotlight Expo

Afternoon

Speaker Sessions
Speaker Sessions: Networking Lunch
Panels

Evening

Keynote Sessions
Award Sessions
Author & Founder Spotlight Expo
For Full Program, please reach at contact@welconference.com

Oct 23

Morning

Networking Breakfast, Keynote Sessions
Speaker Sessions
Panels, Refreshments
Author & Founder Spotlight Expo

Afternoon

Workshops
Speaker Sessions
Panels, Networking Lunch

Evening

Speaker Sessions
Lightning Talks: Big Ideas in 5 Minutes
Panels

Oct 24

Join the global comm

Morning

Networking Breakfast, Speaker Sessions
Keynote Sessions: One to One Networking
Panels: Networking Coffee Brak
Author & Founder Spotlight Expo

Afternoon

Speaker Sessions
Speaker Sessions: Networking Lunch
Panels

Evening

Keynote Sessions
Award Sessions
Author & Founder Spotlight Expo
For Full Program, please reach at contact@welconference.com

Oct 23

Morning

Networking Breakfast, Keynote Sessions
Speaker Sessions
Panels, Refreshments
Author & Founder Spotlight Expo

Afternoon

Workshops
Speaker Sessions
Panels, Networking Lunch

Evening

Speaker Sessions
Lightning Talks: Big Ideas in 5 Minutes
Panels

Oct 24

Join the global comm

Morning

Networking Breakfast, Speaker Sessions
Keynote Sessions: One to One Networking
Panels: Networking Coffee Brak
Author & Founder Spotlight Expo

Afternoon

Speaker Sessions
Speaker Sessions: Networking Lunch
Panels

Evening

Keynote Sessions
Award Sessions
Author & Founder Spotlight Expo
For Full Program, please reach at contact@welconference.com

TESTIMONIALS

"We are happy to join this conference, we made new friendships through networking opportunities, definitely will join next time."
Dr. Judy Wright
Co- Host, The Queens on Call podcast, USA
"I enjoyed myself at the conference, learned many things which I did not know by attending this nice conference. Very beneficial and informative sessions I found at this conference."
Dr. Vincent Edward
Oluwole Adejumo, University of Florida, USA
"Quite exciting, we met a big team of global women leaders, many women entrepreneurs. I hope to meet you guys next time. I would like to thank the organizers for this conference, I came from South Africa to Spain to watch it and it is inspiring to watch it."
Dr. Tinuade Adekunbi Ojo
Institute for Pan African Thought and Conversation (IPATC) & The 4DPRU, University of Johannesburg, South Africa
"We are happy to join this conference, we made new friendships through networking opportunities, definitely will join next time."
Dr. Judy Wright
Co- Host, The Queens on Call podcast, USA
"I enjoyed myself at the conference, learned many things which I did not know by attending this nice conference. Very beneficial and informative sessions I found at this conference."
Dr. Vincent Edward
Oluwole Adejumo, University of Florida, USA
"Quite exciting, we met a big team of global women leaders, many women entrepreneurs. I hope to meet you guys next time. I would like to thank the organizers for this conference, I came from South Africa to Spain to watch it and it is inspiring to watch it."
Dr. Tinuade Adekunbi Ojo
Institute for Pan African Thought and Conversation (IPATC) & The 4DPRU, University of Johannesburg, South Africa
"We are happy to join this conference, we made new friendships through networking opportunities, definitely will join next time."
Dr. Judy Wright
Co- Host, The Queens on Call podcast, USA
"I enjoyed myself at the conference, learned many things which I did not know by attending this nice conference. Very beneficial and informative sessions I found at this conference."
Dr. Vincent Edward
Oluwole Adejumo, University of Florida, USA
"Quite exciting, we met a big team of global women leaders, many women entrepreneurs. I hope to meet you guys next time. I would like to thank the organizers for this conference, I came from South Africa to Spain to watch it and it is inspiring to watch it."
Dr. Tinuade Adekunbi Ojo
Institute for Pan African Thought and Conversation (IPATC) & The 4DPRU, University of Johannesburg, South Africa
"We are happy to join this conference, we made new friendships through networking opportunities, definitely will join next time."
Dr. Judy Wright
Co- Host, The Queens on Call podcast, USA
"I enjoyed myself at the conference, learned many things which I did not know by attending this nice conference. Very beneficial and informative sessions I found at this conference."
Dr. Vincent Edward
Oluwole Adejumo, University of Florida, USA
"Quite exciting, we met a big team of global women leaders, many women entrepreneurs. I hope to meet you guys next time. I would like to thank the organizers for this conference, I came from South Africa to Spain to watch it and it is inspiring to watch it."
Dr. Tinuade Adekunbi Ojo
Institute for Pan African Thought and Conversation (IPATC) & The 4DPRU, University of Johannesburg, South Africa

