FAQs | PANDA Women Leadership Network

FAQ | Network, membership & NEXT LEVEL

About PANDA

PANDA is a curated network for women in leadership. For over 12 years, we have been connecting ambitious women, developing leadership skills, and actively working toward 50% women in leadership.

We create a space for peer-level networking, honest exchange, and strategic growth. PANDA is a sounding board for personal development, professional advancement, and collective change – driven by a clear commitment: to empower women in leadership and live solidarity.
PANDA is more than a network – it is a space for genuine connection. We are curated and values-based, growth-oriented and built for the long term. Rather than one-off events, we build lasting relationships and strengthen both personal and strategic development.

Our ambition: to create real impact – with a clear goal of 50% women in leadership. Community over competition, diversity over exclusion.
Women* and gender-read-as-female people remain underrepresented in leadership positions. PANDA therefore creates dedicated spaces for exchange, empowerment, and structural change – with the clear goal of 50% women in leadership. Organizations and society benefit from this in the long run.

Membership is open to ambitious women* with leadership responsibility or a clear ambition to step into it soon. What matters is not title or position, but experience, responsibility, influence, values alignment, and the willingness to actively contribute. Our community is as diverse as leadership itself – life paths and careers continue to evolve.

*By "women" we mean all women, including trans women.
PANDA is a curated peer network for women in leadership roles or with a clear ambition to step into one. The focus is on peer-level exchange and mutual support. We are intentional about maintaining a balanced community composition.

Trainers, solo self-employed individuals with a coaching or consulting focus, and employees of recruitment agencies or executive search firms are not part of our target audience.
PANDA is a curated network. This is how we ensure our community remains values-based, balanced, and a space for peer-level exchange.

Here's how it works:

Apply (via "Apply now") → Role, responsibility/ambition, motivation

We assess the fit → Leadership level, values alignment, contribution to the community

Choose your membership → Basic or Premium

Let's go! → Welcome to the network ✨

Important: Attending events or labs does not automatically result in membership.

MEMBERSHIP & COSTS

You can choose between two PANDA membership options:

🐼 Basic Membership

Access to the network, PANDA Directory & App

Access to over 40 regional & thematic groups and over 200 community events per year, some at additional cost

Newsletter & Weekly Digest

👉 Paid events are not included.

🐼 Premium Membership

All Basic benefits

Access to NEXT LEVEL Leadership Development Program

Guaranteed spot at NEXT LEVEL online events; in-person events allocated on a first-come, first-served basis

Attendance at paid PANDA events at no additional cost – with priority access

👉 The key difference is access to the NEXT LEVEL Leadership Development Program and extended event benefits.
We want to be inclusive, offer flexibility, and reward long-term commitment with a price advantage. That's why we offer different contract durations and payment options.

🐼 PANDA Basic Membership

6 months: €60

12 months: €120

Solidarity contribution: €6 / 6 months

The solidarity contribution is intended for specific life situations (e.g., parental leave, job loss, caregiving responsibilities, severe disability, illness, or belonging to a marginalized group). No proof is required, no explanation is necessary, and it is invisible to others. Trust instead of barriers.

🐼 PANDA Premium Membership
We will reward your commitment with a price advantage in the first program year (pilot year).

12 months: €499.80 (instead of €588)

24 months: €823.20 (instead of €1,176)
Payment methods
You can pay by credit card or SEPA direct debit.

Credit card: Membership is usually charged and activated immediately after successful payment.

SEPA Direct Debit: Membership activation occurs as soon as payment is confirmed (this can take 3–12 business days, depending on the bank). Only then will your membership be visible and fully activated in the system.

Invoice & Payment Receipt

Credit card: You will receive your invoice immediately with the confirmation email.

SEPA Direct Debit: The invoice will be sent to you with the confirmation email as soon as the payment has been confirmed by your bank (possible 3-12 banking days).

Additionally, PANDA members can find their invoice in the directory under: Profile icon → My settings → Billing → Membership → Download invoice

Please note: It is not possible to change the invoice after it has been issued. Therefore, when activating your membership, please ensure you select the correct billing address (home or business). Our instructions: PANDA Premium Membership / PANDA Basic Membership.

If your employer covers the costs, you can submit the existing invoice accordingly. Our template for cost reimbursement is available here.
We know that career and life phases change. That's why you can flexibly adjust your membership at any time.

