EWMD International Conference 2026
About the Conference
Now. Build. Tomorrow. Together.
The EWMD International Conference 2026 in Istanbul brings together women in management, leaders, and change-makers from across our international network to explore this year’s theme: “Longevity in Leadership.”
Rooted in EWMD’s mission to empower women in management and foster inclusive leadership, the conference creates a space to reflect on how we lead, how we grow, and how we sustain our impact over time.
Across three days, participants will engage in meaningful conversations, exchange perspectives, and connect across cultures and industries. The focus is on building leadership that is not only successful today, but sustainable for tomorrow.
Hosted in the vibrant city of Istanbul, the conference combines learning, connection, and cultural experience in an inspiring international environment.
Our Vision & Mission
Vision
Exploring how purposeful living and sustainable leadership shape a healthier and more resilient future.
Mission
Empowering women in management, supporting diversity, and fostering inclusive leadership across industries and borders.
What to Expect
New perspectives on career management with a long-term view
Practical strategies to achieve sustainable success without burnout
Insights into resilience, wellbeing, and leadership balance
A strong international network of EWMD members and partners
The opportunity to experience Istanbul’s cultural richness in an inspiring setting
Program Overview
Day 1 | Friday, October 2
Arrival & hotel check-in
Networking Cocktail Reception (from 7:00PM at Lazzoni Hotel)
Day 2 | Saturday, October 3
Conference day at ISTUN University
Scientific sessions & keynote speeches
Workshops and interactive formats
Coffee breaks, lunch & networking
Gala Dinner (Lazzoni Hotel, including food, drinks, music & dance)
Day 3 | Sunday, October 4
Book your Cultural Activities here!
Please note that Sunday City Tour is not automatically included in the Conference fee and it will need to be booked separately.
EWMD International is not the organizer of cultural activities. For every question you can contact the external provider directly: info@alphaevents.com.tr - all activities need to be booked and paid through this agency.
Conference Day
Day 2 | Saturday, October 3
Explore the official program below – a full day of inspiration, exchange, and future-focused leadership!
Morning Program
08:30 – 09:00: Registration & Welcome Coffee
09:00 – 09:25: Opening Ceremony & Welcome Speech
Moderator: Dr. Ömer Önder
Speakers:
- Dr. Yasemin Ilhan – President of EWMD Turkey
- Ines Kaps & Tanju Cepheli – Co-Presidents of EWMD International
- Prof. Dr. Buğra Özen – Rector of İSTÜN University
09:25 – 09:40: “Where There is Breath, There is a Future”
Dr. Ömer Önder
Simge Özen – Bio-integrative Breath Therapist
09:40 - 10:00: Keynote Speech “Sustainable Business Life”
Dr. Oğuz Mülazımoğlu – CEO, Nobel Pharma
10:00 - 11:00: Panel I “Leading Beyond Limits: Longevity at Work”
Moderator: Banu Koç Çakan
Speakers:
- Cem Küçükcan – Danone CEO
- Jilda Bal – Gilda & Partners Consulting
- Ersin Pamuksüzen – Life Co
11:00 - 11:30: Coffee Break & Networking
11:30 - 11:50: Keynote Speech “Longevity in Corporate Life”
Karine Parent – Azelis, Seasoned HR Executive | People Strategy Alignment
11:50 – 12:50: Panel II “The Science of Longevity: Extending Health, Energy & Performance”
Moderator: Dr. Ömer Önder
Speakers:
- Assoc. Prof. Dr. Melis Durasi – Assistant Professor of Molecular Biology, Genetics & Bioengineering | MD NutriAcademy Founder CEO
- Dr. Çiğdem Tuba Günebak – Nutrition Counseling and Training Center
- Samet Serttaş – GTBD President
- Dr. Ayşegül Girgin – Medical Aesthetic Doctor, Anatomy PhD
Afternoon Program
12:50 – 14:00: Networking Lunch
14:00 – 14:15: “Longevity with Mine”
Ebru Dartar – Cesur Adımlar
14:15 – 15:30
Collaborative Workshops (choose your session):
Building Resilient Careers for Women – Nadine Nembach
Young & Active: Deep Change. Leading from the Inside Out – Irene Schilling
The Joy span Woman: Thriving Through Purpose, Joy and Lasting Relationships – Arzu Demirel
Identity and Cognitive Styles: Understanding Diversity to Empower High-Performing Teams – Patricia Carballedo
The Longevity Code: Decoding the AI Driven Future of Business – Gül Aktaş
15:30 – 16:00: Workshop Outcomes
Banu Koç Çakan & Dr. Ömer Önder
16:00 – 16:30: Special Project Spotlight
Spain–Türkiye Collaboration Project
Sabine Weber, Yasemin Ilhan, Arzu Demirel
16:30 – 17:00: EWMD She Made a Difference Award
Ines Kaps & Tanju Cepheli
17:00 – 17:15: Closing Remarks
Yasemin Ilhan & Tanju Cepheli
Venue & Location
Conference Venue (Saturday)
ISTUN – Istanbul Health and Technology University
Networking Cocktail & Gala Dinner
Lazzoni Hotel (approx. 250 meters from the conference venue)
Participation & Fees
Registration Period: April 20 – August 31, 2026
EWMD Members – Early Bird (until July 1): €295
EWMD Members – Regular (from July 2): €375
Non-Members: €410
Limited capacity: maximum 200 participants.
What’s Included
Full access to the conference programme incl. workshops and sessions
Conference materials (bag, badge, programme)
Access to exhibition and sponsor activities
Coffee breaks and lunch during the conference day
Networking Cocktail (Friday evening)
Gala Dinner with food, drinks, and entertainment (Saturday evening)
Suggested Accommodation
The Lazzoni Hotel offers special rates for EWMD participants and is conveniently located close to the conference venue.
Participants are kindly asked to book their accommodation directly with the hotel.
Website: Lazzoni Hotel
Link for direct booking here.
Meet our Speakers
...and more to be announced!
Join Us in Istanbul!
This conference is for women who want to lead - not just now, but for the long run. If you are ready to rethink leadership, expand your network, and invest in a sustainable future, we look forward to welcoming you in Istanbul.
