With a diverse range of sectors and specialisms in Wales, we are proud to showcase some of our leading Conference Ambassadors in Wales.
Cheryl Allsop
Course Leader and Senior Lecturer Criminology and Criminal Justice, University of South Wales
Cheryl AllsopWales is the perfect destination to host the International Conference for Missing Adults and Children. Delegates will benefit from state-of-the-art conference facilities during formal sessions whilst having access to all that Wales have to offer on the conference fringe be that socialising or sightseeing. Wales has something for everyone, making it the perfect choice for this prestigious international conference."
Dr Alfredo Cramerotti
Director, Mostyn and President, IKT International
Dr Alfredo CramerottiI am thrilled to be able to bring the 2023 Congress of IKT-International Association Curators of Contemporary Art to Wales. Part of a 500-strong global network of content makers and cultural leaders, the delegates will travel across North Wales and grasp the contemporary visual culture that artists, curators, museums, galleries and producers are bringing to a wide audience, internationally. As part of the Congress, a day-symposium on art and advanced technologies (AxAT) with key international experts in the field is also taking place. Wales is synonymous with cutting edge technology and culture, thus is the natural home for such gathering of thought leaders."
Dr Tim Davis
Senior Lecturer, Cardiff Hub for Astrophysics Research and Technology, School of Physics and Astronomy, Cardiff University
Dr Tim DavisWales is a spectacular country, with natural grandeur, welcoming people, and state-of-the-art facilities. Meetings here allow attendees to go from discussing with world class researchers one minute, to exploring a thousand-year-old castle the next; building collaborations and cementing relationships from which the next breakthroughs will come. Offering to host over 600 professional astronomers for the UK National Astronomy meeting here in Wales was a no-brainer for us – Wales has everything we need to make the meeting memorable, and scientifically productive.”
Denis Dennehy
Associate Professor, School Research Lead, School of Management Swansea University
Denis explains "Wales plays a strong role in global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related research and places high importance on regional development. For example, the Wales and Africa grant scheme funds and builds projects that support learning, the exchange of skills, joint working and tackling climate change, and showcasing the mutually beneficial this partnership."
Denis DennehyWales is an excellent destination to host the IEEE International Symposium on Technology and Society (ISTAS23), conference theme ‘Technology and Analytics for Global Development’ for two key reasons. First, it aligns with the international strategy of the Welsh government that set out ambitions to establish Wales as a globally responsible nation through building and growing sustainable partnerships in sub-Saharan Africa that support the delivery of the SDGs. Second, Swansea University, located on the southwest coast of Wales is the ideal venue to host this international conference as it provides a platform to showcase the best of Welsh culture, and hospitality to international conference delegates."
Professor Stephen Eales
Co-Director, Cardiff Hub for Astrophysics Research and Technology, Cardiff University
Professor Stephen EalesAstronomy is one of the most international research fields and our work links Wales to the rest of the UK and to the World. In 2023 we host the UK National Astronomy Meeting and will welcome 500 astronomers to Cardiff. From there we plan to stage a series of events that will bring astronomy out into our communities."
Dr Rhian Hayward MBE
Chief Executive Officer, Aberystwyth Innovation and Enterprise Campus, Aberystwyth University
DR Rhian Hayward MBEAberystwyth, located on the west coast of Wales, is a beautiful university town with exceptional seaside views contrasting with state of the art locations for meetings and tours of technical facilities. A perfect retreat, while on the main train line from Birmingham and London, for think tanks/round tables, focus groups and symposia as well as larger conferences, Mid Wales has lots to offer to create a wonderful, balanced event to satisfy."
Dr Juan D. Hernández Vega, Senior Lecturer
School of Computer Science & Informatics at Cardiff University

Juan D. Hernández VegaColombian-Spanish roboticist who, after living and working in several countries (Colombia, Spain, Netherlands, USA), decided to establish and develop his academic career in Cardiff. I will be happy and proud to promote Wales as the perfect destination for academics in different stages of their career. I also look forward to bringing some of the most relevant international conferences in robotics to Wales.”
