Events by ESRC Centre for Population Change

Planning a wedding is one of the most exciting journeys a couple can experience, but it can also involve countless decisions, appointments and choices. From selecting the perfect venue and discovering talented suppliers to finding the right style, décor, photography, entertainment and finishing touches, the process can sometimes feel overwhelming. The Bolton Wedding Fayre at Cloisters offers couples an opportunity to bring many elements of wedding planning together in one welcoming and inspiring setting. Organised by Fairydust Events, the wedding fayre is scheduled to take place at Cloisters Bolton, Holiday Inn, on 13 September 2026. Running from 11:00 to 15:00, the event is designed to provide engaged couples and their families with valuable wedding inspiration, supplier connections and practical ideas for creating a memorable celebration. The event is particularly suitable for couples who are actively planning their wedding and want to explore a range of options in person. A Convenient Wedding Planning Experience in Bolton A wedding fayre can make the planning process more convenient by bringing different areas of the wedding industry together under one roof. Rather than spending weeks searching individually for suppliers, couples can meet professionals, ask questions and gather ideas during a single event. This makes the experience more personal and interactive than simply browsing websites or social media pages. The Cloisters Bolton venue provides a suitable setting for a wedding-focused event, allowing visitors to imagine how different wedding ideas could come together in a real hospitality environment. Couples can explore inspiration for their own celebrations while speaking directly with professionals who understand the many details involved in planning a wedding. For couples based in Bolton and the wider North West, the event offers a valuable opportunity to discover local wedding services. Meeting suppliers face-to-face can help couples understand their personalities, communication styles and approach to weddings before making important decisions. Discover Wedding Inspiration for Every Stage of Planning One of the key advantages of attending a wedding fayre is the opportunity to find inspiration. Some couples may attend with a clear vision of their wedding, while others may still be deciding on their theme, style or overall approach. A wedding fayre can provide ideas for both groups. Visitors can explore different approaches to wedding styling, supplier services and celebration planning. The event may also help couples identify details they had not previously considered. Sometimes, discovering a new service, décor concept or planning idea can completely change the way a couple imagines their wedding day. Whether the desired celebration is traditional, contemporary, elegant, relaxed or highly personalised, meeting professionals in person can help transform general ideas into practical plans. Couples can discuss their requirements, ask questions and gather information that can support future decisions. Meet Wedding Suppliers and Build Valuable Connections Personal connections are an important part of wedding planning. The professionals involved in a wedding often work closely with couples for months before the big day. Choosing suppliers who understand a couple's preferences and communicate effectively can make the planning process more enjoyable. The Bolton Wedding Fayre gives attendees the chance to connect with wedding-related businesses and learn more about the services they provide. Couples can discuss their ideas, ask about packages and understand how different suppliers may contribute to their celebration. These conversations can be particularly useful for couples who are still comparing options. Instead of relying only on online descriptions, visitors can ask direct questions and gain a clearer understanding of what a supplier offers. This can help make the decision-making process more informed and personal. Why Wedding Fayres Remain Valuable for Engaged Couples Digital research has become an important part of wedding planning, but in-person events continue to offer unique benefits. A wedding fayre creates an environment where couples can see, hear and discuss wedding services directly. For example, a couple may have questions about photography styles, entertainment options, floral arrangements, beauty services or event planning. Speaking with professionals can provide immediate answers and help couples understand what may be suitable for their specific wedding. Wedding fayres can also be useful for couples who are at different stages of planning. Those who have just become engaged may attend to gather general inspiration, while couples with a wedding date already booked may attend to finalise suppliers and services. A Useful Event for Couples and Their Families Wedding planning is often a shared experience involving parents, family members and close friends. Attending a wedding fayre together can make the planning process more enjoyable and collaborative. Families can discuss ideas, compare preferences and help couples make decisions about different aspects of the celebration. Having trusted people present can also make it easier to remember questions and compare information after the event. For couples who want to make a day of their wedding planning, a wedding fayre can provide an enjoyable opportunity to focus on the upcoming celebration. The event combines practical planning with inspiration, making it suitable for visitors who want to make progress while enjoying the experience. The Importance of Choosing the Right Wedding Services Every wedding is different, and the right suppliers will depend on a couple's individual needs, budget and vision. Some couples may prioritise photography, while others may focus on entertainment, styling, food or guest experience. Events such as the Bolton Wedding Fayre provide an opportunity to explore these choices in a structured environment. Visitors can consider what matters most to them and identify potential suppliers who may fit their expectations. Meeting several professionals during one event can also help couples compare different approaches. They can consider the quality of communication, the range of services available and how well each supplier understands their wedding vision. Planning Ahead Can Make the Wedding Journey Easier Starting wedding planning early can give couples more time