Champion regional talent. Shape the future workforce. Build your organisation’s profile across the Liverpool City Region.

Lead Liverpool is a landmark new conference created by the University of Liverpool in collaboration with Professional Liverpool and the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority. Designed to ignite ambition, develop future leaders, and connect employers with highly skilled early-career talent, this flagship event brings together graduates, emerging professionals, business leaders, and civic partners who are committed to strengthening the region’s workforce.

This page outlines how employers can get involved, the benefits of partnership, and the ways your organisation can play an influential role in supporting the next generation of Liverpool City Region leaders.

Why get involved

Lead Liverpool gives employers a unique opportunity to shape the regional conversation on graduate skills, workforce development, and future leadership needs. It enables organisations to raise their profile as champions of local talent and key contributors to the Liverpool City Region business community. Employers are able to showcase their values and culture, demonstrating their commitment to supporting early-career professionals. The event also provides a welcoming and dynamic environment to connect directly with emerging leaders, recent graduates, and future changemakers. By taking part, employers can demonstrate meaningful leadership in supporting ambition, innovation, and local economic growth.

What Lead Liverpool Offers Employers

Lead Liverpool is intentionally designed to bridge the gap between early-career talent and the skills employers need. As a partner, you will have access to:

  • A large audience of recent graduates and early-career professionals eager to develop skills and build careers locally.
  • A platform to spotlight your brand, mission, and industry leadership.
  • Opportunities to host sessions, deliver lightning pitches, or join panel discussions depending on your sponsorship tier.
  • Direct engagement with faculty networks, academic teams, and the University of Liverpool’s Careers & Employability community.
  • High-profile visibility through conference marketing, promotional materials, social media campaigns, and delegate packs.

Sponsorship Opportunities

We offer three sponsorship tiers to support your goals and level of engagement—each giving you direct access to the region’s future leaders.

Tier 3 – Emerging Leaders Sponsor (£500)

  • Brand visibility across conference channels
  • Promotional materials in delegate bags
  • Three complimentary tickets for your recent graduates or early-career staff
  • Promotional stand at the conference
  • Opportunity to deliver a lightning pitch

Tier 2 – Talent Champion Sponsor (£750)

Includes all Tier 3 benefits, plus:

  • Talent engagement opportunities
  • Promote live roles directly to students and graduates
  • Invitations to speak within University of Liverpool faculties
  • Participate in the employer panel:
    “What I Wish Grads Knew About Working with Us”

Tier 1 – Future Leaders Headline Sponsor (£1,000)

Includes all Tier 2 benefits, plus:

  • Headline Sponsor visibility across all conference branding
  • Workshop hosting opportunity, co-designing or delivering a main conference session or fringe event
  • Premium recognition as a thought leader and key regional employer
  • Complimentary exhibition stand at the University of Liverpool’s Autumn Careers Fair (for 2027 recruitment activity)

Professional Liverpool members receive first refusal on all sponsorship packages.

Lead Liverpool Conference 2026

Thursday 16 April 2026, 9:00 – 17:30
The Spine, Knowledge Quarter, Liverpool

Join a city-region network dedicated to developing future leaders and strengthening local talent pipelines.

Ready to Get Involved?

We would be delighted to welcome your organisation as part of Lead Liverpool 2026.

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