Shaping Summit 2027

Instead of the Shaping Portsmouth Conference, we’re proud to be launching the Shaping Summit: a new annual gathering of 500+ leaders from across the city and region, designed to inspire, challenge and connect the people shaping Portsmouth’s future.

From 2027 onwards, this event will look and feel different, with a completely redesigned programme, high profile external keynote speakers bringing fresh insight from beyond the city, and a sharper focus on the real Portsmouth success stories delivering social value at scale.

The Summit will still have the heart, warmth and partnership spirit our audiences know and love, but with a clearer purpose: to showcase impact, spark ambition and give partners direct opportunities to get more involved.

Thursday 21st January 2027 @ Portsmouth Guildhall

Rosie Ginday MBE

Sweet Business, Serious Impact

Rosie tells her story of setting up her business with social value and community collaboration at the centre of the model, how this drove her business growth and where she sees the role of social value in strong business leadership.

Rosie founded Miss Macaroon in 2011 with a clear mission: to create exceptional, handmade gluten-free macaroons while supporting young people facing barriers into work. Under her leadership, the organisation has grown into an award-winning social enterprise, known for premium macaroon gift boxes and impactful employability programmes. Rosie works closely with corporate partners, educators and policymakers to create pathways into employment, ensuring that every purchase helps build brighter futures.

Rachel Arthur

RIP Social Media

A session discussing how businesses, education providers, and community organisations can continue to reach and build relationships & connectivity with young consumers post the Social Media Ban and how young people are building new relationships with Ai as a tool not a threat.

Headline Speaker 3

The Early Career Ladder

A gameshow with preselected guests who are quizzed about their early careers, first jobs, work experience, and current roles.

*highlighting the non-linear career paths that so many people take and where the skills learnt at each role support development into the next

Plus:

Cllr Steve Pitt: The Big Portsmouth Picture
The Shaped By Solent Shop
Networking & Exhibition

...and more to be announced!

Sponsorship Opportunities

Showcase your brand as a key partner in Portsmouth’s future by sponsoring the Shaping Summit, connecting you directly with influential leaders and innovators in the community.

If you are interested in sponsoring, please email info@shapingportsmouth.co.uk.

Headline Sponsor

Refreshments Sponsor

Streaming Sponsor

Exhibition

Promote your organisation to 600 Portsmouth delegates at the Shaping Summit.

The exhibition will be across the Main Hall, The Portsmouth Room, the Zodiac Suite and Freda Swain Lounge, and will be open during the opening and registration time, and the networking break.

Exhibit spaces are available for £420.38 each, including VAT and fees. Booking as an exhibitor includes entry for two people to staff the stand.

Please note, most of the rooms have been divided into different zones. Please click Read More on the Eventbrite overview, or click the button below to check the layout and see how the zones differ, and ensure you select the correct zone when booking your exhibition ticket.

The Shaping Awards

The Shaping Portsmouth Awards celebrate the work being done around the city in our key areas of Business, Education, and Community.

If you know of an organisation or individual who deserves to be celebrated, please complete the nomination form to tell us about them!

We are also taking nominations for the Shaping Portsmouth Armed Forces Community Award, which recognises outstanding support given by a Portsmouth business to our serving personnel, reservists, service leavers, or their families.

Nominations close at 23:59 on Monday 30th November 2026