"We are happy to join this conference, we made new friendships through networking opportunities, definitely will join next time."
Dr. Judy Wright
Co- Host, The Queens on Call podcast, USA
"I enjoyed myself at the conference, learned many things which I did not know by attending this nice conference. Very beneficial and informative sessions I found at this conference."
Dr. Vincent Edward
Oluwole Adejumo, University of Florida, USA
"Quite exciting, we met a big team of global women leaders, many women entrepreneurs. I hope to meet you guys next time. I would like to thank the organizers for this conference, I came from South Africa to Spain to watch it and it is inspiring to watch it."
Dr. Tinuade Adekunbi Ojo
Institute for Pan African Thought and Conversation (IPATC) & The 4DPRU, University of Johannesburg, South Africa
"We are happy to join this conference, we made new friendships through networking opportunities, definitely will join next time."
Dr. Judy Wright
Co- Host, The Queens on Call podcast, USA
"I enjoyed myself at the conference, learned many things which I did not know by attending this nice conference. Very beneficial and informative sessions I found at this conference."
Dr. Vincent Edward
Oluwole Adejumo, University of Florida, USA
"Quite exciting, we met a big team of global women leaders, many women entrepreneurs. I hope to meet you guys next time. I would like to thank the organizers for this conference, I came from South Africa to Spain to watch it and it is inspiring to watch it."
Dr. Tinuade Adekunbi Ojo
Institute for Pan African Thought and Conversation (IPATC) & The 4DPRU, University of Johannesburg, South Africa
"We are happy to join this conference, we made new friendships through networking opportunities, definitely will join next time."
Dr. Judy Wright
Co- Host, The Queens on Call podcast, USA
"I enjoyed myself at the conference, learned many things which I did not know by attending this nice conference. Very beneficial and informative sessions I found at this conference."
Dr. Vincent Edward
Oluwole Adejumo, University of Florida, USA
"Quite exciting, we met a big team of global women leaders, many women entrepreneurs. I hope to meet you guys next time. I would like to thank the organizers for this conference, I came from South Africa to Spain to watch it and it is inspiring to watch it."
Dr. Tinuade Adekunbi Ojo
Institute for Pan African Thought and Conversation (IPATC) & The 4DPRU, University of Johannesburg, South Africa
"We are happy to join this conference, we made new friendships through networking opportunities, definitely will join next time."
Dr. Judy Wright
Co- Host, The Queens on Call podcast, USA
"I enjoyed myself at the conference, learned many things which I did not know by attending this nice conference. Very beneficial and informative sessions I found at this conference."
Dr. Vincent Edward
Oluwole Adejumo, University of Florida, USA
"Quite exciting, we met a big team of global women leaders, many women entrepreneurs. I hope to meet you guys next time. I would like to thank the organizers for this conference, I came from South Africa to Spain to watch it and it is inspiring to watch it."
Dr. Tinuade Adekunbi Ojo
Institute for Pan African Thought and Conversation (IPATC) & The 4DPRU, University of Johannesburg, South Africa

PRICING

Get tickets

Wel Conference is guaranteed to sell out—register early and benefit from early bird pricing.

VIP Executive Pass

Extended Earlybird

999

€1299

For attending in person and looking for the complete conference experience.

Full in-person conference access as Speaker/Delegate

2 nights accommodation, Networking Breakfast + Networking Lunchean

Standee space & 2026 Global Leadrship Directory & Business Playbook

One-to-one meetings & networking, Talk Recordings

Certificate, publication & profile promotion

Early Bird Due : June 25, 2026 Ticketing Partner: TEXTSCRIBE LLC, Flexible Payment Option Available

In Person Day Delegate

Extended Earlybird

€199

€299

For professionals joining the Talks, Panels, Networking Sessions.