Dr Nic Hooper
Lecturer of Psychology, School of Psychology, Cardiff University
Dr Nic HooperI’m ecstatic about the prospect of introducing my international colleagues to Wales. When they arrive, they’ll see that the beautiful landscape, friendly people and variability of activities are matched by cutting edge expertise in Psychological Science".
John Jackson
CEO, Esports Wales
John explains, "as the CEO of Esports Wales, I am honored to champion the spirit of competition and unity that esports fosters. In the virtual arenas of gaming, we redefine boundaries and celebrate diversity."
John Jackson, CEO Esports WalesTogether, as ambassadors of Wales on the global stage, let's showcase the resilience, skill, and camaraderie that define our esports community. Embracing the digital realm, we pave the way for a future where passion knows no borders, and Wales stands as a beacon of excellence in the ever-evolving world of competitive gaming."
Deborah Jenkins
Lecturer of International Tourism & Events and International Hotel Management, University of Trinity St David (UWTSD)
Deborah JenkinsI’m delighted to have the opportunity as an Ambassador in this programme to encourage more global participation for conferencing and events in Wales. Growth in the hospitality industry and growth in Wales as a wonderful destination for MICE events is important for the future of our students as well as for the future of Welsh tourism. By introducing the Welsh culture and heritage that encapsulates the friendliness of hospitality to the rest of the world with many state of the art facilities in wonderful environments as part of these events, is a way to drive this future potential forward to make lasting memories.”
Professor, Dr Christian Kanuert
Chair of Policing and Security and Director of the International Centre for Policing and Security, Faculty of Life Sciences and Education, University of South Wales
Professor, Dr Christian KanuertWales is an integral part of Europe with strong historical, cultural and political links to many countries in the European Union. EuroSim is an annual international inter-university simulation of the European Union, whose purpose is to provide a framework for a partial simulation of a major EU issue. American and European visiting students will get an opportunity to experience the great sites that Wales has to offer for tourism and leisure. It is such a great pleasure to bring the World to Wales."
Professor Wolfgang Maier
Professor of Earth Science, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Cardiff UniversityProfessor Wolfgang MaierThe mineral deposit research community has been hosting International Platinum Symposia since 1971 at different venues around the world including Toronto, Helsinki, and Johannesburg. Now is a perfect time to invite academic and industry researchers and practitioners to attend the 14th International Platinum Symposium. Delegates can catch the latest research on magmatic ore deposit genesis, exploration techniques and sustainability/social acceptance and take part in exciting field trips right here in Wales."
Alberto Roldan Martinez
Senior Lecturer in Computational Chemistry and Catalysis, Cardiff University

Alberto Roldan MartinezNestled amidst Wales' captivating cultural legacy and breathtaking landscapes, the nation is a nexus of both tradition and forward-thinking scientific pursuits. Hosted at Cardiff University, the Cardiff Catalysis Institute and the Net Zero Innovation Institute shine as beacons of innovation, standing proudly as state-of-the-art facilities dedicated to pioneering research in the chemical sciences. Enriched by this dynamic intersection of heritage and cutting-edge exploration, I take pride in contributing to this landscape. It is a privilege to align my endeavours with global initiatives, collectively steering towards a future marked by sustainability, environmental consciousness, and technological advancement."
