Baroness Manningham-Buller, former Director General of MI5 and Chair of the Wellcome Trust, will deliver the keynote address at the Advantage Conference in Madrid from 11 to 14 May 2026. Known for her leadership during pivotal moments such as the aftermath of 9/11 and the 7/7 London attacks, she will offer insights on managing crises and navigating uncertainty in today’s complex environment.

The conference, themed ‘Powered by People’, will feature Manningham-Buller discussing her extensive leadership experiences across diverse sectors. She will explore how leaders can adapt to challenges such as climate change, pandemics, and diversity. Julia Lo Bue-Said, CEO of Advantage Travel Partnership, expressed excitement for Manningham-Buller’s involvement, highlighting her unique perspective on leadership under pressure.

A crossbench peer and Fellow of the Royal Society, Manningham-Buller is celebrated for her candidness and practical wisdom. Her philosophy emphasizes the importance of open dialogue, accountability, and humor in leadership. She will be joined by notable speakers including Georgie Barrat, Mehreen Khan, Dr. Joanna Abeyie, April Joy-Serrant, and Joshua Ryan-Saha, addressing a variety of topics from economic forecasts to mental health and AI in travel.

The Advantage Travel Partnership, the UK’s leading network of travel businesses, continues to extend its global reach, representing two-thirds of the UK’s top travel management companies. The conference aims to equip attendees with the tools they need to thrive in a rapidly changing industry.