The Women in Furniture Network returns to the January Furniture Show 2026 this January with an expanded programme of networking, leadership discussion and, for the first time, dedicated speed mentoring sessions designed to support women at every stage of their furniture industry careers.

Taking place as part of the Retail Revealed LIVE Stage programme at the January Furniture Show, the Women in Furniture Network events run across Monday 19 and Tuesday 20 January 2026, offering practical insight, peer connection and access to senior industry leaders in an inclusive, supportive environment.

New for 2026: Speed Mentoring

A key new addition for 2026 is the Women in Furniture Network Speed Mentoring sessions, giving attendees the opportunity to connect one-to-one with experienced industry professionals in a relaxed, informal setting. Designed to encourage honest conversation, career guidance and shared learning, the sessions aim to make mentorship more accessible and actionable.

Mentors taking part include Fara Butt of Shire Beds and Jessica Alexander from The Furniture Makers’ Company, bringing expertise across manufacturing, leadership and professional development.

Women in Furniture Network Panel & Brunch

Alongside mentoring, the programme includes a flagship Women in Furniture Network Panel & Brunch, focused on The Power of Shared Growth. The panel brings together senior female leaders from across retail, manufacturing and digital platforms to explore collaboration, leadership journeys and the value of community within the furniture sector.

Panellists include Carey Pearson (Wayfair), Natasha Shillingford (La-Z-Boy International), Deirdre Mc Gettrick (ufurnish.com) and Stella Gittins (Accouter Group of Companies (AGC)).

Supporting Progress Across the Industry

The Women in Furniture Network sessions form part of the January Furniture Show’s wider commitment to championing diversity, leadership and professional development across the industry. Open to retailers, manufacturers, designers and suppliers, the events offer a space to connect, learn and build relationships that extend beyond the show floor.

 

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View the full agenda: https://thefurnitureshows.com/retail-revealed-live-agenda

January Furniture Show sits within Clarion Retail’s portfolio of leading retail trade events, providing additional opportunities for its audience to source, learn, and network through sister shows Manchester Furniture Show, Top Drawer, and Home & Gift Buyers’ Festival, as well as the digital platform Retail Revealed.

Contacts:

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