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Sponsored by AESSEAL

IWD 2026 campaign theme: #GivetoGain

Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that’s diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge gender equality. Get ready for #IWD2026.

Give To Gain emphasizes the power of reciprocity and support. When people, organizations, and communities give generously, opportunities and support for women increase. Giving is not a subtraction, it’s intentional multiplication. When women thrive, we all rise.

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Attendees can look forward to a warm welcome with a complimentary drink on arrival, followed by a delicious two-course lunch enjoyed during the event. The day will offer the opportunity to be inspired and empowered through insightful talks and discussions from our speakers and panelists, alongside meaningful connection and conversation.

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We are delighted to announce the host of the event will be Hayley Koseoglu of iekos. We also have a stellar panel of guests to answer a Q & A session as well as great line up of keynote speakers.

Keynote Speakers

Ava Jones – Head of Marketing and Executive Assistant to Group Managing Director at AESSEAL

Ava Jones began her journey with AESSEAL at just 17 as a Business Assurance apprentice. Over the years, Ava has gained experience across multiple departments including Business Assurance, Commercial, Despatch, Marketing, and overseas operations.

Today, Ava serves as Head of Marketing and Executive Assistant to the Group Managing Director. In the past year, Ava contributed to operational improvements in Germany as part of a continuous improvement project and is now embarking on a two-year development plan to oversee European Operations, as well as supporting the AVT Reliability Ltd business with a new ERP system implementation.

Passionate about sustainability, change management and people development, Ava has led numerous marketing initiatives and campaigns while driving continuous improvement across the business for the last seven years.

Dr Marie Tidball MP for Penistone and Stocksbridge

Marie Tidball has been the Member of Parliament for Penistone and Stocksbridge since July 2024. Born in Barnsley Hospital, with no knowledge of how long she’d live for or what operations she would need to survive, Marie overcome a tough start to gain the mobility to walk and follow her ambitions. Her local state education in Penistone and support from Barnsley Council, enabled her to achieve a place at the University of Oxford – where she studied a law degree, master’s, and doctorate in Criminology. Marie spent over a decade fighting Tory attacks on the most disadvantaged people, and her values have been central to her award-winning campaigns as a nationally renowned disability rights activist, legal researcher, an experienced Labour Councillor and Cabinet member.

Q&A Panel – focusing on Give to Gain

Allie Dransfield – Head of Agency at Chapter II

Allie Dransfield is an experienced PR professional with more than 20 years in the public relations and communications industry and is head of agency at Chapter II.

Having progressed through every role within the company, she brings deep industry knowledge, an extensive contact list and a passion for all things communications.

Outside work, she cheers on her two sporty children and captains Wickersley Vixens second team in the South Yorkshire Women and Girls’ Cricket League.

Rob Shaw – Managing Director, Glu Recruit

Rob is Managing Director at Glu Recruit, bringing over two decades of recruitment expertise.

A relationship-led perfectionist, he champions hard graft, high standards and good banter. Passionate about inclusive workplaces, Rob is proud to support International Women’s Day and meaningful conversations that drive progress across the recruitment industry.

Megan Roberts – Social Value Manager, Yorkshire & Humber – Esh Construction 

Megan Roberts is the Social Value Manager for Yorkshire at Esh Construction.

Megan leads programmes that deliver community impact across education, employment, skills, and local investment.

She develops and oversees initiatives such as school engagement, work experience, and social value reporting to ensure Esh creates measurable, lasting benefits across the region.