Inspire and celebrate women of the region to recognise their true potential, coming together to share lived experiences, support and grow.

Welcome to the Women in Data and Analytics Conference North East North Cumbria!

Come join us at The Frederick Douglass Centre for an exciting in-person event celebrating Women in the Data and Analytics profession.

This not-for-profit event is all about spotlighting the achievements of women in data and analytics, celebrating their journeys, and inspiring the next generation of leaders across the North East & North Cumbria—and beyond.

Why Attend?

Empowering Keynotes & Stories – Hear real journeys of triumph, challenges overcome, and innovative leadership.

Interactive Sessions & Wellness Moments – Join fireside chats, workshops, and mini-activities that nurture both your professional growth and well-being.

Networking & Community Building – Connect with like-minded professionals and allies passionate about elevating women in tech, data and analytics.

Inclusive & Accessible – As a not-for-profit, we strive to keep attendance free while still delivering a high-value, inspiring experience.

Get Involved

Whether you’re a seasoned data professional, an aspiring analyst, or simply passionate about diversity and inclusion, there’s a place for you here.

Mark your calendar, save the date, and come Lead & Share in a day of insight, innovation, and empowerment for women in data and analytics.

This year we're inspired by our theme Dream being fulfilled; it's your journey. and celebrating that we're Stronger Together

Throw back to WIDAC2025

Check out some of our LinkedIn posts from last year:

WIDAC video LinkedIn Post

WIDAC reflection LinkedIn Post

Agenda

(Subject to small changes as final speaker confirmations come through.)

8:30–9:15 Registration & Networking

Attendees arrive, check in, and enjoy refreshments while connecting with each other and exploring sponsor stands.

9:15–9:30 Introduction

Louise Killen, Event Chair, Analytics Manager, Northumbria Healthcare NHS FT

9:30–10:30 Imposter Syndrome Trap

Gill Caleary

Imposter Syndrome - What it is, what it isn't and what keeps us stuck.

10:30–10:55 Wellness Break

10:55–11:40 WIDAC Heart[h]: Where it begins!

Host: Patience Osasa

Panellists: Bailey McBride, Jill Beattie, Ka Lok Lui

Fireside chat spotlighting personal journeys into data and analytics, overcoming challenges, personal development, and tips for others.

11:40–12:00 Call to Action

Jenny Pope

Shirley Sunderland

How we encourage and support new talent into the profession; we can all have a role to play in career development. Look at how the SDN is supporting outreach work.

12:00–13:00 Lunch

13:00–13:15 Wellness Moment

Sarah Lawton

Short guided activity (breathing, stretching) to foster well-being before afternoon sessions.

13:15–13:45 Keynote

Caroline Carruthers

Bringing the knowledge and experience of a Chief Data Officer. Sharing what it is that drives us to succeed and the challenges that must be overcome. Demonstrating that there is always room from growth no matter where we are on our journey.

13:45–14:35 WIDAC Heart[h]: We've come so far!

Host: Bailey McBride

Panellists: Caroline Carruthers, Bernadette Clark, Laura Bell, Andrea Brown, Louise Killen

Fireside chat delving into personal journeys, sharing experiences and decisions that got you to where you are now, changing paths, being able to give back, and advice for those starting out on their careers.

14:35–15:00 Wellness Break

15:00–16:00 Workforce & Development

Lisa O'Keeffe

To help us reflect on what it is that gives us energy, how we can understand and support each other and be stronger together.

16:00–16:20 Celebrating the Region

Acknowledgement of notable nominees and rising stars, spotlighting key achievements within the NENC community.

16:20–16:30 Summarise & Close

Louise Killen, Event Chair, Analytics Manager, Northumbria Healthcare NHS FT

Wrap up the day’s key messages, spark ongoing collaboration, and invite attendees to continue engaging beyond the conference.

16:30-17:30 Networking

Parking

There are a number of chargeable car parks close to the venue:

The Garage at Helix - Car Park || What 3 Words: class.rarely.saying || Postcode: NE4 5BQ

The Gate - Car Park || What 3 Words: couches.lately.hype || Postcode: NE1 4XQ

Grainger Town - Car Park || What 3 Words: flats.submit.legs || Postcode: NE1 4DP

Public Transport

The Frederick Douglass is a short walk from a variety of public transport hubs:

St James' Park Metro Station || What 3 Words: guises.worked.debit || 5 min walk

Newcastle Central Station || What 3 Words: lakes.shapes.deals ||12 min walk

Haymarket Bus Station || What 3 Words: comet.middle.combining || 12 min walk

Eldon Square Bus Station || What 3 Words: flat.spill.bless || 11 min walk

Additional Information

For restaurants and accommodation, we recommend checking out this website: www.newcastlegateshead.com

There are sections on food/drink, accommodation and more. There are also downl

Description supplied by the event organiser.