STANDARD BANK TOP WOMEN CONFERENCE | THE FASTEST GROWING PLATFORM FOR WOMEN WHO LEAD
Your Guide To The Experience FAC TS H E E T
2026
Discover the key event information, sponsorship opportunities, audience insights and everything you need to make the most of the conference. 08-09 SEPTEMBER 2026 | SANDTON CONVENTION CENTRE, JHB
Breaking Down THE CONFERENCE
A Premier Event for Networking, Inspiration, and Advancement in Women’s Professional Growth.
In it’s 10th year, The Standard Bank Top Women Conference stands as a prestigious event celebrating and empowering women in leadership across various industries. Scheduled to be a hallmark of excellence and innovation, this year’s conference promises to gather a diverse array of influential women and thought leaders from around the globe. Attendees can look forward to engaging keynote speeches, and dynamic panel discussions designed to inspire and equip women with the tools needed to excel in their professional journeys. The conference aims to foster a supportive network, encouraging collaboration and mentorship among participants. With a focus on addressing current challenges and exploring emerging opportunities, the event will delve into topics such as gender parity, career advancement, and leadership strategies. By spotlighting successful women leaders and providing a platform for their voices, the Standard Bank Top Women Conference 2026 seeks to drive meaningful change and elevate the representation of women in key decision-making roles. The conference not only serves as a celebration of achievements but also as a catalyst for future growth and empowerment, making it a must-attend event for anyone committed to advancing women’s leadership and professional development.
Testimonials “There are so many things that are happening in our country that are not okay but what I like here is that you hear about good stories, you hear about hope, you hear about ‘how can we elevate each other, so people leave here saying ‘wow, if that person can make it, I can make it.”
Nene Molefi, CEO of Mandate Molefi Consultants
“There’s such a wonderful atmosphere and the team is so excited. Thank you for taking the initiative of putting something together that people like myself and other women really need. I think it’s a phenomenal conference.”
Miskyah Toth, CEO of Business Directive Contract Services (BDCS)
Reasons to Attend THE CONFERENCE
Discover the insights, connections, and opportunities that will empower you to lead with confidence and drive meaningful impact
Engagement
Be involved in dynamic discussions to overcome barriers to gender empowerment.
Partnership Partnership
Develop Developmultifaceted multifacetedpartnerships partnershipswith with like-minded like-mindedcompanies companiesand andbusiness businessleaders. leaders.
Limitless Networking
Develop multifaceted partnerships with like-minded companies and business leaders.
Inspiration
Prepare to come away with renewed commitment to changing and advancing your business.
Business Opportunities
Engage a broad cross-section of the business community at the highest level and generate new leads.
Insight
Deliver your insight and influence towards advancing women in leadership across the economy.
This Year’s
TRENDING TOPICS Explore the future of women’s leadership and unpack the latest trends in gender equality, inclusion & more.
How Women Are Pivotal To South Africa’s Economic Growth The Power of Community in Building Business Designing a More Inclusive Future Founder Journeys: Lessons in Growth, Adaptability and Resilience Building Strategic Relationships For Career And Business Success Exploring New Frontiers in Agribusiness Building Powerful Brands: Lessons from Sport and Beyond The Future of the Creative Economy: Protecting, Funding and Scaling Creativity Building a Lasting Legacy of Leadership and Impact
The Voices
TAKING STAGE
Learn from accomplished leaders who are redefining industries, championing inclusion, and inspiring the next generation of business excellence.
Hon. Mmamoloko Kubayi
Hon. Ms Nonceba Bianca Mhlauli
Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Republic of South Africa
Deputy Minister in The Presidency, Republic of South Africa
Dr Naledi Pandor
Dr Shirley Zinn
Chancellor, Nelson Mandela University
Chair and Non-Executive Director of Boards
Parmi Natesan
Sinenjabulo Zungu-Ntuli
Chief Executive Officer, Institute of Directors in South Africa
Chief Executive Officer, AmaZulu FC
The Council
OUR ADVISORY BOARD OF 2026 Our collection of respected leaders and experts dedicated to shaping a conference that inspires, empowers, and drives meaningful progress for women in leadership and business.