Extension

Your membership will automatically renew for the selected duration.

You will receive a reminder 7 days before expiry.

Termination

You can cancel your registration at any time.

Your membership will remain active until the end of the already paid period and will then end automatically.

Contributions already paid will not be refunded, even partially.

Membership change

Upgrade (e.g., Basic → Premium) : possible at any time.

Downgrade (Premium → Basic) : possible at the end of the subscription period.

Switching always requires actively canceling your existing membership. An automatic switch will not occur.

Contributions already paid will not be refunded, even partially.
We don't want to exclude anyone. That's why you can choose a solidarity contribution with the Basic Membership – intended for times of limited financial resources (e.g., unemployment, severe disability, or parental leave). No proof, no explanation, and invisible to others. Trust instead of barriers.

We do not offer a solidarity price for the Premium Membership. With NEXT LEVEL, you receive a curated annual program with over 30 formats, top-class speakers, offline events, and intensive support. This incurs real costs for concept development, organization, venues, and speaker fees. To ensure quality, fairness and sustainability, a reduced price is not possible here.
No. No one should be excluded from PANDA because of price. In the Basic Membership, you can select the solidarity rate – no proof, no explanation, invisible to others.

If the Premium Membership doesn't fit your budget right now, you have these options:

Employer reimbursement: Many companies cover membership costs through training or development budgets. You can find our employer reimbursement template here.

Single ticket for NEXT LEVEL events: In the first program year, we open a limited, paid quota for Basic Members. This way you can participate, get a taste, and decide later whether to upgrade to Premium.

Our commitment: enable access, strengthen development – regardless of your current life situation.
Yes. Many companies cover the PANDA membership through training or development budgets. You can find our employer reimbursement template here, which you can submit internally.

If the offering is relevant not just for you but also for your team or company: NEXT LEVEL is particularly well suited as a development program for female leaders. For a company-wide solution or strategic collaboration, connect your HR or development leads with us via the partner form.
A membership is personal and requires an individual application – it is therefore not freely transferable. However, companies can fund memberships for their leaders. In this case, a customized process applies. Want to find out more or refer your company? More info under "Become a Partner" or get in touch via the partner form.
After 12 years, we are taking the next logical step: PANDA is now a membership-based network with two clear options. Our mission – 50% women in leadership – requires commitment, quality, and long-term impact. That's why we are positioning PANDA to be independent, stable, and future-proof.

The two membership options enable us to offer:

a professional and reliable structure

ongoing programs instead of one-off events

curated spaces for peer-level exchange

lasting impact for our mission

Because quality, continuity, and impact require resources. For experienced leaders and C-levels, this means: strategic peer exchange, depth, and genuine relevance – not casual networking.

NEXT LEVEL LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

NEXT LEVEL is PANDA's Leadership Development Program and part of the Premium Membership. It is aimed at women in leadership positions who not only want to network but also to develop themselves in a targeted way.

The curated annual program includes over 30 formats in four learning areas:

🧭 Leadership Skills – practical tools and workshops for everyday leadership

💡 Impulses & Networking – inspiring speakers and exchange on equal terms

🌱 Inner work – self-leadership, resilience and personal clarity

💛 Shared Impact – Formats for Effective, Systemic Change

Companies can also offer their female executives access to NEXT LEVEL content as a development opportunity by becoming a PANDA Corporate Partner. Want to learn more or tell your company about it? Find out more under Become a Partner or contact us via the partner form.
NEXT LEVEL is for ambitious women in leadership who want to not only network, but also grow and shape the future.

The program is curated for three leadership levels:

Emerging Leaders : First leadership experience – you are looking for security, sparring and new skills.

Established Leaders : Experienced in leadership – you want new inspiration, relevant contacts and genuine feedback.

Influential Leaders : C-Level, Board or Management – You are looking for strategic peer exchange and social impact.
The first program year (pilot year) of NEXT LEVEL runs from March 2026 to February 2027.

You can join at any time. Your participation runs for 12 or 24 months from the start of your Premium Membership – depending on the option you choose.

From March 2027, NEXT LEVEL will continue as an ongoing annual program and will be further developed in terms of content.
NEXT LEVEL includes over 30 events per year, mostly 45–90 minutes per format.

