UWTSD to Host ‘Future You Wales to the World’ at Swansea Arena

The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) will host the ITT Future You Wales to the World conference at Swansea Arena on 10 March, bringing together students, educators, and industry leaders from across Wales and the West of England to explore careers in tourism, hospitality and the wider service and creative industries.

Now in its fourth year, ITT Future You Wales to the World is delivered in partnership with the Institute of Travel & Tourism (ITT) and supported by ABTA and the Institute of Hospitality (IoH).  It is part of a range of events organised at universities across the UK.  The Wales event is the first ITT Future You conference organised by students, for students, while remaining open to industry professionals, apprentices and anyone interested in careers across the sector.

The one-day event will include two conference sessions, an interactive careers fair and an industry expo, with a strong focus on real-world experience. Speakers include recent graduates and current students, sharing insights from placements, industry engagement, and international study trips, alongside industry-led presentations and student-delivered workshops.

In 2025, the event attracted over 600 delegates and exhibitors, making it the largest Future You event to date, with organisers aiming to exceed that number this year. The event has won Best Student Event 2023, was runner-up in 2024 and 2025, and secured Best Education Partnership with the Institute of Hospitality in 2023. UWTSD also became the first Centre of Excellence in Wales to be recognised by the Institute of Travel and Tourism, a milestone being celebrated at this year’s conference.

The event’s success has created national recognition for students, with last year’s hosts invited to the ITT Global Conference and events at the House of Lords and House of Commons as guests of Baroness Ayesha Hazarika and Lord Kinnock.

Building on last year’s success, the event promises to be bigger than ever with more programmes across the University’s management and health portfolio, as well as related disciplines within the service and creative industries, reflecting the wide range of skills and career pathways within the sector.

This year’s organising team are final year students of UWTSD’s BA International Travel and Tourism Management  and BA Events and International Festivals courses -  Simon Canby, Carys Davies, Charlie McDonald, Nia Moore, Elijah Thomas and Wiktoria Kuciarska – who are supported by their fellow students. 

Jacqui Jones, Programme Manager said: “ITT Future You Wales to the World is about giving students the confidence, networks, and real-world insight they need to shape meaningful careers. What makes this event truly special is that it is designed and delivered by students, for students, with industry working alongside them as partners. Seeing our graduates return to share their journeys and watching current students step up as leaders, is incredibly powerful. This event shows what can be achieved when education, industry and student ambition come together, and we are proud to be leading this work in Wales as a Centre of Excellence.”

Wiktoria Kuciarska said: “Being part of organising ITT Future You Wales to the World is an incredible opportunity. As students, we know how important it is to have real insight into the industries we want to work in, and this event is all about creating that bridge between study and career. Welcoming speakers who were recently in our position, and seeing students engage with opportunities will be hugely rewarding. We’re proud to be hosting an event that is led by students, shaped by industry, and designed to inspire confidence in the next generation of professionals.”

Previous Student Success & Career Progression 

The experience of organising the event has led many former students into successful careers in the UK and international tourism industry, demonstrating the long-term impact of the initiative. 

• 2025 graduates include Scott De Lloyd, who secured a UWTSD-organised Management in Training placement at the Old Edwards Inn in North Carolina, USA; Sinead Edwards, now a Civil Contingencies and Force Planning Officer with Gwent Police; Mia Johnson, currently studying an MBA at UWTSD; and Ethan Scriven, who works as an ABTA Travelife Grants Administrator.
• 2024 student managers have progressed into roles such as Rhiannon Gratrix, Wedding, and Events Co-ordinator at Oxwich Bay Hotel; Chloe Griffiths, Events Production Coordinator at Limitless Elim; and Elinor Haskins, Manager at Crazy Characters.
• 2023 alumni include Mel Bourke, now Business Development Manager for Levy at Swansea.com Stadium and Cardiff City Stadium; Amy Harris, who completed a UWTSD-organised graduate programme at Sonnenalp Resort in Vail, Colorado; Amanda Lewis, Events Co-ordinator at 4TheRegion Swansea; and Joshua Wilson, now working in Shore Excursions for Celebrity Cruise Ships and Hays Travel Belfast. 

Book your place via Eventbrite

Pic caption : Scott De Lloyd, who secured a UWTSD-organised Management in Training placement at the Old Edwards Inn in North Carolina, USA, was one of the student organisers of last year’s event. He is pictured speaking at Swansea Arena.

Further Information

Rebecca Davies

Executive Press and Media Relations Officer    
Corporate Communications and PR    
Email: rebecca.davies@uwtsd.ac.uk    
Phone: 07384 467071