MAVERICKS
The only “Manel” you should join this year
What’s a Manel?
It refers to all-male panels and is used to highlight the exclusion of women as subject-matter experts. But we’re flipping the script! On April 13th, we’re putting only male allies and advocates on stage to share how they’re showing up for women and what other men can do to actually move the needle.
Why men need to be part of this conversation
The reality is that men hold the majority of leadership positions. Which means they hold the power to change things. Without men actively participating in gender inclusion, we’re saying gender diversity is a women’s issue. It’s not. It’s everyone’s issue. And the data backs it up. Research by BCG shows that when men don’t participate in gender equity efforts, progress sits at 30%.
When men do participate? Progress jumps to 96%, so three times higher. Men also act as role models and influencers for other men. They can shift behaviors, challenge norms and open doors that have been closed for far too long.
If we want 50/50 representation, and we should, we need to get there together.
What we’re going to be talking about
We’re gonna have honest conversations about what advocacy actually looks like:
- Leveraging your privilege
- Use your access and influence to open doors for women.
- Creating safe spaces to be authentic
- Hold yourself accountable to build truly inclusive environments.
- Breaking the rules (especially if they don’t work for women)
- Use your position as a gatekeeper to change or better yet, break the systems that hold women back.
- Practicing curiosity, not assuming things are they way they are
- Ask questions. Even the uncomfortable ones.
- Showing respect & emotion
- Be the one who leads with humanity, not just authority.
Who should come
This event is for pairs, one man and one woman, who are serious about closing the gender gap in leadership. This event is for people who believe progress happens when we work together, not in silos and are looking for practical tools and real life stories to inspire them
What you can expect
Got a question we can’t miss? Send your suggestion here (info@brandedu.nl)
For the male advocate
You want to move beyond performative allyship and use your influence to actually open doors for women. You’re tired of watching talented women get overlooked and you’re ready to challenge the systems that keep them there, even if it means breaking some rules. You’re willing to have uncomfortable conversations and show up publicly for this cause.
You know your privilege is only valuable if you use it to make room for others.
For the woman building her career
You’re ambitious, talented, and exhausted from being the only voice pushing for change. You’ve spent years navigating systems that weren’t built for you, and you’re tired of fighting alone. You want to work in an environment where male leaders actually get it, where they don’t just nod along but actively advocate for you and other women. You’re looking for examples of what real male allyship looks like, and you want to bring a male colleague or leader who’s ready to step up alongside you.
You’re here because you deserve allies who show up, not just speak up.
Speakers
Your host
You can only come in pairs
We practice what we preach: we want 50/50 representation in the room too. That’s why you can only attend this event in pairs, one man, one woman (or identifying as such).
Invite an inspiring male advocate to join you. Or if you’re a man, bring the woman whose career you want to help accelerate.
€399 for two people
Program
|
14:00 |
Walk-in & registration |
|
14:30 |
Summit begins: interviews & panel discussions |
|
15:30 |
Break |
|
16:00 |
Summit continues: more interviews & panels |
|
17:15 |
Drinks & conversation |
Mavericks: Men as advocates for Women’s Visibility
13th April 2026
14:00 – 18:00
Adyen Amsterdam
Speakers will be announced soon!
13 April 2026 | 14:00 – 18:00