REG Connects 2026 – Coming Back Bigger & Better
REG Connects returns in 2026, building on the powerful debut of our first event that that brought together corporate leaders, entrepreneurs, and diverse professionals for inspiring conversations, networking, and practical insights.
What to Expect in 2026
- A Bigger, Bolder Agenda: REG Connects is expanding with more speakers, richer content, and deeper breakout sessions that reflect the evolving conversations on racial equity in business.
- More Voices, Broader Reach: REG Connects 2026 will introduce fresh speakers and cross-sector voices that bring new perspectives on racial equity strategies.
- Stronger Community, Lasting Impact: With more time for connection and collaboration, you’ll leave REG Connects 2026 inspired and equipped with practical tools to drive equity forward in your organisation and beyond.
- Action + Accountability: This year will focus on tangible outcomes and next steps—from best practice sharing to live feedback loops that shape our ongoing strategy.
Want to Get Involved?
We’re building REG Connects 2026 with you, and there are lots of ways to be part of it:
- Sponsor the Event: Events like REG Connects can only happen with the support of our partners. If your organisation shares our commitment to racial equity and inclusion, we’d love to discuss sponsorship opportunities that align with your values and goals.
- Speak at the Event: Got a powerful story, lived experience, or bold idea to share? We’re looking for passionate, inspiring voices to join our line-up in 2026. Put yourself forward or nominate someone brilliant.
- Join the Movement: Want to help shape REG Connects 2026? Get in touch to explore how you can contribute—whether through speaking, collaborating on content, or sharing your insights.
- Attended in 2025? Help Us Improve: If you joined us last year, we’d love to hear from you. Complete our short survey and let us know what you’d like to see more of in 2026. Your feedback helps shape the future of REG.
👉 Email [email protected] to express interest, sponsor, speak, or share your feedback
About the Speakers:
Ngozi Weller is a wellbeing and productivity consultant and an ICF accredited coach who helps build resilience into your business by creating psychologically safe workplaces that enable employees to thrive. Her programmes increase employee engagement, drive productivity, and promote lasting behavioural change.
Having worked for over 15 years in the world of Big Oil, Ngozi has experienced first-hand how challenging the corporate world can be. Following her own battle with work-related depression and anxiety, she set up Aurora with her psychologist cousin Obehi to normalise the conversation around workplace mental health and to provide strategic wellbeing support designed to strengthen your employees’ mental resilience and improve workplace productivity. She is also the co-host of the award-winning podcast ‘The Wellbeing Rebellion’.
Tom Stannard is the Chief Executive of Manchester City Council, one of the largest Core Cities in the UK and a highly performing organisation of over 8,000 staff. Manchester is a fast growing and diverse city of over 645,100 people, with a proud history of successfully competing on the global stage to attract investment, jobs and visitors. Tom works closely with Cllr Bev Craig as Leader of the Council, focussed on maximising these strengths and ensuring that growth generates benefits for the whole city, providing excellent day-to-day services and improving the lives of Manchester’s residents.
Manchester is the major driver of regional growth across the 3M population, £87bn GDP Greater Manchester city region. The City Council is a key member of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and partner in the £8BN+ GMCA devolution programme, and Tom is currently the GMCA Chief Executive lead for the economy, business and international portfolio. He also leads Manchester’s integrated health and social care system as the designated Place-Based Lead for Manchester in the Greater Manchester Integrated Care System (ICS), with NHS Greater Manchester.
Tom joined Manchester City Council following more than 27 years of experience in local government across the UK, including in Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire and London. Most recently he spent four years as the Chief Executive of Salford City Council, leading the Council to some of the highest levels of performance in the North West, and recognition in 2024 as City of the Year and the LGC’s Best Place to Work. He is nationally recognised as a leading voice in local government, and has a track record of delivery in regeneration, inclusive growth, public service reform and improving council services.
Tom is a Chartered Surveyor, a Member and Chair of the UK Institute of Economic Development, and a Commissioner on the Living Wage Foundation for the UK. He also serves as a Trustee for The Lowry Centre Trust. For a number of years, he has been a member, policy lead and spokesperson for SOLACE (Society of Local Authority Chief Executives), currently on Health and Social Care.
Interested In The Event?
If you’re interested in attending, you can book online here.
For any further enquires about this event, contact [email protected]