Full Access of conference

2026 Global Leadrship Directory & Business Playbook

Participation Certificate

Access to Conference Speakers Contacts

Access to Networking

Early Bird Due: June 20, 2026 Ticketing Partner: TEXTSCRIBE LLC

Virtual Delegate

Extended Earlybird

€49

€99

For those who want to join the event online and stay connected from anywhere.

Live & recorded session access

Certificate of Participation

Digital program and souvenir access

Online networking via WhatsApp & LinkedIn

Affordable global participation

Early Bird Due: June 20, 2026 Ticketing Partner: TEXTSCRIBE LLC

FAQ

Still got questions? Feel free to reach out. We're happy to help.

Ask a question

Who is Wel Conference for?

WEL Conference is designed for entrepreneurs, creatives, Leaders, Welness experts, technologists, and purpose-driven professionals who want to build sustainable, future-ready businesses. Whether you're a solo founder or a small team leader, you'll find inspiration, tools, and meaningful connections.

Will there be virtual access or recordings?

Yes. While we believe in the power of in-person connection, keynotes and selected sessions will be recorded and made available to all attendees after the event. A digital pass option may be available closer to the date.

Is this summit suitable for early-stage founders?

Absolutely. Whether you’re just starting or scaling, Think Forward is a space for learning, sharing, and collaborating. Many sessions are designed to support early-stage business challenges with practical guidance.

What's your sustainablity policy?

We’re committed to minimizing our environmental footprint. That means no printed programs, plant-based meals by default, carbon-offset travel partnerships, and a venue that uses renewable energy. You'll receive a full breakdown of our sustainability commitments with your ticket.

How can I make the most of networking opportunities?

Think Forward offers curated meetups, interest-based breakout groups, and a custom app to connect with other attendees. We’ll also share networking tips and session guides ahead of time to help you plan your experience.

2026 International WEL Conference

2026 International WEL Conference

2026 International WEL Conference

Where Women Entrepreneurs & Leaders Come to Scale Smarter, Lead Boldly In 21st Century & AI

Where Women Entrepreneurs & Leaders Come to Scale Smarter, Lead Boldly In 21st Century & AI

Learn. Connect. Speak.

Learn. Connect. Speak.

Join an elite community of global entrepreneurs, executives, and Innovators in Venice to master the irreplaceable human skills driving the 21st Century economy.

The Human Advantage

Develop New Skills

Develop New Skills

Expand Your Network

Expand Your Network

Get More Clients

Get More Clients

Want to be involved?

The Human Edge

Keynote speakers

Jodie Nevid

Dr. May Li

Dr. Debra Mrock

Anne Maree Lyons

Francesca Toso

Mariquita Joy

Dawn Gates

Rosie Bartlett

Jamie Gabriel

Stacy Phoenix

Cheryl Patterson

Sandra Bonifacio

Dr. Kerry Ann Thompson

Dr. Heather Theisen-Gandara

Amie Rich

Babita Spinelli

Jennifer A Parker

Dr. Rena Lyons

Dr. Anne Katona Linn

Jane Thomas

Clea Nuss-Troles

Katherine McLeod

Katherine Tuominen

Dr. Felicia A. Gokool

Andjela Petrovic

Dr. Petya Gemuenden

Beckie Callahan

Dr. Kieva Hranchuk

Dr. Gloria Trueh

Carmen Croonquist

Prof. Dr. Ona C. Miller

Dr. Darcell Streeter

Jenni Lee

Harvey Deutschendorf

Terry Earthwind Nichols

Dino Carella

Jeffrey Miller

Sheila L. Hall

Sara Varotto

Viviane Chauvet

Agenda

Agenda

Oct 23

Morning

Afternoon

Evening

Oct 24

Morning

Afternoon

Evening

Oct 23

Morning

Afternoon

Evening

Oct 24

Morning

Afternoon

Evening

Oct 23

Morning

Afternoon

Evening

2026 International
WEL Conference

2026 International
WEL Conference

2026 International
WEL Conference

Where Women Entrepreneurs & Leaders Come to Scale Smarter,
Lead Boldly In 21st Century & AI

Where Women Entrepreneurs & Leaders Come to Scale Smarter,
Lead Boldly In 21st Century & AI