Become a Circular Economy UK Conference Speaker or Attendee

Meaningful Inclusion of Youth Voices
Written By Mhairi McCann

We're excited to be teaming up again with The Sustainability Community, to make sure young people are heard at their 2026 Circular Economy UK Conference 🌍

Taking place in Birmingham, England, on 5th February, the event is a landmark gathering of national industry leaders, innovators, policymakers and investors dedicated to putting circularity at the heart of UK industry, and expressions of interest are now open to become a youth speaker, or get a free ticket to attend (usually £180!).

Become a Circular Economy UK Conference Speaker or Attendee! Express interest by 29th December. Free to participate. Age 13-30. UK wide. Youth STEM 2030 and The Sustainability Community logos, with background of manufacturing machinery.

Youth Speaker Opportunities

You'll speak onstage alongside industry leaders, policy makers and innovators, making sure youth voices are heard!  The session will be a panel format, meaning it will be an onstage Q+A discussion between the speakers on a specific topic.  You don't need specific expertise or to be studying/working in circular economy, but you do need to have something to say, and a passion for circular economy issues.  The Sustainability Community team will have an onboarding call with you to help you feel prepared and comfortable.  You'll get a free ticket to attend the event, and your travel costs will be covered too.

Attendee Opportunities

We're excited to have 5 free tickets to share with the Youth STEM 2030 community.  Tickets usually cost £180, so this is a great chance to learn about innovation in circular manufacturing, circular skills, and circular economy policy, and network with a room full of industry leaders.  Please note we are not able to cover your travel expenses if you are joining as an attendee only.

What You’ll Gain

  • 📣 Speak up on the issues YOUth care about

  • 👋 Grow your network in a room full of industry leaders

  • ⚡ Learn from experts on circularity, systems change, repair engineering, materials science and influencing policy

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for this opportunity, you must:

  • Ensure you are available for and committed to attending the event on 5th February 2026

  • Be a young person or early career (aged 13-30)

  • Be based in the UK

  • No specific past experience is needed - your enthusiasm to take part is all we’re looking for!

If you need a letter for your school, college, university or employer, or have any access needs for taking part, you can let us know in the form.

How to Get Involved

Our expression of interest form is just to collect your details and should only take 5-10 minutes to complete.  If you're wanting to be a speaker, we'll ask you for a 60 second video, but don't worry, no need to be perfect or have fancy equipment!

The deadline for submissions is 5pm GMT, Monday 29th December 2025

Submit an Expression of Interest by 29th December
Mhairi McCann

Mhairi (she/her) is Youth STEM 2030’s Founder & CEO, and her work here is fuelled by a deep drive to create possibility for other young changemakers in STEM. Based in Inverclyde, Scotland, her expertise lies in creating meaningful, inclusive and participatory youth inclusion in decision-making. A generalist, Mhairi brings a strategic approach to the pursuit of our mission, and enjoys thinking of the bigger picture and ‘joining the dots’. She has a strong focus on equity & inclusion, is especially passionate about ocean conservation and, in her free time, enjoys volunteering and spending time in nature on long walks with Gordon the dog. Mhairi is a 776 Foundation Climate Fellow, and a 2021 National Geographic Young Explorer, and for her work at Youth STEM 2030, she was named Winner of the 2022 Young Scot Environment Award.

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