Speakers  /  Workshop speaker applications

Applications close 31 December 2026

Workshop speaker
applications

Share what works. Lead a session that equips education leaders with practical strategies and fresh perspectives.

31 Dec

Applications close, 2026

45 or 60 mins

per workshop session

15–20

workshops across both days

£100

travel contribution per person

Free

two-day conference pass for every speaker

The workshop programme

Led by practitioners. For practitioners.

The ILEC workshops give leaders actionable strategies and fresh perspectives on the challenges of leadership in education. They’re a chance to learn from experienced practitioners, collaborate with peers and take ideas back to your setting.

ILEC 2027 will feature 15 to 20 workshops led by educators from across the UK, running on both days of the conference. Every session sits in one of two categories.

Category one

Leadership professional development

Strategies and tools leaders can put into practice straight away to strengthen senior leadership: the latest in leadership best practice, different leadership styles and the development of core skills.

Category two

Education and school development

An in-depth look at the challenges shaping education right now, from AI in education and children in care to workload and wellbeing.

Themes we welcome

Relevant to every setting

We want sessions that are useful to leaders in schools, colleges and early years settings, and across the wider world of education. We particularly welcome workshops on these themes.

Accountability AI and edtech Alternative and specialist provision Assessment Attendance Audit Behaviour and culture Careers Coaching Cognitive science Creative subjects Curriculum Disadvantage Early years Diversity, equity and inclusion Estates Finance Further education Governance HR Inclusion and belonging Initial teacher education International education IT Leadership Literacy Mental health Networking Oracy Policy and research Professional development PSHE Recruitment and retention Safeguarding SEND Social mobility STEM Student voice Sustainability Teaching and learning Wellbeing Workplace learning

How to apply

What you’ll need to hand

1

Title and description

A session title and a short description. If you’re successful, this is what appears in the conference programme.

2

Speaker information

For each speaker, up to a maximum of five: name, organisation, job title, email, phone number, a short bio and a photo. If you apply on someone’s behalf, make sure you have their permission to share their details.

3

Your category

Choose either leadership professional development, or education and school development.

4

A Cvent account

Applications are made through Cvent. You’ll be asked to create a free account when you start your application.

One application each. Workshop places are limited, so we ask every applicant to submit only one application.

No sales pitches. Commercial applications will be rejected. Sessions should share knowledge and practical strategies, not promote products or services.

Ready to apply?

Complete the application form by 31 December 2026. We can’t accept submissions after this date.

Start your application

Need support with your application, or want to submit it in an alternative format? Email conference@inspiringleadership.org

Next steps

What happens after you apply

31 Dec 2026

Applications close.

January

If your session is accepted, we’ll contact you to confirm your time slot.

End of Jan

Your session is announced on our website, and you can start promoting it to your network.

26–27 April

You deliver your workshop at ILEC 2027, Convene Sancroft, St Paul’s, London.

For our speakers

What you’ll receive

•  A travel contribution of up to £100 per person, if required

•  Free two-day access to ILEC 2027, including keynotes, refreshment breaks and the drinks reception

•  Refreshments throughout the day, including lunch

We work hard to keep the conference affordable for everyone, and we appreciate your understanding.

Speaker FAQs

Before you apply

Who can apply?

We welcome applications from individuals and organisations keen to share their knowledge, insight and ideas at ILEC 2027. We typically hear from teachers, leaders, researchers, policy experts and consultants.

Who are the workshops for?

CEOs, headteachers, principals, heads of school or department and senior leaders, plus sessions for aspiring leaders and the “unexpected” leaders who found themselves in the role. Delegates come from early years, primary, secondary, further education and other settings.

What format should my session take?

Sessions last 45 minutes on day one or 60 minutes on day two, with at least 15 minutes between sessions for people to move rooms. You can give a traditional presentation or something more interactive, such as polls, group work or turn-and-talk. Leave time for questions if you like; our team can support with roving microphones. You could even propose something mostly audience-led, such as a structured networking session. Think about your audience’s prior knowledge and what you want them to leave with, as you would when planning a lesson.

What makes a good session title?

Clear and concise, ideally three to twelve words. Delegates choose their workshops from the title, so make it enticing and easy to understand at a glance.

Can I apply on behalf of someone else?

Yes, as long as you have their permission to use and share their details.

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