
New Year, New Network 2026: Accelerating Growth
NYNN 2026 was all about accelerating growth. With the future of work shifting fast, we brought Black professionals together to connect, share insight, and unpack what it takes to stay ahead and build smarter careers.
On Thursday, 22nd January 2026, BYP Network brought together an ambitious community of Black professionals, leaders, and future-builders in London for NYNN 2026, a powerful start to the year focused on growth, connection, and career momentum.
This year’s edition was delivered in partnership with Euromonitor, whose support helped bring the vision of NYNN 2026 to life.
From the moment guests arrived, the energy in the room was unmistakable. Conversations flowed easily, laughter filled the space, and connections began forming almost instantly. NYNN 2026 delivered exactly what it promised: a space for Black professionals to come together, exchange ideas, and accelerate their growth. The event was designed to make those connections easier, more natural, and more impactful.
One of the ways this came to life was through a range of interactive networking experiences woven throughout the evening, including Networking Bingo. By gamifying connection, we removed much of the usual awkwardness that can come with meeting new people. Attendees were encouraged to move around the room, start conversations, and engage with ease, making networking feel inclusive, comfortable, and genuinely enjoyable.
As the evening unfolded, guests enjoyed a variety of food options, from canapés to soul-inspired dishes, including yakitori chicken skewers, jerk chicken with rice and salsa, and more. Sharing good food added to the relaxed atmosphere and gave people even more reason to linger, connect, and build rapport.
The key highlight of the evening was the Future of Work panel, led by Adeife Onuzulike, Global Director of Culture, Engagement & Inclusion at Euromonitor, and Carol Stewart, Executive Career and Leadership Coach. Together, they explored what it truly means to work smarter, earn more, and build multiple income streams in a rapidly evolving world of work. The conversation was practical, honest, and deeply resonant, leaving attendees with insights they could take far beyond the room.
Community remained at the heart of the evening, especially during the Speakers’ Corner, where attendees were invited to take the stage for one minute to introduce themselves, talk on random topics, and voice what they were seeking. It was a powerful reminder that growth doesn’t just come from listening, it also comes from being seen and heard.
The event was expertly hosted by Obinna, BYP London Chapter Lead, who set the tone for the day with energy, warmth, and an unmistakable sense of community, reinforcing what it means to lead, represent, and create impact within the BYP ecosystem.
In true NYNN spirit, exceptional attendees were also awarded free tickets to the BYP Careers Fest and Leadership Conference 2026, reinforcing our commitment to creating pathways for continued growth beyond the event itself.
NYNN 2026 lived up to its purpose. A reminder that careers are shaped in rooms like this, through shared experiences, meaningful conversations, and the power of community.
Thank you to everyone who joined us, to Euromonitor for their support, to our speakers, host, and to the BYP community for showing up fully.
If you missed NYNN 2026, this is just the beginning. We look forward to welcoming you to our upcoming events as we continue building spaces where Black professionals can connect, grow, and thrive.
Want to relive the highlights from NYNN 2026?
👉🏽 Explore our event gallery to view photos and videos from the day.
👉🏽 Catch the video highlight and conversations here.
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