Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) Annual Conference and Exhibition 2025

Client: Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP)

Event Organiser: Wonderly Agency PCO, A Haymarket Media Group Ltd Company 

Event Name: RCGP Annual Conference and Exhibition 2025

Venue: ICC Wales, Newport 

Dates: 9–10 October 2025

The RCGP Annual Conference and Exhibition is the leading event for the GP community, delivering high-quality, relevant content shaped by member input and overseen by experienced practitioners. The two-day event attracts over 2,000 delegates from across the UK and internationally, offering CPD workshops, poster presentations, and opportunities to tackle the big questions facing general practice.

For the first time, the flagship conference was hosted in Newport, Wales - at the ICC Wales, a strategic move that proved highly successful among delegates, exhibitors, and staff.

The objective of the event was to position the RCGP Annual Conference as the premier event for general practice across the UK and internationally, attracting members and non-members at all career stages. The organisers also sought to create an environment that supported well-being, inclusivity, and cultural engagement.

ICC Wales was strategically chosen for its exceptional infrastructure, accessibility, and ability to deliver a holistic delegate experience. Beyond its state-of-the-art facilities and good range of accommodation close by,  the venue has high capacity and muti functional spaces, which enabled the event organisers to work closely with Welsh Government . The venue's location within the natural beauty of Wales , perfectly aligned with RCGP's commitment to attendee well-being. The experienced events team at ICC Wales supported planning to design and implement well-being areas, including quiet zones and family-friendly spaces, created to reduce stress, encourage longer participation in the conference, and enable delegates to bring their families.

This approach aligned with the principles of the Well-being of Future Generations Wales Act, promoting a healthier, more balanced experience for attendees. By making it easier for delegates to combine professional development with family time, the initiative also delivered wider benefits for the local community through extended leisure stays and increased regional tourism.

The event design integrated Welsh culture throughout the delegate journey, with dedicated support and knowledge of ICC Wales staff, enriching the experience without detracting from the core content. Highlights included:

• Cultural Touchpoints: A surprise performance by the Cardiff Male Choir and live entertainment from South Wales’ twmpath band The Cat’s Claw brought warmth and emotion to the programme.
• Bilingual Communication: The conference website and on-site signage were fully bilingual, reflecting inclusivity and respect for Welsh heritage.
• Local Food & Storytelling: Welsh culinary traditions and visual cues reinforced the destination’s identity.

These elements softened the formality of a medical conference, creating space for connection and shared experience.

Through close collaboration with Welsh Government and ICC Wales, the event organisers were able to move beyond simply integrating cultural elements. With their support, they created an inclusive environment that prioritised well-being and actively welcomed families. Initiatives such as mindful woodland wander walks, fun runs, family relaxation

rooms, and quiet zones, with trained staff on hand to support well-being the initiatives created, which meant delegates could bring their families along and enjoy restful breaks together between sessions. This family-friendly approach not only reduced stress but also allowed delegates to feel more at ease and focused during conference sessions, fostering better engagement and participation. Furthermore, by enabling longer stays and encouraging family involvement, the event brought broader benefits to the local community through increased leisure visits and a positive economic impact, while enhancing the overall quality of the conference experience.

Wales’ strong ecosystem of universities, hospitals, and research centres added credibility and relevance to the event. Collaboration with local organisations enriched speaker pipelines and intellectual exchange, giving the conference a distinct sense of place — culturally and professionally.

• Over 2,000 delegates attended in person and online.
• High engagement levels and positive feedback on venue and destination experience.
• Successful integration of cultural, well-being, and professional elements.
• Enhanced regional profile and economic impact through extended stays and family participation.