UWTSD joins over 125 exhibitors at Conference to celebrate the city and the region

The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) will join over 125 exhibitors from small independent businesses to entrepreneurs, large companies, and developers confirmed for a major event taking place later this month.

Being held at Swansea Arena on Thursday, March 17 from 10am to 8pm, the Swansea City Centre Conference and Exhibition 2022 organised by 4TheRegion in partnership with Swansea Council, will give an opportunity to celebrate the city and the region and find out what’s happening both now and in future.

Professor Ian Walsh, Provost of the University’s Swansea and Cardiff campuses said: “UWTSD is proud to sponsor the Creative & Digital Zone at this year’s Swansea City Centre Conference. The University has played a pivotal role in supporting the creative and digital industries in the UK. The University’s sponsorship recognises the importance we attribute to partnership and the vital role universities play in addressing economic, environmental, and social challenges.

As well as showcasing the innovative work under way at UWTSD through its collaborative partnerships at the conference, the University will also share its plans for the next phase of its SA1 Swansea Waterfront Development, the Innovation Matrix.

The Innovation Matrix will bring a number of the University’s research centres together with cutting edge, technology led, businesses to support the development of the regions digital technology sector.

Professor Walsh added: “The University is committed to placing students and employers’ needs at the centre of our mission by providing a relevant and inspiring bilingual curriculum, providing a supportive learning environment, investing in our campuses and facilities, and ensuring that students, from all backgrounds, are given the opportunity to achieve their potential.”

Students from the University’s Tourism and Events programmes are also working with 4theRegion both on the planning and organisation of the event. This includes involvement in publicity and social media as well as students working at the Digital Arena during the event.

Jacqui Jones Programme Manager said: "The conference is an excellent opportunity for our students to use their events and marketing skills to become involved in real life event planning and management."

Exhibitors and all in attendance at this year’s conference will hear from decision-makers and city leaders, helping shape the vision for coming years. There will also be discussions, breakout sessions, workshops and a business hub for networking and masterclasses.

Cllr Rob Stewart, Swansea Council Leader, said: “This event – the first conference of its kind to be held at Swansea Arena – will celebrate everything that’s great about Swansea and the region, from our fantastic local businesses to the major projects that are transforming both the city and Southwest Wales as a whole.

“The combination of our businesses and entrepreneurs with the regeneration that’s either complete, under way or planned means we’re in a strong place to quickly bounce back from the economic impact of the pandemic.

“The Swansea City Centre Conference and Exhibition 2022 will enable everyone in attendance to network, raise their profile and find out more about exciting plans for the future that will deliver a city and region that combines world class facilities with high-quality jobs and opportunities to meet the aspirations of all.”

Dawn Lyle, founder and chair of 4TheRegion, said: “Two years ago, we had to cancel this event when the world went into lockdown. After the difficult time we've all had since then, it's time to come back together and look to the future of our wonderful city by the sea and all the exciting things that are happening here. 

“We can't wait to showcase all the businesses, people, organisations and projects that make this city great - and we hope everyone will take this opportunity to come and have a look around the fantastic new arena too.”

You can visit https://www.swansea-arena.co.uk/events/city-centre-conference-4theregion to register to attend the City Centre conference for free.

Note to Editor

The Innovation Matrix is the next phase in the University’s Innovation Quarter, part of the transformational SA1 Swansea Waterfront Development which includes the IQ and Y Fforwm buildings.  The aim is to create a vibrant neighbourhood where the University can collocate and collaborate with innovative businesses and research centres. The Innovation Matrix is central to the University’s ambition and will provide a new platform for UWTSD’s research and knowledge exchange to connect with, and support, cross-sector MNEs, SMEs, micro-enterprises, entrepreneurs, and investors to stimulate commercial growth for Wales’s expanding digitally empowered economy. 

Funded through a strategic partnership between the University and the Swansea Bay City Deal, the Innovation Matrix will encourage and support the development of a sustainable, innovation led, economy which will significantly increase Wales’s capacity to meet the Welsh Government’s objective of building an economy based upon knowledge, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

The net-zero carbon building will provide 2,200 sq. m of high-quality floor space and be situated alongside the University’s existing IQ and Y Fforwm buildings in the heart of Swansea’s Innovation Quarter. The Innovation Matrix will also provide a vital link into the University’s wider Swansea campus, including Technium 1 and 2, The Dylan Thomas Centre, Swansea Business Campus, and the Arts Quarter of Dynevor, ALEX and BBC Building.

Subject to planning permission, work on the site will commence in July 2022 and is due to be completed in August 2023.

Further Information

Rebecca Davies

Swyddog Gweithredol Cysylltiadau â’r Wasg a’r Cyfryngau

Executive Press and Media Relations Officer

Cyfathrebu Corfforaethol a Chysylltiadau Cyhoeddus

Corporate Communications and PR

Mobile: 07384 467071

Email: Rebecca.Davies@uwtsd.ac.uk