Women in the Bike Industry Summit - The Programme!

Arrive, sign in, and collect your goodie bag before the day begins. Take the opportunity to grab a coffee, meet fellow attendees, and start making connections in a relaxed setting.

This is a chance to orient yourself, check out the venue, and ease into a day of inspiration, learning, and collaboration.

Aoife Glass - Founder, Spindrift Podcast & Cycling Journalist - Opening Keynote: Setting the Tone for the Summit

Kick off the Women in the Bike Industry Summit with Aoife Glass, an inspiring voice in cycling media and advocacy. Aoife will set the stage for the event, sharing insights into the current landscape for women in the bike industry, the opportunities ahead, and the importance of community, connection, and visibility.

Start the day energized, informed, and ready to make the most of two days of learning, networking, and inspiration.

Manon Carpenter - Exploring Opportunities for Women in the Bike Industry – UK & Europe

Manon Carpenter – Advocate & member of the European Women’s MTB Network: Speaking on advocacy and empowering women in the bike industry.

This session will shine a spotlight on the opportunities, challenges, and pathways for women working across the bike industry, both in the UK and Europe. Former Downhill World Champion Manon will touch on her journey from racing to her current PHD and share her experiences in advocacy work, and practical insights to help empower the next generation of leaders.

Delegates will leave with fresh inspiration, practical knowledge, and a clearer view of how women can drive meaningful change across the cycling sector.

Emma Ives, Edinburgh Napier University's Bright Red Triangle, Ed Shoote South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE), Lily Rice (Long Run Club) and Alex Feechan, (Findra)

Entrepreneurship & Innovation: Building the Future of MTB in Scotland

This session will explore the opportunities, pathways, and support available for entrepreneurs and start-ups within the cycling and outdoor sector. With insights from key partners, delegates will gain practical knowledge and inspiration on how to turn ideas into impact

.Session Highlights:

SOSE : Support for start-ups, growth pathways, and opportunities for entrepreneurs.

Edinburgh Napier University – First Tracks & MTB Innovation Centre: Insights into innovation, R&D, and workshop opportunities that can help accelerate new ideas.

SOSE – MTBIC Update & Bike Park: The latest on the Mountain Bike Innovation Centre and Bike Park projects, and how businesses can engage.

Alex Feechan – Entrepreneur and founder of Womens Outdoor Clothing brand FINDRA.

Lily Rice – Entrepreneur, First Tracks Graduate, and lived experience on the bicycle industry.

Delegates will come away with a clearer understanding of the tools, networks, and opportunities available to help them shape the future of mountain biking in Scotland.

Break, Networking & Exhibitor Showcase

Take time out to recharge, grab a coffee, and connect with fellow delegates. This is your opportunity to:

Check out our exhibitors – explore a range of MTB, brands looking for women specific feedback on clothing and content

Build your network – meet peers from across the industry, share ideas, and spark new collaborations.

Reflect & refresh – step away from the sessions, digest the discussions, and get ready for what’s ahead in the programme.

Make the most of this dedicated time to strengthen connections, discover opportunities, and be inspired by the wider community supporting the event.

Online Presentation LIVE from Down Under - Dr Kath Bicknell — Intelligent Action

Topic: How Cognitive Science (And Being Hooked On Bikes) Can Help You Think, Work, and Lead BetterDr Kath Bicknell brings a unique perspective to the Women in the Bike Industry event — combining her background as a researcher, writer, and mountain biker to explore how we can all perform at our best, on and off the bike.Kath founded Intelligent Action in 2023, to deliver workshops, courses and 1:1 online coaching that blend cutting-edge research with real-world experience, empowering individuals and teams with practical, empowering strategies for everyday performance.With over 16 years of experience as a cycling journalist and academic, including a PhD and postdoctoral research into how elite and developing athletes learn and perform skills under pressure, Kath’s approach connects the mind and body in ways that transform how we ride, think, and lead.In this insightful online session, Kath will share how insights from cognitive science, performance studies, and anthropology can help women in the bike industry develop focus, confidence, and resilience — and expand your toolkit for doing more of what you do really well, professionally and personally.Expect an inspiring, interactive, and empowering talk from one of Australia’s leading thinkers in sport and performance.

Networking Session - Peter Mclean from Edinburgh Napier’s Bright Red Triangle team will lead a structured networking session to make the most of the available time to share connections, build networks, and discuss opportunities and shared experience

Lunch & Conversations

Take time out to recharge, take a walk, pop to one of the local shops, check out the location of the new innovation centre, enjoy a delicious locally sourced lunch, and connect with fellow delegates. This is your opportunity to:

Check out our exhibitors – explore a range of MTB, brands looking for women specific feedback on clothing and content

Build your network – meet peers from across the industry, share ideas, and spark new collaborations.

Reflect & refresh – step away from the sessions, digest the discussions, and get ready for what’s ahead in the programme.

Make the most of this dedicated time to strengthen connections, discover opportunities, and be inspired by the wider community supporting the event.

