Global Summit Week
September 15-17, 2026
New York City
The Breakfast of Corporate Champions
September 17
Founded in 2011 by Janice Ellig, CEO of The Ellig Group, The Breakfast of Corporate Champions is a premier event recognizing companies that lead in board gender balance. Now stewarded by 50/50 Women on Boards, the September 17, 2026 Breakfast will open the Global Summit, honoring S&P 500 and Fortune 1000 companies with more than 40% women directors and presenting the Muriel F. Siebert Leadership Award to a CEO advancing governance excellence.
For more information, email the Director of Development Shane Cullen at shane@5050wob.com.
The Global Summit
September 17
The 2026 Global Summit convenes influential board directors and global leaders to shape the future of corporate governance. We’ll focus on critical issues impacting boardrooms globally, from geopolitical risk to emerging technologies, and the future of boardroom resilience.
Special Invite-Only Events
Nasdaq Closing Bell Ceremony
September 15
50/50 Women on Boards will celebrate our 2026 50 Women to Watch for Boards honorees with a bell ceremony at Nasdaq on Tuesday, September 15. This invitation-only ceremony brings together this year’s distinguished leaders to mark their achievement and recognize their readiness for corporate board service.
Welcome Reception
September 16
On the evening before The Global Summit, we will celebrate the 50 Women to Watch for Boards 2026 cohort at an invitation-only Welcome Reception. Honorees, selection committee members, Summit speakers, and distinguished board leaders will gather for an intimate evening of connection and recognition, setting the tone for the important conversations and leadership moments ahead.
Corporate Governance for a Changing World
Join us at the 2026 Global Summit, where influential board directors and global leaders convene to shape the future of corporate governance.
We’ll focus on critical issues impacting boardrooms globally, from geopolitical risk and shifting supply chains, governing data and emerging tech, to activist pressure, and the future of boardroom resilience in an interconnected world.
For sponsorship opportunities, email Director of Development Shane Cullen at shane@5050wob.com.
Thank You to Our 2025 Sponsors
Official Airline
Strategic Research Partner
Emerald Sponsor
Platinum Sponsor
Silver Sponsor
Past Speakers
Carla Vernón
Jessica Alba
Valerie Jarrett
David Chun
Whitney Wolfe Herd
Byron Loflin
María Ariza
Melinda French Gates
Hari Panday
Mellody Hobson
Laurie Lam
Herman E. Bulls
Titi Cole
John Driver
Janice Ellig
Strategic Sponsorship Opportunities
Access decision-makers committed to improving governance and board leadership, elevate your brand, and provide your women talent with exclusive opportunities in board-readiness programming and events.
Engage
Connect with your key audience in a credible, high-impact format that builds lasting business relationships while positioning your brand at the center of a powerful network of corporate leaders.
Influence
Establish your thought leadership, showcase your expertise, and demonstrate your commitment to business excellence and corporate responsibility among industry leaders actively seeking insights and solutions.
Advance
Empower your women leaders with direct access to boardroom insights and influential networks, creating meaningful connections around today's most critical governance and business challenges that benefit your entire organization.
For sponsorship inquiries, please email Director of Development Shane Cullen at shane@5050wob.com.
Your Experience
Strategic Networking
Connect with Decision-Makers Who Matter
Gain exclusive access to sitting corporate directors, industry influencers, and C-suite executives who are actively shaping the future of board governance. Our curated networking experiences throughout the day enable you to build meaningful relationships and connections with peers and leaders in support of your board journey.
Insights & Key Learnings
Master the Issues Driving Boardroom Success
Discover how top-performing boards navigate today's most critical challenges, from geopolitical risk and technological disruption to activist pressure and reputation management. Learn the strategic frameworks and governance practices that distinguish high-performing companies, and gain actionable insights you can immediately apply to strengthen your board readiness and leadership impact.
Research & Data:
Access Exclusive Intelligence That Shape Strategies
Get first access to proprietary research and performance data that reveals what truly drives boardroom excellence. You'll leave with the data-driven intelligence that informs strategic decisions and strengthens your value proposition as a board director or candidate.
Our Community
Your Path to the Boardroom™
Become part of an exclusive community of ambitious leaders, board-ready professionals, and influential directors committed to advancing excellence in governance. Our network extends far beyond The Summit through ongoing mentorship opportunities, strategic introductions, and insider access to board opportunities. When you engage with us, you're not just attending an event—you're joining a movement.
NYC Financial District
Venue: 48 Wall Street, Lower Manhattan
Date: Sept. 17, 2026
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. ET
Connect with your key audience in a credible, high-impact format that builds lasting business relationships while positioning your brand at the center of a powerful network of corporate leaders, board directors, and forward-thinking executives who are actively shaping the future of governance.
