Team Cardiff Life
March 30, 2026
Cardiff Latest

Mastering Diversity Conference Returns to Cardiff This September

Cardiff Life are co-sponsoring the awards once again this year with WCS Agency, and both will also be exhibiting for the first time.

Mastering Diversity, founded by award-winning Bernie Davies, returns with its annual conference this September, promising to be bigger and bolder than ever before.

Now in its fourth year, the conference brings together businesses, organisations and individuals from all over the UK to share powerful stories and engage in meaningful discussion around diversity, equality and inclusion. Attendees can engage in panel discussions, breakout zones and fireside chats throughout the day, encouraging thought-provoking conversation across various sectors, including healthcare, sport, education and business.

Dubbed an important fixture on Wales’s annual calendar by Hon Jane Hutt MS, Minister for Social Justice, the 2026 line-up is already filled with big brands and even bigger names committed to helping make a change.

SPONSORS

All of this year’s currently confirmed sponsors are returning from previous years, testament to the impact the event brings and the commitment from sponsors to be part of the change. Leigh Day are yet again, headline sponsor, with zone and award category sponsors so far confirmed as:

  • Commonwealth Games Wales (Sports Zone and Awards Category)
  • Hugh James and Natwest (co-sponsors of Business Zone and Awards Category)
  • Welsh Ambulance Services University NHS Trust (Health Zone and Awards Category)
  • Cardiff Life and WCS Agency (co-sponsors of Public Sector Zone and Awards Category)

SPEAKERS

This year’s conference will once again be hosted by sports journalist and presenter, Molly Stephens. Molly will be joined on stage by an inspirational line-up, which include: 

  • Ambassador Akinremi Bolaji: A respected Nigerian diplomat whose expertise includes international diplomacy, foreign policy, economic strategy, and multilateral negotiations. Akinremi recently accompanied the Nigerian President, Bola Tinubu on the Nigerian State Visit with King Charles and Queen Camilla.  
  • Dr Mrs Vivien Njemanze: Deputy Clerk of the Nigerian Senate, Dr. Vivien brings over three decades at the heart of Nigeria’s National Assembly, operating at senior level within the legislative system, shaping policy, governance, and procedural integrity. 
  • Laura Waters and Kelli Aspland: Co-founders of the award-winning Solar Buddies, the Cwmbran business rose to fame after appearing on Dragon’s Den and securing funding from Deborah Meadon. The product was born after the founders found that  their children’s school had ‘No Touch Policies’ in place when it came to applying sunscreen. The multi-million pound business transformed the way children apply SPF, protecting their skin from harmful rays. 

EXHIBITORS
Attendees can also speak with more than 30 exhibitors during the conference, which include: 

  • Show Racism the Red Card
  • The King’s Trust
  • National Youth Advocacy Service
  • Prime Cymru
  • DWP South East Wales
  • Daring to Dream
  • Vibe Youth
  • Neuroble
  • TraiNeuro Ltd
  • Autentic
  • D’Elevated Home Care and Support Services

Bernie Davies, Founder of Mastering Diversity comments:

“We’re in our fourth year of the Mastering Diversity conference, and every year I’m blown away by the support we receive from our incredible sponsors and by those who want to be part of something special. This year’s event returns at Royal College of Music and Drama, and it’ll be more interactive than ever, with guests able to take part in panel discussions, fireside chats, and network with one another too. 

“Throughout the day, we discuss topics which can be tough, but that’s why it’s so important to bring people together. Everyone leaves feeling inspired and ready to be part of significant change. I look forward to welcoming everyone for 2026. We go together, or not at all!”

This year’s conference will once again be held at the prestigious Royal College of Music and Drama, for a full day of inspirational discussion and learning. 

Tickets are on sale now via https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/mastering-diversity-conference-2026-royal-welsh-college-of-music-and-drama-tickets-1986076061965?r 

Cardiff Life Magazine
Subscribe to Cardiff Life

Never miss an Edition.

At Cardiff Life, our mission is to celebrate the vibrant and diverse local business community in Cardiff. We are dedicated to providing a platform that showcases the stories, achievements, and offerings of local businesses, enabling them to thrive and flourish.