Kate Leto
We’re delighted to welcome Kate Leto as the keynote speaker for Reconnect 2026. With over 25 years of experience spanning startups, Silicon Valley, and global enterprises, Kate has shaped the worlds of product management, organisational design, and personal development. She is an accredited Executive Coach, the author of Hiring Product Managers, and the creator of the Product EQ framework. Her work focuses on building emotionally intelligent leadership and helping teams lead with authenticity and purpose. Kate has partnered with organisations such as JP Morgan Chase, The Financial Times, Boeing, Merck, Comic Relief, and the UK Ministry of Justice.
Mike Hawkyard
We’re excited to welcome Mike Hawkyard to the Reconnect 2026 stage. With over two decades of experience in game design, digital innovation, and startup leadership, Mike has helped shape products enjoyed by millions worldwide. He’s a founder, investor, and advisor known for blending creativity with commercial insight—whether launching new ventures, mentoring early-stage founders, or crafting engaging interactive experiences. As the creator of Ace High Sports, Mike brings a fresh perspective on how play, purpose, and product design intersect.
Call for Speakers
We are seeking speakers to share their firsthand experiences and insights with our technical audience. We would love to hear about:
- Leadership or architectural journeys
- Team collaboration and ways of working
- Technical transformation and innovation
- Software engineering practices and patterns
- Cloud, DevOps, and infrastructure
- Mental health in tech
- Neurodiversity and inclusivity
- Tech for good
- AI
- Product strategy & management
- Any other topics relevant to our technical community
Session Formats
- Lightning Talk: 15 minutes (including Q&A)
- Standard Talk: 30 minutes (including Q&A)
- Deep Dive: 60 minutes (including Q&A)
- Interactive discussion (No AV available), e.g. AMA, Fireside chat, Panel, Podcast, Debates
Timeline
- Submission Deadline: 15th February 2026 (you can edit your submission until this date)
- Notification Date: Early March 2026
How to Submit Your Proposal
Please click here and complete our submission form. We look forward to getting in touch with you and discussing your proposal
We welcome speakers of all backgrounds and experience levels, including first-time speakers. Browse previous events to see what people have shared with us.