Hotel Options
Below is a selection of hotels within walking distance or a short cab ride from our Financial District venue. Please book your hotel of choice as rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Hotel Indigo Wall Street
Located in New York City's Financial District, Hotel Indigo Downtown Wall Street blends modern comfort with historic charm. Start your day with breakfast at Buttonwood Café, explore nearby landmarks like South Street Seaport and the Statue of Liberty, and unwind with rooftop cocktails and skyline views. Enjoy stylish rooms with plush bedding, upscale amenities, and noise-canceling windows. A chic retreat in the heart of Lower Manhattan.
Gild Hall
Welcome to a Lower Manhattan original. Just steps from Wall Street, One World Trade Center, and the Seaport, Gild Hall, a Thompson Hotel, is a refined retreat in the heart of the Financial District. Designed by mid-century modern expert Jim Walrod and featuring photography by Slim Aarons, the interiors blend timeless style with modern comfort. Explore The Battery, visit Pier 17, or ferry to Brooklyn, then return for Italian cuisine and craft cocktails at our restaurant and wine bar.
New York Marriott Downtown
Rising above the streets of Lower Manhattan, the New York Marriott Downtown blends classic style with modern luxury. Enjoy sweeping waterfront views, curated interiors, and exceptional service. Relax in rooms designed by local creatives, dine at Bill’s Bar & Burger, or explore nearby landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, the 9/11 Memorial, and Wall Street. Whether you're here for a getaway, a wedding, or a meeting, our downtown hotel offers elevated experiences in the heart of the city.
Hilton Garden Inn NYC Financial District
Stay steps from the Staten Island Ferry and Battery Park at Hilton Garden Inn NYC Financial Center. Perfectly located for exploring Liberty Island, Ellis Island, and Lower Manhattan, the hotel is within a mile of Wall Street, One World Trade Center, and the 9/11 Memorial. Enjoy breakfast or dinner at The Garden Grille & Bar, and grab snacks or drinks anytime from the 24-hour Pavilion Pantry. Comfortable rooms and unmatched convenience make this a smart choice in the heart of downtown.
DoubleTree by Hilton New York Downtown
Located in Manhattan’s Financial District, DoubleTree by Hilton New York Downtown offers easy access to Battery Park, the Staten Island Ferry, and top subway lines. Just steps from Whitehall and South Ferry Stations, you’re minutes from Times Square, Central Park, and the Empire State Building. Enjoy all-day dining at Antica Ristorante, free WiFi, and the signature DoubleTree cookie at check-in: your downtown stay starts here.
Additional Information About The GLOBAL SUMMIT
Click this link to register.
Please contact our Events Team at events@5050wob.com.
Every individual registration includes:
- Access to the panels, sessions, and the networking reception from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET.
- A light breakfast, seated lunch, coffee and refreshments throughout the day.
- Networking cocktail reception.
- Please refer to our agenda for specific times.
We recommend business attire. There will be a step and repeat for photo opportunities and a photographer on site.
Venue: 48 Wall St.
Location: Lower Manhattan, Financial District, New York City.
- From Newark airport: Take I-78 E/Holland Tunnel to Broadway, Wall St. in Manhattan, New York.
- Subway: Wall St: Subway services 2, 3
There will be an area to store bags or luggage but please note there is no coat-check or attendant.
Charging stations will not be available and we recommend you bring a portable charging block if you anticipate needing to power your phone or computer.
Code of Conduct: Governing Data & Emerging Tech
Boards are no longer observers of emerging technology; they are stewards of how it’s governed. This panel goes beyond awareness to examine how directors can structure oversight, define accountability, and measure governance effectiveness in AI, data use, and digital innovation. Panelists will share practical strategies for building governance systems that ensure transparency, ethical decision-making, and responsible innovation at scale.
Speakers include: Sita Lowman, Nithya Das, Suresh Sharma, Byron Loflin
Your First Board Meeting: A Director’s Playbook
Tactics that Work: Case Studies in Navigating Shareholder Activism
Inside the Boardroom: Resilience Planning in Action
Reputation & Response: How Boards Navigate Shareholder Activism
As shareholder activism intensifies, boards face mounting pressure to defend strategy, protect corporate reputation, and engage stakeholders with clarity. This panel brings together seasoned directors to explore how boards can respond effectively while maintaining credibility, board alignment, and stakeholder trust. Hear real-world insights on navigating activism in today’s high-stakes, high-visibility environment.
Speakers include: Gaby Sulzberger, David Cahoy, Rachael Coffey, Eduardo Gallego
Navigating Global Markets: Trade, Tariffs, and Supply Chain Strategy
As global disruptions reshape business models, this panel will explore how boards can navigate the practical complexities of trade, tariffs, and supply chain shifts across regions. Panelists will share how directors are guiding companies through regulatory changes, sourcing challenges, and new market risks, while seizing opportunities for growth and operational agility.
Speakers include: Titi Cole, Mia Mends
Strengthening Oversight: Risk Management and Board Resilience
This keynote will equip directors to think globally about risk through the lens of geopolitical foresight, cross-border tensions, and long-term instability. Learn how boards can strengthen oversight and guide enterprise-wide resilience by anticipating disruption and embedding a proactive risk culture in a changing world.
Speakers include: Rodger Baker