Cumbria’s flagship business event is set to return this autumn with a bold new theme and a world-class keynote speaker, as Conference Cumbria 2026 is officially launched.

Hosted by Cumbria Chamber of Commerce, the fourth annual Conference Cumbria will take place on Thursday 1st October at The Pencil Factory in Keswick, bringing together businesses from across the county for a day designed to inspire action, challenge thinking and spark new opportunities.

This year’s conference will be headlined by Sir Clive Woodward, the architect behind England’s Rugby World Cup victory in 2003 and one of the most respected voices in high performance and team development.

Sir Clive has earned international acclaim for his role in transforming England into the number one ranked team in the world, as well as his work as Director of Sport for Team GB during the London 2012 Olympics. His experience spans elite sport, organisational performance and long-term team development, making him one of the most in-demand keynote speakers across both the sporting and business worlds.

His keynote at Conference Cumbria will form a central part of the day, with further details on the programme to be announced in the coming months.

Following the success of last year’s event, which welcomed more than 260 attendees under the theme Make it Happen, this year’s conference is aiming to bring together 350 businesses from across Cumbria and beyond.

The 2026 theme, Be Bold, Be Courageous, will explore what it takes for organisations to move forward with confidence in an increasingly uncertain and fast-changing world. The conference will focus on the decisions, behaviours and mindset shifts needed to drive growth, embrace change and take action.

Alongside Sir Clive’s keynote, the event will feature a curated programme of speakers, panel discussions and opportunities for meaningful connection — all centred around real-world challenges facing businesses today.

Lesley Robinson, Head of Business Growth & Support at Cumbria Chamber of Commerce, said:

“Conference Cumbria has quickly become a standout date in the business calendar. It’s a space for businesses to step away from the day-to-day, gain fresh perspective and have honest conversations about what it really takes to move forward.”

“This year’s theme, Be Bold, Be Courageous, reflects the reality many organisations are facing. Growth often requires difficult decisions, new ways of thinking and the confidence to act — even when the path ahead isn’t fully clear.”

The event will also offer opportunities for businesses to showcase their products and services, with a limited number of exhibition spaces available. Sponsorship opportunities are also open for organisations looking to align their brand with one of Cumbria’s highest-profile business events.

You can find out more and book your place(s) here – it’s going to be bigger and better than last year!