International Coaching Week
May 11 - May 17
About International Coaching Week
International Coaching Week (ICW) runs from Monday 11 May to Sunday 17 May 2026, organised by the International Coaching Federation (ICF). The week celebrates the impact of professional coaching, gives the public free access to coaching experiences, and connects coaches with peers and clients across the world. ICF members in more than 80 countries take part each year through chapter events, webinars, and free coaching sessions.
What is International Coaching Week?
International Coaching Week is an annual global celebration of professional coaching, hosted by the International Coaching Federation. It is a week dedicated to raising public awareness of what coaching is, how it differs from mentoring or therapy, and the measurable benefits it can deliver in personal life, business performance, and leadership development. Thousands of coaches use the week to host pro bono sessions, panel discussions, and webinars open to anyone curious about coaching.
When is International Coaching Week?
International Coaching Week 2026 runs from Monday, 11 May to Sunday, 17 May 2026. The week is held in mid-May each year, set by ICF in advance, and is typically announced via the ICF website and chapter networks.
Why International Coaching Week Matters
Professional coaching is now a multi-billion-dollar global industry, used by business leaders, professionals, athletes, and individuals navigating life transitions. ICF research has shown that organisations using coaching see significant improvements in productivity, employee engagement, and leadership effectiveness, with most clients reporting strong returns on their investment. Yet many people still confuse coaching with mentoring, therapy, or consulting. International Coaching Week exists to clarify what coaching is, demonstrate its value, and give people a low-risk way to try it.
How to Get Involved in International Coaching Week
Whether you are a coach, an HR professional, or someone curious about coaching, there are plenty of ways to take part:
- Book a free coaching session – Many ICF-credentialed coaches offer free or discounted sessions during the week. Visit the ICF website or contact your local chapter to find a coach.
- Attend a webinar – ICF chapters host hundreds of online events covering topics from leadership coaching to career change, neuroscience, and team coaching.
- Host an event at your workplace – HR teams can run lunch-and-learns, panel discussions, or “ask a coach” sessions to introduce coaching to staff.
- Promote coaching as a benefit – Use the week to update your benefits programme to include coaching, which is increasingly seen as a valuable retention and development tool.
- Share client stories – With permission, coaches can share success stories on social media using #ICW2026 to demonstrate the real-world impact of coaching.
- Pursue a coaching credential – If you are considering becoming a coach, the week is a great moment to research training programmes accredited by ICF.
- Connect with other coaches – Use ICW networking events to meet peers, exchange ideas, and find supervision or mastermind partners.
History of International Coaching Week
International Coaching Week was launched in 1999 by the International Coaching Federation, then a relatively young professional body trying to establish coaching as a recognised profession. The aim was to give coaches a single, focused week each year to introduce coaching to the public, demystify what they did, and offer free experiences to encourage uptake.
The week has grown rapidly. In 2025, ICW attracted more than 30,000 participants across 1,550 events held in 37 languages. ICF chapters in cities from Sydney to São Paulo participate, and the week now combines digital webinars with in-person events at universities, businesses, and community venues.
Each year a different theme guides the week. The 2026 theme is “Small Moments, Big Impact”, which celebrates the way short coaching conversations can spark meaningful change. ICF also uses the week to share research on coaching’s measurable impact on individuals and organisations, helping make the business case for further investment.
Noteworthy Facts About International Coaching Week
- International Coaching Week was launched by the International Coaching Federation (ICF) in 1999.
- ICF has more than 50,000 members in over 140 countries, making it the world’s largest professional coaching association.
- The 2026 theme is “Small Moments, Big Impact”, focusing on the power of short coaching conversations.
- In 2025, ICW saw more than 1,550 events take place across 37 languages.
- Many coaches mark ICW by offering pro bono sessions to people who have never tried coaching before.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is International Coaching Week?
It is an annual global awareness week, organised by the International Coaching Federation, that celebrates professional coaching and offers free experiences to the public.
When is International Coaching Week in 2026?
International Coaching Week runs from Monday 11 May to Sunday 17 May 2026.
What is the difference between coaching and therapy?
Coaching is forward-focused and supports clients in setting goals, building skills, and creating change in their work or life. Therapy typically explores past experiences and treats mental health conditions. The two can complement each other but serve different purposes.
Spread the Word
Help raise awareness by sharing International Coaching Week with your friends, family, and followers. Use the hashtags #ICW2026 and #ExperienceCoaching on social media. The more people who try coaching, the more lives and organisations benefit.
Related Awareness Days
- Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week – A complementary observance focused on supporting mothers, often through coaching and counselling.
- National Children’s Day UK – Celebrates youth wellbeing, where coaching also plays a growing role.
- World Metrology Day – Another observance about measurement, including the metrics coaches use to demonstrate impact.
Links
- Visit the official International Coaching Week page at ICF
- Explore more awareness days at AwarenessDays.com
2026 Awareness Days Wall Planner
Every key awareness day at a glance. Perfect for offices, staff rooms, and team planning.
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