CO3 Annual Leadership Conference

Bringing together leaders across the VCSE sector to connect, learn and shape what’s next.

CO3 Annual Leadership Conference

Bringing together leaders across the VCSE sector to connect, learn and shape what’s next.

About the CO3 Conference

The CO3 Annual Conference the largest networking event for VCSE leaders in Northern Ireland, bringing together 250+ CEOs, Trustees and Senior Leaders from charity organisations and social enterprises across the country.

Each year, the conference creates space for meaningful conversations, fresh perspectives and practical insights that support leaders in navigating an evolving landscape.

Through keynote sessions, panel discussions and shared experiences, we explore the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of the sector.

What to expect

Inspiring speakers sharing insights on leadership, innovation and sector trends

Thought-provoking discussions grounded in real challenges and experiences

Insightful workshops designed to explore key topics in more depth and provide practical, applicable learning

Intentional networking opportunities that create space for meaningful conversations and genuine connections across the sector

Practical takeaways to support your work and decision-making

Event Highlights

Take a look back at moments from previous conferences

A PICTURE FROM 2026 CONFERENCE

See full 2026 gallery

A PICTURE FROM 2024 CONFERENCE

See full 2024 gallery

A PICTURE FROM 2023 CONFERENCE

See full 2023 gallery

Stay Updated

Planning for the next CO3 Leadership Conference is underway.

Details on nominations, categories and event dates will be announced in advance.

To be the first to hear when entries open and tickets become available, follow us on social media.

Follow us on LinkedIn

The CO3 Annual Conference is an opportunity to step back, reflect and move forward — together.

What Members Say About CO3

We’re delighted to get behind the financial resilience programme who, which will support a range of charity leaders from the small right through to the large, will really help give them the skills to be strong and be there for their communities for as long as they’re needed.

As a chief executive it is a very lonely job at times, particularly in small charities and Northern Ireland has got many small charities. So when you feel that loneliness or isolation, the one thing that CO3 brought was the ability to go and chat to somebody, whether it be a mentor or whether it be just another chief exec to bounce off.

Kate Fleck
Member of the Board, OCN NI

CO3 offer a wide range of courses for middle, middle managers, senior managers and chief executives within the third sector. Some of the programmes include the Leading Edge programme, there’s other leadership programmes available and then they also offer some micro learning sessions around how to present things like finances to your board of directors, reviewing your governance structure within the organisation and they would bring in some expert facilitators to deliver those sessions as well.

Martin Flynn
CEO, OCN NI

We’re delighted to get behind the financial resilience programme who, which will support a range of charity leaders from the small right through to the large, will really help give them the skills to be strong and be there for their communities for as long as they’re needed.

As a chief executive it is a very lonely job at times, particularly in small charities and Northern Ireland has got many small charities. So when you feel that loneliness or isolation, the one thing that Co Three brought was the ability to go and chat to somebody, whether it be a mentor or whether it be just another chief exec to bounce off.

Kate Fleck
Member of the Board, OCN NI

“CO3 is always a great network for support, for encouragement, for advice, answers to tricky questions when you're really, really stuck. Overall, it's been a fantastic network of colleagues who are always there for guidance and encouragement whenever things are really tough.”

Karen Collins
Chief Executive, Aware NI

“It is so valuable having other people who are in a similar position that you can network with, you can share problems with, you can ask advice. And so my whole career, CO3 has been really, really important to me in providing those things.”

Roger Courtney
Founder & Director, Roger Courtney Consulting

“I think for me the CO3 is a safe space just to have a chat, to make connections and also to learn from other people who are in a similar position in their career as you are.”

Lisa Keys
Chief Executive, Northern Ireland Boys’ Brigade