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EO’s Largest-Ever Global Leadership Conference Brings Nearly 2,000 Members to Dublin

May 1, 2026

EO's  29th-annual GLC brought members from 60-plus countries together for three days of training, connection, and experiential learning in Ireland. 

EO’s 29th annual Global Leadership Conference took place from 15–17 April 2026 at The Convention Centre Dublin, bringing nearly 2,000 EO members, guests, sponsoring partners, and professional staff from 60-plus countries to Dublin. This year’s event marked the first time a GLC had completely sold out — in terms of attendance, it was the largest GLC in EO’s history. 

Its theme, “Legendary,” challenged entrepreneurs to reflect on their own stories, to value the circle of peers around them, and to consider how connection and collaboration are essential ingredients in shaping a business and life that leaves a legacy. 

“It was an immense privilege and membership highlight for me to be able to share a bit of our Irish story, stories and a bit of craic, while helping to connect our peers from all over the world." 

- Stephen Shortt, EO Ireland

Event host, entrepreneur, and Planning Chair, Stephen Shortt, a 13-year member from EO Ireland, set the tone of the event from its mainstage, introducing 20 different keynote speakers or performers over the course of three days to inspire the sold-out auditorium, including “Diary of a CEO” podcast host and entrepreneur, Steven Barlett, organizational psychologist and best-selling author of multiple books including, “The Science of Scaling” and “The Gap and the Gain,” Dr. Benjamin Hardy; and illusionist and master storyteller, Harris III.  

“I could not be prouder of the event and community coming together in my home city this year. Apart from being EO’s biggest and best GLC yet, it was authentically Irish and dynamically global at the same time,” Stephen Shortt said. “It was an immense privilege and membership highlight for me to be able to share a bit of our Irish story, stories and a bit of craic, while helping to connect our peers from all over the world.” 

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One of the top highlights from the stage came when world-renowned podcaster, author, and media entrepreneur Steven Bartlett joined EO Tanzania member Miranda Naiman on stage for a vulnerable conversation about ambition, experimentation, failure, and legacy.  

Additional speakers or performers included: 

  • The Gardiner Brothers, speakers, champion dancers, and social media sensations
  • Troy Armour, Irish founder and CEO of Junk Kouture, a global, youth-driven competition for creatives
  • Riverdance, the internationally renowned Irish dance and music production that has captivated 31 million people worldwide
  • Shivvy Jervis, Futurist, neuroscientist, and founder of TrainYourBrain 
  • Estefany Marte, succession strategist and founder of KAI Leadership Accelerator
  • Philip McKernan, Irish speaker and author 
  • Charlie Curtis, entrepreneurship expert at Oxford Saïd Business School 

Leadership training and peer connection are core components of the annual conference. More than 1,200 chapter board chairs, who serve on one of EO’s 225 distinct chapters around the world, huddled for eight hours of role preparation, breakout discussions, and offsite excursions in 13 different learning tracks. EO’s Chapter Officer Training program fosters personal growth and connection, while empowering entrepreneurs who volunteer for leadership roles the next year to return and serve as board chairs among their peers. 

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An official Guinness World Records Adjudicator, or judge, also joined Shortt on stage, as members worked together to successfully attempt to set a new GUINNESS WORLD RECORD™ from the aisles of the convention centre auditorium: the most people performing a jumping double high five simultaneously. More than 400 pairs of EO entrepreneurs executed the challenge simultaneously, earning the novel title and bragging rights for the organization. 

The official, invite-only GLC 2026 closing social took place at the Guinness Storehouse, where EO members, their guests, and event partners enjoyed true Irish hospitality. EO’s 30th Global Leadership Conference will be held from 11-13 April in Kyoto, Japan next year. Registrations will open later this year. 

Learn more about EO's 2026 Global Leadership Conference by reading the post-event news release and watching the look back video.