You decide how intensively you participate – whether selectively or comprehensively. Most events take place online, selected events in person.

The time commitment adapts to your daily routine – not the other way around. This ensures that NEXT LEVEL remains manageable even with a busy schedule.
Costs

PANDA Premium Membership : NEXT LEVEL is included – no additional costs.

PANDA Basic Membership : Individual formats can be booked from a limited number of available slots. You can find the prices on the respective event page.

PANDA Corporate Partner : We will create a customized offer for you.

Access to NEXT LEVEL

Already a member? You can find all the information in the PANDA Directory.

Not a member yet? Apply here!

PANDA Corporate Partners : Bookings are made through your internal contact person or your PANDA contact. For questions, please use the partner form.

Registration for NEXT LEVEL Events

Premium Member : Register directly in the PANDA Directory.

Basic Member : Ticket booking via the respective event page (if places are available) in the PANDA Directory.

Corporate Partner : Registration of participants in the PANDA Directory.
Yes. As a Premium Member, you have a guaranteed place in the NEXT LEVEL program. For online events, your participation is guaranteed. For in-person events, spots are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration is required for all formats in advance.
In the first program year (until February 2027), we are opening a limited, paid quota for Basic Members. This gives you the opportunity to book individual program items, get to know NEXT LEVEL, and upgrade to a Premium Membership later if needed. Spots are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Many events are already visible in the annual calendar (subject to change), so you can plan your year ahead. Registration opens 3 months before each event. Premium Members receive priority access. In the first program year, there is also a limited, paid quota for Basic Members.

Important:

Adding an event to your calendar does not count as registration.

Access details for online events will be sent 7 days before the date.
NEXT LEVEL is not a conventional seminar program – it is a continuous development space.

Instead of isolated training sessions, NEXT LEVEL offers:

a long-term learning path instead of one-off workshops

peer-level exchange with other leaders

the connection of expertise, mindset, and impact

a deliberate focus on the reality of women in leadership

Professional development meets personal reflection and strategic impact – designed specifically for women in leadership.
No. You can choose the PANDA Premium Membership at any time and join the ongoing NEXT LEVEL program. The Premium Membership is available with a 12 or 24-month term. A longer term is rewarded with a pricing advantage. Switching between Basic and Premium is possible later in accordance with the term policy – so you can choose the model that fits your current situation.

EVENTS & LABS

Ambassador Events – open to all, limited availability for non-members, usually free of charge

Meetups – with partner companies, some with a fee

Corporate Events & Labs – Application or invitation, no membership required

NEXT LEVEL – Limited, paid quota for Basic Members (in the first year)

Important: Participation in or invitation to publicly accessible events does not automatically lead to PANDA membership. Overview of our upcoming events .
You can find the prices directly on the respective event page.

You can pay by credit card or SEPA direct debit.

Credit card: Instant activation of event ticket.

SEPA: Please note that if you select SEPA transfer as your payment method, your tickets will only be confirmed after full payment has been received. Processing can take approximately 3-10 business days, depending on your bank. If an event is taking place soon, we recommend paying by credit card. In this case, the booking is immediate and the ticket is instantly reserved.

Invoice & Payment Receipt :

Not a PANDA member: You will find your invoice attached to the final confirmation email.

PANDA Member: Profile icon → My settings → Billing → Select event → Download invoice.
All events are published in the PANDA Directory. We also provide information via the Weekly Digest and selected formats on our website and social media.

As a member, you will receive early access to relevant information and registration start dates.
Active registration is required for all events . Adding it to your calendar does not replace registration. After successful registration, you will receive a confirmation email. Access details for online events are usually sent a few days before the event.
Yes – priority access and guaranteed spots at online NEXT-LEVEL events and all PANDA Meetups. For in-person events, spots are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Yes, Ambassador Events and Meetups are open to non-members. However, the ticket quota for non-members is limited. Members generally receive priority when spots are allocated. Corporate Events and Labs are accessible via application or invitation and do not require a membership.
No. PANDA Labs are curated and capacity-limited. As a member, you have the opportunity to apply for a wildcard – but membership does not guarantee a spot. All information on application deadlines and participation requirements is shared in the PANDA Directory once a Lab goes live. Participant selection is based on the topic, target group, and objectives of each event.
No. Labs are application-based and capacity-limited. Participation is independent of membership and takes place through a separate application process.
We do not maintain a waitlist for sold-out events. In practice, tickets are regularly cancelled, so spots do open up at short notice. It's worth checking the Events page again from time to time.
You can cancel your ticket under the following conditions:

More than 14 days before the event: free cancellation (100% refund)

Less than 14 days before the event: no refund possible

No-show: no refund

Transferability: Booked tickets are personalized and non-transferable.