Aimi Kenyon, Jessie May Morgan, Bex Baraona and Chloe Taylor - From Race Lines to Storylines: Content Creation & Career JourneysSpeakers: Aimi Kenyon (Elite Rider, Fresh Cuts, Sleeper & Co), Bex Baraona and Chloe Taylor (Elite Rider, Coach & Event Organiser), Jessie-May Morgan (Tech Editor, PinkBike)What does it take to move from the race tape to behind the lens, from university halls to the World Cup circuit, or from elite competition to building communities?In this session, Aimi Kenyon, Bex Baraona, and Jessie-May Morgan will share their personal journeys into content creation, media, coaching, and event organisation, exploring:The transition from elite rider to storyteller, coach, and brand collaborator. Lessons from the Fresh Cuts programme and working with industry leaders like Sleeper & Co.Insights into carving out a career in cycling media, from degree to global coverage.How riders, creators, and media professionals can shape the way our sport is seen worldwide.An inspiring look at creativity, adaptability, and the power of storytelling in the bike industry.

Lucy Lake (Director of People and Purpose, QTV) & Kate Mason (Sports Journalist & Presenter, Warner Bros Discovery / MTB World Series) Breaking into Sports Broadcasting: Pathways and Inspiration

From behind-the-scenes production to front-of-camera storytelling, sports broadcasting offers exciting and evolving opportunities for women. Lucy Lake will share how QTV is opening pathways, including post-Commonwealth Games internships, to help more women step into the industry.

Kate Mason will bring inspiration from her career journey into sports journalism and presenting at the highest level, including the EDR World Series.

Together, they’ll explore how women can shape the future of sports media and highlight practical routes into this fast-paced industry.

Vedangi Kulkarni – Ultra Endurance Cyclist, Adventurer & Storyteller Pushing the Limits: Lessons from Riding Around the World

At just 19 years old, Vedangi Kulkarni became the youngest woman to circumnavigate the globe by bicycle, completing her epic journey in 159 days.

An inspirational ultra-endurance athlete and adventurer, Vedangi shares powerful stories from life on the road – from extreme highs to brutal challenges – and the lessons in resilience, courage, and self-belief she gained along the way. Her session will inspire attendees to think big, break barriers, and embrace adventure in both career and life.

Aoife Glass - Closing Reflections & Looking Ahead to Tomorrow

As the first day of the Women in the Bike Industry Summit draws to a close, join us for a final reflection on the day’s key themes, insights, and inspirations. This session will bring together voices from across the summit to celebrate our collective achievements, highlight takeaways, and look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead for women in the cycling and adventure sports industries.

With the conversations continuing into the evening, we invite you to relax, connect, and celebrate at our networking dinner – the perfect chance to deepen relationships, spark new collaborations, and toast to the future of women in the bike industry.

Wild Swimming with Tweed Valley Wilding Start your day the refreshing way — with an invigorating wild swim in the heart of the Tweed Valley.

Join Tweed Valley Wilding for a guided dip in one of the area’s stunning natural pools, where you’ll reconnect with nature, boost your wellbeing, and experience the peaceful power of cold water immersion.

This gentle, welcoming session is perfect for all abilities — whether you’re a seasoned wild swimmer or taking your first plunge. Expect expert guidance, a supportive atmosphere, and a healthy dose of morning magic surrounded by beautiful Scottish scenery.

What to bring: Swimwear, towel, warm layers, and a mug for a post-swim cuppa.

A truly grounding start to the day — refreshing body and mind before diving back into the Summit.

Registration and Refreshments

Grab a coffee, reconnect with familiar faces (and meet some new ones), and get ready for another day of learning, sharing, and shaping the future of the bike industry together.

Aoife Glass – Welcome to Day Two

We’re back for another inspiring day at the Women in the Bike Industry Summit! After a day of connection, insight, and shared stories, Day 2 builds on the energy and ideas we’ve already sparked.

Today, we’ll dive deeper into practical skills, business development, and the opportunities shaping the future of our industry.

From hands-on workshops to thought-provoking sessions, Day 2 is all about taking inspiration into action – equipping you with the tools, networks, and confidence to grow your career, business, and community in cycling.

Lyn Mutch - Noodle Horse Media - Social Media Storytelling in Action

Discover how to harness the power of storytelling to grow your community and engage audiences online. With years of experience working across the bike industry and beyond, Lyn from Noodle Horse Media brings practical insights and strategies tailored to brands and businesses of all sizes.

This interactive session goes beyond theory – expect live demonstrations, step-by-step guidance, and the chance to create and share content in real time.

Participants will leave with a practical take-home guide, fresh content for their channels, and the confidence to turn everyday moments into powerful, shareable stories.

Get hands-on, get inspired, and help create some FOMO for the Summit while you learn!

Ride Out or Dig Session: Put Your Social Media Skills Into PracticeInto the Valley: Ride or Dig Experience.

Time to step away from the conference room and into the legendary Tweed Valley itself Leads: FNY Collective, Tweed Valley Trails Association, RideHigh MTB, and TrailSkills: MTB Coaching & Guiding

Ride Session – Join the fabulous FNY Collective for a guided ride showcasing the world-class trails that make the Tweed Valley one of the planet’s premier MTB destinations.

Dig Session – Roll up your sleeves alongside the Tweed Valley Trails Association, RideHigh MTB, and TrailSkills: MTB Coaching and Guiding, for a hands-on trail maintenance and building experience—giving back to the trails that give us so much.

This session is your chance to take the insights, ideas, and connections from the Summit and apply them in the field—whether that’s sharpening your social media and storytelling skills or helping sustain the trails that underpin Scotland’s thriving MTB scene.

Both options offer fresh air, fresh perspectives, and the perfect chance to connect with fellow delegates while making a real impact.

Don’t forget to grab your packed lunch before heading out!