Conference Programme 2026

08:30 – 09:00 

Registration & Refreshments

Arrive, grab a coffee, and begin building your network with fellow early-career colleagues and professionals facing the same challenges and opportunities as you

09:00 – 09:10

Welcome Address

Professor Tim Jones, Vice-Chancellor, University of Liverpool

09:10 – 09:30

Opening Address

Steve Rotheram, Metro Mayor, Liverpool City Region

09:30 – 10:00

Opening Keynote Speaker: Confidence is a Career Skill

Confidence isn’t something you either “have” or “don’t have.” It’s something you build. This powerful opening session explores how confidence shapes progression, influence and opportunity, and gives you practical ways to start strengthening it immediately. 

10:15 – 11:15

Workshop Session 1 – Choose One 

Cracking the Code: Navigating Unwritten Rules & Building Influence 

Learn how to read the room, understand workplace dynamics, and build credibility early in your career. Discover the subtle behaviours that accelerate progression — and how to develop influence without pretending to be someone you’re not. 

OR 

Finding Your Strengths: Building Confidence from the Inside Out 

Reframe how you see your strengths and weaknesses. Develop tools to manage self-doubt, improve your internal narrative, and create a practical “brag file” to track your achievements. You’ll leave with actions to strengthen your confidence long-term. 

11:30 – 12:30

Employer Panel - What I Wish Graduates Knew 

An honest conversation with employers from across the region exploring what really stands out in early-career professionals, the traits that fast-track progression, the common myths about workplace success, and the realities of performance, feedback and growth.  

12:30 - 13:30

Networking Lunch 

Connect with employers, speakers and fellow graduates in an informal setting. Build relationships beyond your own organisation and expand your city-region network. 

13:45 – 14:45

Workshop Session 2 – Choose One 

Career GPS: Designing a Future That Doesn’t Yet Exist 

The job you’ll thrive in might not even exist yet. This session gives you practical tools to explore options, experiment with direction, and design a career path with curiosity instead of pressure. 

OR 

Networking with Purpose: Building Influence Early in Your Career 

Build the confidence to start meaningful professional conversations and grow a network that supports your progression. Learn practical strategies to influence without authority, strengthen relationships, and make networking feel natural. 

15:00 – 16:00

Dual Keynote - Building a Healthy Work Culture 

A dynamic dual-perspective conversation between an employer and early-career professional exploring what a genuinely healthy working relationship looks like in practice. Together, they’ll share honest insights and practical tips on communication and how both sides can contribute to a culture where people feel valued and supported.  

16:00 – 16:45

Final Keynote - Entrepreneurial & Inspirational Session 

An aspirational closing talk from a Liverpool City Region entrepreneur. Expect honest insights, real challenges, and a motivating reminder of what’s possible when you back yourself. 

16:45 – 17:00

Closing Reflections 

Key takeaways and next steps to help you continue building momentum after the conference. 

17:00 – 18:00

Networking Drinks 

Celebrate the day, deepen connections, and continue conversations with peers and employers across the region.