Refunds are processed to the original payment method. Processing can take up to 14 days.

Please note: Premium Members and Corporate Partner NEXT LEVEL participants are excluded from refunds. We still ask that you cancel in good time so the spot can be released for other Premium Members.

PARTNERS & COOPERATION

As a PANDA partner, a company works strategically with us to promote and showcase female talent and actively embed equality.

Partners benefit from:

Access to a strong network of women in leadership

Employer branding opportunities

Event and visibility formats

targeted development programs such as NEXT LEVEL

More information under Become a partner or contact us via the partner form.
Members are individuals within the network. Partners are companies that collaborate strategically with PANDA.

A corporate partnership does not automatically lead to individual memberships for employees. If you would like several women from your company to have access to the network, please contact us – we will be happy to advise you on suitable options.

More information under Become a partner or contact us via the partner form.
Yes. NEXT LEVEL can be used as a leadership development program. Interested? Check out “Become a Partner” or contact Isabelle.

More information under Become a partner or contact us via the partner form.
No. Corporate events are independent formats and can take place independently of a long-term partnership. However, for sustainable cooperation, we recommend a strategic partnership.

More information under Become a partner or contact us via the partner form.
After an initial discussion, we will analyze together:

Company goals

Target groups

Desired formats (events, development, visibility, recruiting)

Based on this, we develop an individual cooperation model.

More information under Become a partner or contact us via the partner form.
Typical goals include:

Increasing the proportion of women in leadership positions

Developing female leaders

Visibility as a diverse employer brand

Access to a curated talent network

Long-term building and nurturing of a female talent pool

More information under Become a partner or contact us via the partner form.
Yes. PANDA works side by side with other initiatives, networks, and organizations that share our mission. Together we drive impulses for structural change.

More information under Become a partner or contact us via the partner form.

(As of March 2026)

Why are there now Basic and Premium PANDA memberships?

After 12 years of dedicated network building, we've noticed that commitment to equality in companies fluctuates. Attitudes change. But good networks need commitment – and continuity. We want to continue and sustainably advocate for our mission. To achieve this, we're pooling our resources in a membership model that offers you more – and allows us to have a long-term impact.

What exactly is "NEXT LEVEL"?

Our NEXT LEVEL Leadership Development Program is an essential component of the PANDA Premium Membership for anyone who wants to not only network but also develop themselves in a more targeted way. It starts on March 1, 2026. Until then, early bird prices apply for existing PANDA members (see below).

The NEXT LEVEL Leadership Development Program offers access to a curated annual program with over 30 events across four learning areas:

Leadership Skills – Practical Tools, Workshops and Inspiration
Inspiration & Networking – Fireside Chats, Salons, Executive Lounges, Leadership Lunch Breaks – with inspiring speakers and peers
Inner work – developing mindful self-leadership and attitude
Shared Impact – Keynotes and Formats for Systemic Change

Who is NEXT LEVEL for?

NEXT LEVEL is designed for ambitious women in leadership who not only want to network, but also grow professionally and personally and make a difference in society. In developing the concept, we had three personas in mind and curated the offerings accordingly:

Emerging Leaders: You have initial leadership experience and want security, sparring, and new skills.
Established Leaders: You already have experience – but you're asking yourself: "And now what?" You want inspiration, contacts, relevance and resonance.
Influential Leaders: Are you a C-level executive, on the board, or in management? Here you'll find peer exchange, strategic depth, and social impact.

How much time should I plan for NEXT LEVEL?

The pilot year of the NEXT LEVEL program runs from March to December 2026 and comprises approximately 33 events. Each event lasts between 45 and 90 minutes.

You decide how intensively you participate: whether you specifically choose individual formats that fit your current situation or whether you want to take in as much as possible.

Venues:

Most events take place online – so you can participate flexibly from anywhere.
Selected events will take place on site.

