PWN London 20th Anniversary Galaπ
Celebrating 20 years of leadership, connection and impact.
Date: Thursday, 15 October 2026
Time: 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Venue: St Anne's Church, Soho | 55 Dean Street, London W1D 6AF
Dress Code: Black Tie
Format: Evening reception with networking, entertainment and catering.
Secure your place
Early bird tickets at Β£49 available on limited release.
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Thirty years ago, in Paris, one conversation sparked a global movement.
Returning from maternity leave, Avivah Wittenberg-Cox recognised that too many talented women were leaving the workplace because the professional world had not been designed for them to thrive. Together with a group of like-minded women, she created what would become the Professional Womenβs Network (PWN) β a community dedicated to advancing womenβs careers and championing balanced leadership.
Today, PWN Global brings together thousands of professionals across multiple continents, countries and city networks, united by a shared mission: to develop leaders, build meaningful connections, and create more balanced workplaces.
In 2006, that vision reached London. Over the past twenty years, PWN London has become a vibrant community where professionals, entrepreneurs, executives and allies come together to learn, connect, mentor and lead.
This October, we proudly celebrate twenty years of impact, community and leadership in London β honouring those who have shaped our journey while inspiring the next generation to rise and thrive together.
This is more than an anniversary. It's a celebration of everyone who has shaped PWN London along the way, our members, our partners and our wider community, and a moment to look ahead at what the next chapter holds. Join us for an evening of connection, recognition and celebration as we honour twenty years of impact and set our sights on the future.
Our Story: 20 Years of PWN London
Since opening its doors in 2006, PWN London has become far more than a professional network. It has grown into a vibrant community where thousands of professionals have come together to build meaningful connections, develop their leadership, and support one another through every stage of their careers.
Over the past two decades, PWN London has delivered leadership programmes, mentoring initiatives, networking events, panel discussions and international collaborations, bringing together corporate leaders, entrepreneurs, academics and changemakers from across London and beyond.
From conversations hosted in iconic venuesβincluding the House of Lordsβto partnerships with leading organisations, universities and global businesses, PWN London has continued to champion balanced leadership while creating opportunities for professionals to learn, connect and thrive.
As we celebrate our twentieth anniversary, we also celebrate every volunteer, member, speaker, partner and supporter who has helped shape the community we are todayβand those who will help write the next chapter.
Our Journey
From our beginnings in Paris in 1996 to celebrating 20 years of PWN London today, our story is one of connection, collaboration and collective impact. Here's a look at some of the key milestones that have shaped our community.
1996
Professional Women's Network (PWN) is founded in Paris by a group of women who believe organisations perform better when leadership reflects diverse perspectives.
β
Over the following years
The network expands across Europe and beyond, bringing together thousands of professionals through local city chapters and an international community.
β
2006
PWN London is established by five founding women who shared the vision of creating a supportive community for women and allies in the UK.
Founding members:
Juliet Warkentin
Michelle Kathryn Taylor
Maria Di Francesco
Anne Bouverot
Laura Aravena Imlah
β
2026
PWN London celebrates 20 years of supporting women to lead, grow and thrive while PWN Global celebrates 30 years of international impact.
π₯ Celebrate 20 Years Be part of a milestone moment in PWN London's history.
π« Connect with Inspiring Leaders Meet and mingle with some of London's most influential women in business.
π Recognise Outstanding Achievement Join us as we honour the individuals and organisations driving meaningful change.
π«±πΌβπ«²π½ Network with Members and Partners Build relationships that matter, in a room full of people who get it.
π Discover Sponsorship Opportunities Explore how your organisation can support the next chapter of PWN London.
What to Expect on the Evening
An evening designed to celebrate, connect and inspire. Here's a flavour of how the night will unfold:
π₯ 18:30 β Welcome Reception
π΄ 19:15 β CanapΓ©s & Mingling
π€ 19:45 β Official Welcome
π 20:00 β PWN London 20th Anniversary Awards Ceremony
π 20:45 β Entertainment (Part One)
π₯ 21:00 β Celebration & Networking
π 21:30 β Entertainment (Part Two)
πΈ 22:00 β Paid Bar Opens
π 22:05 β Dancing
π 23:00 β Carriages
Tickets
Secure your place at London's biggest celebration of women in leadership, before Early Bird pricing sells out.
Tier
Early Bird
Price
Β£49
Status
On sale now, limited release
The PWN London Awards
No anniversary celebration would be complete without recognising the people who make our community what it is.
As part of our 20th Anniversary Gala, we'll present the PWN London Awards, celebrating the women, leaders, allies and members whose leadership, achievements and commitment have made a meaningful and lasting impact on our community, their organisations and beyond.
Winners will receive a PWN London Anniversary Award trophy, a commemorative certificate, and dedicated recognition across PWN London's newsletter, LinkedIn and Instagram channels, celebrating their achievements and raising their profile within our professional community.
From emerging talent to established leaders and outstanding allies, these awards shine a light on the people who inspire us and help shape the future of leadership.
Do you know someone who deserves recognition? Or perhaps it's time to put yourself forward.
About PWN London
PWN London is the London chapter of PWN Global, an international movement advancing gender-balanced leadership through professional development, mentoring and networking.
We exist to help ambitious women β and the allies who champion them - connect, lead and thrive. From intimate after-work socials to flagship leadership events, everything we do is built on one belief: that the world is better when leadership is balanced.
Want to learn more? Visit π www.pwnlondon.net
Other Ways to Get Involved
Not ready to buy a ticket yet, or want to be part of the evening in a different way? There are plenty of ways to support PWN London's 20th Anniversary.
π Sponsorship Interested in supporting PWN London's 20th Anniversary? Join us in celebrating two decades of impact while showcasing your organisation's commitment to advancing women in leadership. Sponsorship packages and opportunities will be shared soon.
π Volunteering Want to help bring the evening to life behind the scenes? We're looking for volunteers to support with hosting, registration and more on the night.
π€ Speaking Opportunities Interested in speaking or contributing to the evening's programme? We'd love to hear from you.
Next Events in 2026
β½οΈ 2nd September 2026 β Balance Over Bubbles
β½οΈ 4th November 2026 β Balance Over Bubbles
β½οΈ Sip'n'Paint - November - Date to be confirmed
β½οΈ December 2026 β PWN Xmas Party
Why Join Us?
Discover what PWN London stands for and meet the people shaping our community.
Build authentic relationships across industries in a relaxed, uplifting setting.
Exchange ideas over a glass of bubbles (or your favourite cocktail).
Learn how you can get involved in our programmes, mentoring, and leadership initiatives.