Fortune Reveals 2026 Most Powerful Women Summit Lineup

Fortune has announced the lineup of speakers and programming themes for the 2026 Fortune Most Powerful Women Summit, set to take place from October 12 to 14 at the Ritz Carlton Bacara in Santa Barbara, California. The event will bring together influential leaders from various industries to discuss the decisions shaping the next era of leadership and business.

The summit will feature a diverse group of speakers, including executives from major corporations such as Google, Chevron, Citi, and Upwork, as well as entrepreneurs like Hailey Rhode Bieber and Tina Knowles. The event will also host discussions on the accelerating impact of artificial intelligence (AI), the evolving role of CEOs and board directors, the future of work, capital allocation, women's sports, executive wealth, and leadership pipelines.

"Fortune Daily," the new show available on Fortune.com and the Fortune Daily YouTube channel, will be on site to film sit-down interviews with the summit’s speakers and attendees. The episodes will air the week of the conference on the Fortune Daily YouTube channel and social media platforms.

The summit will kick off with a conversation between Ruth Porat, President and Chief Investment Officer of Alphabet and Google, and Alyson Shontell, Fortune Editor in Chief and Chief Content Officer. Porat, a two-time cancer survivor, will discuss the high-stakes decisions defining Google's next chapter and the race to turn AI into real-world progress.

Day one will also feature Olivia Walton, discussing her recent $100 million commitment to maternal health and her leadership at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. The summit will conclude with a conversation between Hailey Rhode Bieber and Lauren Ratner, moderated by Fortune’s Ellie Austin. The discussion will explore the intersection of entrepreneurship, culture, brand building, and the evolving creator economy.

Throughout the three-day event, attendees will explore various themes, including the AI era, the future of work and leadership, and the changing expectations for corporate directors. Sessions will focus on how executives are investing in AI, reimagining organizational structures, and deploying emerging technology responsibly. The summit will also address the development of stronger leadership pipelines and the building of organizations equipped for a changing economy.

The summit will also delve into the expanding influence of media, the creator economy, venture investing, modern philanthropy, and the changing dynamics of corporate governance. Sessions will explore topics such as liquidity, concentrated equity, risk, tax planning, philanthropy, and generational wealth transfer.

In addition, the event will highlight the impact of women in sports, with Commissioner Kim Ng of the Athletes Unlimited Softball League discussing the next phase of investment, operational growth, and opportunity in women's sports. The summit will also feature a session on the role of Gen Z women in leadership, examining new research on their relationship with ambition and leadership.

The event will conclude with a session honoring the life and legacy of Wesley LePatner, a business and community leader tragically killed last year. Evan LePatner and Kathleen McCarthy Baldwin will reflect on LePatner's impact and the work to cultivate a new generation of nonprofit and civic leaders in his honor.

The 2026 Fortune Most Powerful Women Summit promises to be a comprehensive exploration of the forces reshaping leadership, business, and society, providing valuable insights and discussions for attendees.