Thelma Bamhare
Zandile Mkwanazi,
Chrissy Dube
Jackie Motsepe
Programme Lead, Graca Machel Trust
Chief Executive Officer, Girlcode
Chief Stakeholders, Projects & Advocacy Officer, Good Governance Africa
Member of Council, National Film And Video Foundation
Kume Luvhani,
Sundrie Naidoo
Gwen Mwaba
Yani Horn
Co-Founder and Executive Director, Vaxowav
Head of People, Discovery Vitality
Senior Banker, Structured Trade & Commodity Finance Expert
Chief Advancement Officer, Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls
Mimi Kalinda
Adv. Nthabiseng Sepanya-Mogale
Dr. Vathiswa
Papu-Zamxaka
Takalani Netshitenzhe
Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Engagement, Tshwane University of Technology
Director/ External and Regulatory Affairs, Vodacom South Africa
Chief Executive Officer, Africa Communications Media Group
Chairperson, Commission for Gender Equality
Made In Business A MATCH
As the organisers of the Standard Bank Top Women Conference we are excited toannounce the popular Business Matchmaking® Program – Espresso Meet Up! Business Matchmaking® connects companies and people who share business interests, complementary services, expertise, and technologies. Our goal is simple: spark valuable connections that open doors to new opportunities. At the Standard Bank Top Women Conference, our dedicated Business Matchmaking® Concierge team will guide you in meeting your target market and building strong new business relationships. Whether you’re an exhibitor showcasing products, a delegate sharing expertise, or a trade visitor exploring opportunities, we’ll help you meet the right people. All meetings run through our exclusive Espresso Meet Up platform, designed to get you profiled and connected before the show begins. 1. Once you register you will receive a QR code above to register your information. 2. You will receive a welcome email from jason@businessmatchmaking. company with a login link.
3. Access Espresso Meet up as early as possible to check your pre-populated profile (from your registration form), edit any fields and ensure your mobile number is 100% as well as products offered or interests. 4. This is used to create your matches. ie your matches through your Matchmaking Report on the platform, see who is matched to you 100% and/or use the filters to find specific companies to meet. 5. Schedule your meetings in the week before the Conference so our team has time to action your meetings as quickly as possible. 6. You can expect various WhatsApp’s from meeting requests to accept/ decline your full calendar every week as well as meeting reminders & post meeting surveys. 7. In addition, our business matchmaking® team is available to assist you with all queries and meeting scheduling. We will be calling you and you are welcome to ask us to schedule meetings for you.
Experience More
THAN JUST A CONFERENCE Whether you’re looking to learn, network, grow your business or be inspired, the Standard Bank Top Women Conference is the place where opportunity meets action.
PITCHPOWER NETWORKING Take the stage and introduce your business to a room full of decision-makers, corporate leaders and fellow entrepreneurs. In just a few minutes, you could spark your next big opportunity.
THE ICONIC TOP WOMEN GOODIE BAG Our famous goodie bags are back! Packed with premium products, exclusive gifts and exciting surprises, they’re a conference highlight you’ll definitely want to share.
NETWORKING COCKTAIL EVENING Continue the conversations in a relaxed setting while building valuable relationships with business leaders, executives and changemakers from across the country.
BEAUTY & GLAMOUR LOUNGE Refresh your look throughout the day with complimentary makeup touch-ups from leading beauty partners.
WELLNESS & RELAXATION ZONE Take a well-deserved break and recharge with complimentary massages designed to help you relax and refocus.
INCREDIBLE PRIZES & COMPETITIONS Stand a chance to win exclusive prizes throughout the conference with exciting giveaways, competitions and sponsor activations
FUTURE TOP WOMEN YOUTH DRIVE Connecting South Africa’s brightest female student leaders with top employers, industry pioneers and executives through exclusive networking, business matchmaking and career opportunities building the next generation of women leaders.
Powered by Partnership DRIVING CHANGE TOGETHER We’re proud to collaborate with organisations that share our commitment to empowering leaders, fostering innovation, and advancing inclusive workplaces.
Lets work Together
SPONSOR. SPEAK. ATTENED Have a question or want to get involved? Whether you’re interested in sponsoring, speaking, exhibiting, or attending, our team is here to help. Connect with the right contact to discuss how you can be part of the Standard Bank Top Women Conference.
TO SPONSOR/PARTER
TO SPEAK
FOR EVENT LOGISTICS
Twaambo Judy Chileshe
Claire Garrett
Kendall Lodewyk
Head of Brand
Head of Conferencing
Events Manager
CONTACT
CONTACT
CONTACT
YO U R N E X T ST E P STA R TS H E R E Reserve your seat, discover everything Top Women has to offer and become part of a community shaping the future
BUY TICKETS NOW TO ATTEND
Sadeeqah Ely Marketing Executive
CONTACT
E X P LO R E M O R E # S B TO P W O M E N Follow the journey and become a part of the Standard Bank Top Women Family.
STANDARD BANK TOP WOMEN CONFERENCE | THE FASTEST GROWING PLATFORM FOR WOMEN WHO LEAD
See You in September Together, we’ll celebrate leadership, champion progress and inspire the next generation of changemakers. See you at the Standard Bank Top Women Conference.