2,000 Entrepreneurs from More Than 60 Countries to Gather in Dublin for EO’s 29th Global Leadership Conference

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DUBLIN, IRELAND (2 April 2026) — More than 2,100 EO entrepreneurs, guests, sponsoring partners, and professional staff from 60-plus countries will soon convene in Dublin for a flagship event hosted by Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO), a global, not-for-profit membership network founded in 1987 for founders and business owners worldwide.

EO’s 29th annual Global Leadership Conference (GLC) will take place from 15–17 April 2026 at The Convention Centre Dublin, and with support from local partners, including Fáilte Ireland's Dublin Convention Bureau. This year’s event marks the first time a GLC has completely sold out — in terms of attendance, it will be the largest GLC in EO’s history.

The event’s purpose is to connect and inspire entrepreneurs from EO’s diverse regions, propelling them on their leadership journeys next year as board chairs and directors for more than 220 independent chapters on six continents. GLC is the organization’s largest gathering of the year — an annual event that brings together EO member leaders from around the world for an immersive, multi-day experience focused on leadership development, training, and connection. Each conference features world-renowned keynote speakers, in-depth training for chapter officers, and immersive learning experiences designed to inspire attendees to deepen their leadership impact while strengthening EO’s global network.

“GLC is like a United Nations of entrepreneurs. We come together from all corners of the globe to connect, collaborate, and learn from each other in the bigger picture of our community,” said GLC Planning Team Chair Stephen Shortt, a talent strategist, family business owner, and 13-year member of EO through its chapter, EO Ireland. “It is a huge honor for us to welcome our global tribe to our home in Dublin." 

The event will also celebrate the 20th anniversary of EO’s widely-admired Global Student Entrepreneur Awards (GSEA), a program run by EO chapters and member volunteers since 2006. Its purpose: to help find, mentor, connect, and spotlight the next generation of young founders and leaders who are still enrolled in university. Past GSEA champion Nick Cotter, an Irish founder who earned EO’s top prize in 2022, will join speakers on stage to share his journey of entrepreneurial successes since winning.

Inspired by the history and folklore of Ireland’s own story and set on the banks of Dublin's River Liffey, this year’s GLC theme is: Legendary, calling upon EO leaders to embrace the extraordinary, inspire with purpose, and be intentional about building legacies that will endure. A wide range of speakers and learning experiences will challenge participants to reflect on their own story and what it means to lead for lasting impact.

Locally, 50 entrepreneurs are members of EO Ireland, and their businesses span an array of sectors. One of more than 220 EO chapters around the world, EO Ireland was founded in 2013.

“We are so proud to soon be welcoming 2,000 of our peers, friends, and business colleagues to our home city of Dublin,” said EO Ireland Chapter President John Cunningham, a 12-year member and entrepreneur with business operations in food design and production. “The chance to be together, trade a few jokes or stories, share experiences with our peers, are the moments that make continued collaboration easier throughout the year.”

EO will bring together a motivational lineup of renowned speakers from across disciplines, offering insights on leadership, mindset, creativity, and transformation in a mix of keynote sessions and interactive workshops. Confirmed speakers include:

• Steven Bartlett, investor, innovator, and host of “The Diary of a CEO” podcast

• Benjamin Hardy, organizational psychologist and author

• Kate Harris, transformation guide and author

• Philip McKernan, Irish speaker and author
• Charlie Curtis, entrepreneurship expert at Oxford Saïd Business School

• Troy Armour, Irish founder and CEO of Junk Kouture, a global, youth-driven competition for creatives
• Harris III, illusionist, storyteller, and author
• Michael and Matthew Gardiner, speakers, digital creators, and champion dancers
• Joaquin Cordero (EO Guatemala), EO Global Board Chair, FY2025/2026

• Jamie Pujara, EO Executive Director

“GLC is at the heart of EO’s Path of Leadership, and we look forward all year to coming together in person,” said Taunya Renson-Martin, a B2B marketing and communications agency owner and eight-year member through its chapter, EO Belgium. As EO’s incoming Global Board Chair for FY2026-2027, Taunya will take the stage on day three to inspire her peers. “New friendships are sparked at GLC. Existing friendships are reinforced, and inspiration overflows. Through our strengthened connections, each of us returns home with our cups filled — better able to lead and serve others and take care of ourselves, our businesses, families, and communities.”

In addition to on-site programming, GLC will offer experiential “Learn Arounds” that expose attendees to iconically Irish locations that embody local culture and entrepreneurial spirit. Planned experiences include tours of Malahide Castle, Airfield Estate, Teeling Whiskey Distillery, and Windmill Lane Recording Studios, plus a guided tour of Dublin’s street art scene. The off-site excursions are designed to foster deeper connections between members while grounding leadership lessons in real-world context.

EO’s Global Leadership Conference is exclusive to EO members and their registered guests, with possible exceptions for covering press or prospective members. It is not open to the general public. The official, invite-only GLC 2026 closing social will take place on the evening of 17 April at the Guinness Storehouse for EO members, their guests, and event partners to enjoy true Irish hospitality.

Sponsoring partners attending the event include Bloom Growth, HubSpot, Sixt, PayPal, United Airlines, and Advantage Media. EO gratefully recognizes their participation and support.

For inquiries or more information, please contact EO Ireland directly.

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Notes to Editors:

About Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) - Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) is a global, not-for-profit membership community of 20,000 leading business founders and owners, representing more than 100 countries and 220+ chapters worldwide. Founded in 1987, EO helps entrepreneurs move the world forward by unlocking their full potential through the power of trusted connections, leadership development, and premier learning opportunities that support the whole person. 

For more information or to get involved, follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, or Facebook, and visit our website: www.eonetwork.org