In The Pleasures and Sorrows of Work, philosopher Alain de Botton states that “work is, in fact, one of the great joys of life when it is meaningful, and this is something that conferences can help instil in leaders.” But when most people imagine a leadership conference, they rarely consider it among ‘life’s great joys’. Instead, there are visions of a sea of suits in a hotel ballroom, sitting in orderly rows with a tight agenda of networking breaks and carefully curated workshops. The reason conferences are often perceived as tedious is because many of the connections taking place are superficial; it’s hours of smiling and small talk. But conferences hold the potential to become something much more – a gathering of like-minded people encouraging one another and spurring each other on.

Collaboration and gathering have never been more important as we confront the challenges of future pandemics, climate crises and economic upheavals. As David Ehrlichman says in his 2021 book Impact Networks: “Given the increasing complexity of our society and the issues we face, our ability to form, grow and work through networks has never been more essential.”

Amid the endless video calls and relentless to-do lists, intentionally slowing down to discover collective meaning in different settings is a refreshing change. Here, we’ve curated the most interesting gatherings to inspire just that.

Anthropy

If you see that shaping a sustainable future for Britain is a shared responsibility and seek the benefits of an awe-inspiring natural setting

Open invite | Annual | £750-1,000

Location: Cornwall, England

Happens in: March

Who for? Policymakers, social entrepreneurs and business leaders

Attendees: 2,000+

Started by: John O’Brien MBE

What was once a disused clay pit now hosts the world’s largest indoor rainforest – The Eden Project. Once a year, it closes its doors to reimagine the country it sits on. Anthropy’s Managing Director Lucy Knill says it’s a like “stepping into a crystal ball where you try to imagine the future you want.”

Over three days, attendees explore wild lands or lush rainforests, followed by intimate discussions under the iconic hexagonal biomes, all centred on a mission to ‘inspire a better Britain’ – not your average leadership conference. Leaders from business, social advocacy and public sectors come together to ask: “What qualities do we want in a thriving economy? How can we protect the natural places in our communities?”

Jessica Taplin, CEO of the British Gas Energy Trust, describes the coalition: “With Anthropy, you have that commercial brilliance, the capacity and resource, joining together with civil society, the third sector, and communities in this perfect trinity. And that is the only way you can affect meaningful change.”

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Between the Two of Us – House Of Beautiful Business

If you’re a leader who feels the weight of current systems but remains inspired to build a new, life-centered economy 

Open invite | Annual | £1,000-1,500

Location: Tangier, Morocco

Happens in: May

Who for? Business leaders, CEOs, academics, economists, policymakers, technologists, scientists, artists and activists

Attendees: 700+

Started by: Tim Leberecht, author, curator, entrepreneur and co-founder and co-CEO of the House of Beautiful Business

Over four days, debates, sea-gazing and local jazz inspire unity and encourage attendees to envision a world centered on people, not just profits. House of Beautiful Business is a global platform reimagining the relationship between business, technology and humanity. 

Held in Tangier, a city with a rich history of inspiring artists and visionaries, this annual festival invites participants to reflect on the House’s 14 tenets, including “Change the world by creating a new one, even if only for a few hours.” This ethos of transformation permeates the gathering, creating an atmosphere of possibility.

The Beautiful Truth’s Adam Penny attended in 2023 and remarked on how a change of scenery shifts perspective: “Hotels and conference centres all look the same, but in a place like Tangier, you realise people are humans first. It makes you feel less alone in solving these problems.” 

Waterperry Retreat – The School of Philosophy and Economic Science

If you’re questioning whether success is more than economic growth and are seeking a sanctuary to explore what truly matters

Open invite | Annual | £130-210

Location: Oxfordshire, England

Happens in: February

Who for? NGO executives, academics, CEOs, artists, writers and entrepreneurs

Attendees: 20-80

Started by: Donald Lambie, barrister and Leader of The School of Philosophy and Economic Science

At The Waterperry Retreat, attendees are invited to reflect on pressing questions such as: “Is economic growth the true measure of success? What are its consequences?” Led by experts like Seb Munden, former Unilever CEO and Chair of WRAP, the retreat attracts a diverse group, from business executives to retirees, all seeking respite from the demands of daily life.

Set in a historic Queen Anne manor with Tudor sections, surrounded by gardens and a peaceful water lily canal, the retreat offers a serene setting. Meals (sourced from the estate’s kitchen gardens) are vegetarian and inspired by Eastern philosophy.

Fostering a spirit of collaboration, participants cook and clean together, and engage in mindfulness practices and profound discussions on justice, equity and the ethical implications of economic growth.