The time commitment adapts to your life – not the other way around. This ensures that NEXT LEVEL remains manageable, even with a busy schedule.

How much does it all cost?

Premium Membership: €49 per month

Included:

Access to the network, PANDA Directory & App, Weekly Digest, over 40 local and topic groups, over 200 community events per year and all PANDA NEXT LEVEL formats per year
Access to over 30 offerings of the NEXT LEVEL Leadership Development Program

Basic Membership : €10 per month (regular) or €1 per month (solidarity price)

Included:

Access to the network, PANDA Directory & App, Weekly Digest, over 40 local and topic groups, over 200 community events per year

What is the difference between Basic and Premium?

With every PANDA Membership you have access to the network, our member platform (PANDA Directory) and the PANDA App, our Weekly Digest from the network, all +40 local and topic groups and over 200 PANDA community events per year (e.g. Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner Clubs, Meetups (some with fees)).

The Premium Membership also gives you access to the NEXT LEVEL Leadership Development Program with over 30 offerings throughout the year for your personal development as a leader. Any meetup fees are also included.

Is there a solidarity price for the Premium Membership as well?

No. The Premium Membership is a curated leadership development program with over 30 events, top-tier speakers, offline formats, and intensive support throughout the year. The actual value of all these formats far exceeds our premium price. To maintain the program's high quality over the long term, we incur real costs – for concept development, venues, coaches, speaker fees, and coordination.

If we were to make individual exceptions, the model would not be sustainable – and we would not be able to maintain the quality we promise.

Our solidarity-based offer is the Basic Membership for €1/month. With this membership, you gain access to the entire network, all groups, regional events, and the community – for a symbolic contribution, without any financial barrier. That's our commitment: no one is left out.

What can you do instead if 49 euros per month is too expensive for you?

Take advantage of the Early Bird offer until December 31, 2025: Existing PANDA members pay only €294 instead of €588 in the first year – that's €24.50/month (Not a member yet? Apply now !)
Employer funding: Talk to your employer about (partial) funding from the training budget.

Do I have to decide immediately?

No, you can opt for Premium Membership at any time and join our ongoing NEXT LEVEL program. Currently, and until February 28, 2026, existing network members are eligible for Early Bird Premium Membership prices. Basic Membership will take effect on March 1, 2026. There is no Early Bird price for Basic Membership.

Even later on, you can switch between PANDA Basic and Premium memberships and flexibly choose between different payment options: annually, monthly, or at a solidarity price. This way, you'll always find the model that best suits your current situation.

However: If you join the NEXT LEVEL program right at the start, you'll benefit from the full program year beginning in March 2026. This way, you not only secure the early bird price , but also:

instant access to all formats
become part of the first cohort
From the very beginning, the opportunity to build contacts and content that will continue throughout the year.

In short: Why wait when you can benefit from the whole year right away?

Where can I book?

For members: Early bird price available until February 28, 2026 via this link. The process is pretty self-explanatory, but you'll also find step-by-step instructions for activating your PANDA Premium Membership here.

● 50% discount: 09.12.25 - 31.12.25: EARLYBIRD50
● 25% discount: 01/01/26 - 01/31/26: EARLYBIRD25
● 15% discount: 02/01/26 - 02/28/26: EARLYBIRD15

For non-members: Apply to join the network via our website: www.we-are-panda.com/next-level

For businesses: On request , More information here.

I would like to remain part of the PANDA network, but I cannot currently afford a membership fee – will I be excluded?

No! It is important to us that no one is left out of PANDA just because it doesn't fit financially at the moment.

If the €49/month for Premium Membership and even the €10 for Basic Membership are too much for you, the Basic Membership is also available at the solidarity price for a symbolic €1 per month. Other members within the PANDA platform (PANDA Directory) will not be able to see if you have chosen the solidarity price.

This way you remain part of the network and continue to have access to events, groups, exchanges, and networking. If you want to upgrade to the premium model later, you can do so at any time.

Why Pandas at all? 🐼

PANDA is a place for women with insightful questions, honest exchange, and genuine connection – a space for personal growth, professional development, and collective change. Through our offerings, we create a shared commitment: to empower women in leadership, to foster solidarity, and to move closer to our mission – 50% women in leadership.

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