Steven Osborne
Principal Lecturer, School of Sport & Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University
Steven Osborne, Principal LecturerWales has a proud heritage, deep-rooted appreciation, and passion for sport, which has nurtured world-renowned athletes and successful sporting teams. The nation's network of higher education institutions and iconic sporting venues offer inspiring locations to host international conferences and summits to engage academic and industry leaders in progressing contemporary research and innovation agendas that will positively impact the global sport and physical activity industry”
Dr Lee Parry
Senior Research Fellow and Lecturer at School of Biosciences, Cardiff University Joint Lead Personalised Prevention at Wales Cancer Research CentreDr Lee Parry, Cardiff UniversityWith the pandemic changing the nature of meetings and events, we lost the opportunities that arise from in person meeting, socialising, and networking. Wales has the ambition and capability to help us all realise the potential of these interactions in state-of-the-art facilities with opportunities for delegates to immerse themselves in the culture, entertainment, and our wonderful natural environment. I am privileged to be an ambassador for my country and contribute to the shared effort to attract globally important meetings and events to Wales. Fellow ambassadors are leaders in their respective scientific and academic fields and we are ready to take our place as the convenors and hosts of these important, in-person reunions to help drive progress and innovation. "
Gavin Price
Director UK/Europe, Sports Diplomacy Alliance (SDA) Sports Diplomacy Expert, Bond University, Australia
Gavin Price, Director UK/Europe, Sports Diplomacy Alliance (SDA) Sports Diplomacy Expert, Bond University, AustraliaWales-Cymru is already a leading player in global sports diplomacy and cultural relations, thanks to a collaborative Team Wales approach between the Welsh Government, businesses, academia, sports sector, and civil society. With successful international engagement programs at events like the 2022 FIFA World Cup and 2023 Rugby World Cup, as well as existing relationships with partner nations, cities, and regions, Wales is well-positioned to generate knowledge exchange. Its progressive policy agenda and significant global sporting footprint make it a compelling destination to attract conferences, trade, culture and political delegations, and prestigious events like the World Congress on Sports Diplomacy or Australia-UK sports diplomacy dialogue.”
Professor Simon Robinson
Computational Foundry, Swansea University
Professor Simon RobinsonWales is the perfect place to host an international conference. Its world-class universities and cutting-edge industries make the country a beacon of excellence, with a thriving scientific community. Beyond research, the country's unique blend of natural beauty, rich cultural heritage and friendly people make Wales the ideal destination."
Dr Liba Sheeran
Reader, Director of Innovation and Impact, School of Healthcare Sciences, Cardiff University
Dr Liba SheeranWales, an aspiring beacon of well-being, places high importance on the health of its people. With that commitment, we invest in cutting-edge research and innovation to pioneer novel interventions. Our expertise extends to the forefront of musculoskeletal pain conditions, leading in developing solutions that empower individuals with back pain and arthritis to restore function and enhance their quality of life. In our pursuit of excellence, we warmly welcome international collaborations, inviting industry leaders and researchers to join us to advancing research and accelerate its translation to positively impact health and well-being worldwide."
Allan Trow
Manager Dark Skies Wales and former senior lecturer in astronomy, University of Glamorgan
Allan TrowAs a former Senior Lecturer in Astronomy at the University of Glamorgan and now Manager of Dark Sky Wales - an astronomy tourism and education business. I have long been a champion of Wales and all that it has to offer business and leisure visitors. The opportunities to stay beyond conference and explore the beauty of Wales - land and sky – gives Wales a real edge over other conference destinations. Your delegates will thank you for introducing them to Wales.”
Dr Matthew Turner, FRCA
FRCA, Consultant Anaesthetist, Royal Gwent and Grange University Hospitals
Dr Matthew Turner, FRCAI was delighted to work with colleagues from around the UK to bring the Obstetric Anaesthetic Association annual meeting to Wales in 2022. We were pleased to welcome colleagues from across the UK, Europe and the world, to meet face to face, network and learn at a world class venue in Wales.”
Professor Agustin Valera-Medina
Director Net Zero Innovation Institute, Cardiff University
Professor Agustin Valera-MedinaAmmonia is emerging as a future zero carbon fuel for decarbonisation of the global economy. Wales has been proudly at the forefront of research into how the chemical can be deployed at large scale and hosted the 1st Symposium on Ammonia Energy. Delegates from 25 countries were amazed with the beauty, infrastructure and advancement that Wales can provide to the world.”
Arwyn Watkins OBE
Managing Director, Cambrian Training Company and President, Culinary Association of Wales
Arwyn Watkins OBEBy continuing to showcase Wales to the World it can not only benefit Wales, but it can create the opportunity to make sure that every day is a learning day irrespective of your country of origin or background.”