The safety and well-being of our speakers, participants, partners, and staff remain our highest priority. All attendees have been contacted regarding their registration, and further questions can be directed to forbeswomen@forbes.com.
We plan to host this event later in the year when we can do so safely, and hope you can join us at what has become the most impactful and inspiring global event for women around the world every year. We look forward to sharing an update in the coming weeks. Forbes and Know Your Value today announced the return of its annual Forbes 30/50 Summit to Abu Dhabi on March 8-11, 2026, coinciding with International Women’s Day.
When powerhouse women step onto the same stage, something electric happens. This year, that spark will ignite at the Know Your Value, Forbes’ 30/50 Summit, headlined by none other than Simone Biles, Diane Von Furstenberg, and Sophia Bush.
Hosted in collaboration with Know Your Value and the iconic Forbes 30/50 Summit from Forbes, this event isn’t just another leadership conference. It’s a cultural reset. A bold declaration. A reminder that women’s value isn’t negotiable—it’s undeniable.
Let’s unpack why this summit matters—and why it’s generating serious buzz.
What Is the 30/50 Summit—and Why Does It Matter?
The 30/50 Summit is built on a simple but powerful idea: bring together women under 30 and over 50 to bridge generations, share wisdom, and accelerate progress.
Think of it like a relay race. The baton of experience passes from one generation to the next—but instead of slowing down, the pace accelerates.
This isn’t about age. It’s about impact.
The summit gathers entrepreneurs, athletes, executives, creatives, policymakers, and disruptors. The mission? To reshape leadership and rewrite the narrative around women and power.
Why Simone Biles’ Presence Is So Powerful
From Olympic Gold to Mental Health Advocacy
Simone Biles is more than the most decorated gymnast in history. She’s become a global symbol of courage.
When she prioritized her mental health on the world stage, she shifted the conversation around performance and pressure. She reminded millions that strength isn’t just physical—it’s emotional.
Her presence at the summit sends a clear message: success without well-being isn’t success at all.
Redefining Strength in Modern Leadership
In a world obsessed with hustle culture, Biles represents something refreshing—boundaries. She shows that self-worth isn’t tied to endless achievement.
And honestly, isn’t that a lesson we all need?
Diane Von Furstenberg: The Architect of Confidence
The Woman Behind the Wrap Dress Revolution
Diane Von Furstenberg didn’t just design a dress. She designed a movement. The wrap dress became a symbol of independence for working women in the 1970s.
Clothing, after all, can be armor.
Her decades-long career in fashion and philanthropy proves that reinvention isn’t optional—it’s essential.
Legacy as a Leadership Tool
At this stage in her life, Von Furstenberg represents longevity. She embodies what it means to build something timeless.
And at a summit bridging 30 and 50, her voice is crucial. She’s proof that influence compounds with age.
Sophia Bush: Activism Meets Entrepreneurship
From Hollywood to the Boardroom
Sophia Bush has built a reputation far beyond acting. She’s an investor, activist, podcast host, and advocate for civic engagement.
She represents the modern multi-hyphenate woman—someone who refuses to stay in one lane.
Using Platforms for Purpose
In the social media era, influence can be shallow. But Bush uses hers strategically. Whether discussing climate justice or gender equity, she demonstrates how visibility can translate into tangible change.
Her voice resonates strongly with younger leaders navigating career, purpose, and identity.
The Power of Intergenerational Dialogue
Here’s the magic formula behind the summit:
Experience + Innovation = Acceleration.
Women over 50 bring wisdom, hard-earned lessons, and strategic clarity. Women under 30 bring digital fluency, fresh perspectives, and fearless ambition.
Put them in one room? Sparks fly.
It’s not competition. It’s collaboration.
Why “Know Your Value” Hits Different Today
The Confidence Gap Is Real
Despite progress, studies consistently show women negotiate less frequently and undervalue their contributions.
That’s not a talent issue. It’s a conditioning issue.
Know Your Value challenges that narrative head-on, teaching women to articulate—and demand—their worth.
Economic Empowerment as Social Change
Money equals choice. Choice equals freedom.
When women earn more, invest more, and lead more, entire communities benefit. The summit isn’t just about personal development—it’s about economic transformation.
What Attendees Can Expect
High-Impact Keynotes
Expect candid conversations. No sugarcoating. No rehearsed corporate scripts. Real stories. Real struggles. Real victories.
Actionable Workshops
From negotiating salaries to scaling startups, sessions focus on practical skills. It’s not inspiration without implementation.
Networking That Actually Matters
You know those events where everyone just exchanges LinkedIn profiles? This isn’t that.
The 30/50 Summit prioritizes intentional connection. Mentorship moments happen organically.
The Cultural Significance of This Moment
Let’s zoom out for a second.
We’re living in a time of rapid change—economic shifts, AI disruption, evolving workplace norms. Leadership models are being redefined in real time.
Women aren’t just participating in this transformation. They’re driving it.
And gatherings like this accelerate that momentum.
Media, Visibility, and Influence
When major media brands support events like this, it amplifies the message.
Coverage extends beyond conference walls. Social clips go viral. Quotes circulate. Conversations ripple outward.
Visibility fuels momentum.
Why This Summit Feels Personal
Ever walked into a room and wondered if you belonged there?
Now imagine walking into a space designed to remind you that you do.
That’s the emotional undercurrent of the 30/50 Summit. It’s not just strategy—it’s affirmation.
And in a world that often questions women’s authority, that affirmation matters.
The Business Case for Women’s Leadership
Performance Metrics Don’t Lie
Research repeatedly shows companies with diverse leadership outperform competitors.
So investing in women isn’t charity. It’s smart economics.
Innovation Thrives on Diversity
Different perspectives create better solutions. It’s that simple.
When generations collaborate, blind spots shrink.
Lessons We Can All Take Away
You don’t have to attend the summit to learn from it.
Here are a few takeaways you can apply right now:
-
Advocate for your worth.
-
Build cross-generational relationships.
-
Treat self-care as strategy.
-
Use your platform with intention.
-
Remember that legacy is built daily.
Small shifts create big results.
The Ripple Effect Beyond the Stage
The real impact of events like this isn’t measured in applause—it’s measured in action.
It’s the woman who negotiates a higher salary next month.
It’s the entrepreneur who finally launches her idea.
It’s the executive who mentors someone 20 years younger.
That’s how movements grow—quietly, then all at once.
Conclusion: A Summit That Signals a Shift
The Know Your Value, Forbes’ 30/50 Summit isn’t just another conference on the calendar. It’s a statement.
By bringing together icons like Simone Biles, Diane Von Furstenberg, and Sophia Bush, the event underscores a powerful truth: women’s leadership is not a trend—it’s the future.
Confidence is contagious. So is courage.
And when women gather with intention, the impact stretches far beyond one stage, one city, or one weekend.
This summit isn’t just about knowing your value. It’s about owning it.