4theRegion, the South West Wales membership alliance dedicated to collaborative regional growth, is delighted to announce its landmark conference It’s Your Swansea 2026, taking place on Thursday 12 March 2026 at the Swansea Building Society Arena.
Now in its 6th year, the It’s Your Swansea conference returns with an exciting new and inclusive format designed to put people at the heart of the conversation. The event is free to attend and welcomes individuals, community organisations, businesses and public sector leaders from across Swansea and the wider region.
The conference will open with a keynote session, bringing together senior leaders from across education, local government and regional partnerships to set the scene for the day. Speakers will include Rob Stewart, Leader of Swansea Council, Paul Kift of Gower College Swansea, and other regional voices, sharing insights on Swansea’s opportunities, challenges and the importance of collaboration in shaping the city’s future.
“I’m really looking forward to welcoming people back to Swansea Arena for the It’s Your Swansea 2026 conference,” said Rob Stewart, Leader of Swansea Council. “This event is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate how far our city has come, showcase the incredible projects already making a real difference on the ground, and look ahead to what’s next for Swansea. Over recent years we’ve seen major investment, regeneration and growth right across the city. From transforming our city centre and waterfront to supporting businesses, creating jobs and strengthening skills, Swansea continues to move forward with confidence and ambition. The It’s Your Swansea conference brings together residents, businesses, partners and organisations who all care deeply about the future of our city. “It’s a chance to share ideas, build new partnerships and explore how we can work together to deliver even more opportunities for people who live, work and visit Swansea.”
“At Gower College Swansea, we believe youth empowerment is about more than opportunity, it’s about giving young people a voice, building confidence and enabling them to help shape the future of our city,” said Paul Kift, Gower College Swansea. “As one of the largest Further Education colleges in Wales, we see first-hand the difference that meaningful engagement and collaboration can make, and we’re proud to play a leading role in championing youth empowerment across our communities.”
Following the keynote session, the conference will move into its Open Agenda format. This means there are no set topics decided in advance. Instead, everyone who attends is invited to suggest a conversation they care about, whether that’s jobs and skills, young people, community life, the environment, the future of the city centre, or something else entirely.
“We’re incredibly excited about this year’s It’s Your Swansea, because the new format really reflects what 4theRegion is about,” said Dawn Lyle and Zoe Antrobus, Co-Directors of 4theRegion. “By opening up the agenda, we’re creating space for honest conversations, fresh ideas and connections that don’t usually happen in traditional conference settings. It puts people and place at the centre of the day”.
Attendees can host a discussion, join a conversation, or simply listen and share ideas. The aim is to create space for the issues that matter most to the people of Swansea, and to turn shared ideas into practical action.
The day will feature 20+ interactive discussion groups, shaped around the five core missions of 4theRegion’s Transformation Plan, a five-year programme focused on strengthening local supply chains, empowering communities, supporting young people, championing positive local media, and growing a green economy across South West Wales.
Alongside the discussions, the conference will feature a lively exhibition area, where local organisations, community groups and businesses can showcase their work and connect directly with attendees. The exhibition offers a chance to explore what’s happening across Swansea, discover opportunities to get involved, and spark new collaborations – all in one place.
“It’s always a great day at It’s Your Swansea”, said Kathryn Bulson, Plantasia Tropical Zoo. “The event brings together such a wide mix of people from across the city, and every year we come away with new ideas, valuable connections and a real sense of renewed energy. It’s a brilliant opportunity to share what we’re doing, hear what others are working on, and feel part of the wider Swansea community that’s driving the city forward.”
Attendees will have the opportunity to:
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Lead or participate in open discussions aligned to the five missions of the Transformation Plan
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Connect with local changemakers, businesses and organisations
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Explore practical ideas and collaborations that can create lasting regional impact
It’s Your Swansea is more than an event – it’s a gathering of people committed to co-creating a happier, healthier Swansea.
Registration is open now at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/its-your-swansea-conference-and-exhibition-itsyourswansea2026-tickets-1818082777529.
