APIC2026: Leeds to host major West Yorkshire parenting, youth, and inclusion conference - date and tickets

Parents, young people, civic leaders, and professionals from across West Yorkshire are set to gather in Leeds next month for a major regional conference focused on strengthening family support, youth voice, and community inclusion.

The Afrikindness Parenting & Inclusion Conference (APIC2026) will take place at Bridge Community Church on Rider Street, bringing together families and practitioners to tackle some of the key issues affecting regional communities today.

Organised under the theme "Beyond Assumptions 2.0: Reimagining Parenting, Youth Voice & Professional Practice," the gathering will feature up to 50 speakers and contributors exploring safeguarding, SEND and neurodiversity support, mental health, culturally responsive parenting, and family services.

Among those expected to join the conference are Richard Burgon, MP for Leeds East, the Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Stephen Holroyd, alongside community leaders, educators, and health and social care practitioners from across Leeds and Bradford.

Running alongside the main conference will be a dedicated Youth Employability Workshop for young people aged 15 to 21, led by Dr Sandra Obiora of Leeds Beckett University.

The practical sessions will cover CV writing, interview preparation, personal branding, and career planning.

Bunmi Owolabi, Founder and CEO of Leeds-based charity Afrikindness, said: "APIC2026 is about creating a space where parents, young people and professionals can listen to one another, ask difficult questions and move beyond some of the assumptions that can create barriers between families and services.

"We do not expect everyone in the room to agree on everything. What we want is greater understanding, stronger relationships and practical conversations that can ultimately improve outcomes for children and families."

The conference is supported by headline sponsor Nudge Education and funding from The National Lottery Community Fund. Following the main conference, Afrikindness will also host a Business Roadshow on October 28 and an Online Neurodiversity Summit on November 7.

When is APIC2026 taking place?

The main conference takes place on October 24 from 9am to 4pm (with complimentary breakfast from 8:30am) at Bridge Community Church (Rider Street, Leeds, LS9 7BQ).

How do I register for tickets?

Registration, full speaker biographies, and event schedules are available via the official APIC2026 website.

The event is open to parents, carers, young people (aged 15-21 for the employability workshop), educators, social workers, SEND practitioners, mental health professionals, and community leaders.