to research, compare and make thoughtful decisions. Popular venues and suppliers may have limited availability, especially during busy wedding seasons. Attending a wedding fayre can help couples begin the research process sooner. Even couples who are not ready to book immediately can benefit from gathering information. Understanding typical services, available options and planning timelines can make later decisions easier. The Bolton Wedding Fayre provides a useful setting for couples to collect ideas and begin creating a clearer picture of their wedding. By attending, visitors can potentially discover services that support everything from the initial planning stage through to the final celebration. A Wedding Event Designed Around Inspiration and Discovery The atmosphere of a wedding fayre is often focused on creativity, celebration and possibilities. For couples, attending can be an exciting reminder of the event they are working towards. The Bolton Wedding Fayre at Cloisters is an opportunity to explore wedding ideas in a dedicated environment. Visitors can discover inspiration, connect with professionals and think about how different elements could contribute to their own special day. For anyone planning a wedding in Bolton or the surrounding region, the event provides a convenient opportunity to engage with the local wedding community. It can be particularly helpful for couples looking for inspiration, supplier connections and practical planning ideas. What Visitors Can Expect from the Wedding Fayre Visitors can expect an event focused on wedding planning, inspiration and supplier discovery. The four-hour schedule provides time to explore the event, speak with professionals and gather useful information. Couples can use the occasion to discuss their wedding requirements and identify services that may suit their celebration. The event also provides an opportunity to ask questions that may not always be answered through online research. For newly engaged couples, the event can serve as an introduction to the wedding planning process. For couples further along in their planning journey, it can provide additional inspiration and the chance to explore remaining services. Why Attend the Bolton Wedding Fayre at Cloisters? The event is a useful opportunity for engaged couples to make progress with their wedding planning while discovering new ideas. Its location at Cloisters Bolton makes it accessible to couples searching for wedding inspiration and services in the Bolton area. From supplier discovery and venue inspiration to practical conversations about wedding services, the fayre brings together important elements of the planning journey. Attendees can use the event to gather information, compare ideas and begin building a network of professionals for their wedding. The event is also suitable for family members who want to support a couple during the planning process. By attending together, visitors can share ideas and enjoy the excitement of preparing for a major life celebration. The Bolton Wedding Fayre at Cloisters offers an engaging opportunity for couples to explore wedding planning in a welcoming and inspirational environment. Taking place on 13 September 2026 at Cloisters Bolton, Holiday Inn, the event brings together the excitement of wedding preparation with the opportunity to discover services, ideas and professional connections. Organised by Fairydust Events, the fayre is designed for couples, families and anyone involved in planning a wedding. Whether visitors are just beginning their journey or are looking for the final pieces to complete their celebration, the event can provide valuable inspiration and practical planning support. For couples planning a wedding in Bolton and the surrounding North West region, attending the event can be an effective way to discover new possibilities, meet wedding professionals and take the next step towards creating a memorable wedding day.

STM Innovation & Integrity Days 2026 is one of the leading international conferences dedicated to advancing research integrity, scholarly publishing, and innovation across the global academic publishing ecosystem. Organized by STM Association, this two-day conference brings together publishers, editors, researchers, technology providers, policy makers, librarians, and industry leaders to discuss the rapidly changing landscape of scientific communication. Hosted at the prestigious BMA House in London, the conference provides an ideal platform for professionals to exchange ideas, explore emerging technologies, understand evolving research policies, and build valuable collaborations. As artificial intelligence continues transforming research publishing, the conference focuses on ensuring transparency, trust, ethics, and innovation throughout scholarly communication. The event will feature keynote presentations, expert panel discussions, technical sessions, case studies, networking opportunities, and demonstrations of cutting-edge publishing technologies. Participants will gain practical knowledge from industry experts while exploring innovative approaches to maintaining research quality and integrity in the digital era. Why Attend This Event? Research publishing is evolving rapidly due to technological advancements, AI-powered editorial workflows, open science initiatives, and increasing demands for research transparency. STM Innovation & Integrity Days offers attendees an opportunity to stay informed about these developments while connecting with influential professionals from around the world. The conference provides actionable insights into research integrity frameworks, ethical publishing practices, peer review improvements, metadata standards, content authenticity, and responsible AI implementation. Participants will also learn about new digital infrastructure supporting trusted scholarly communication. Conference Topics Major sessions are expected to cover: Research integrity and publication ethics Responsible use of Artificial Intelligence Future of scholarly publishing Research trust and transparency Peer review innovations Publishing technologies Open science developments Metadata standards Digital research infrastructure Global publishing policies Networking Opportunities One of the strongest benefits of attending this conference is the opportunity to network with professionals representing publishers, universities, research organizations, libraries, technology companies, funding agencies, and scholarly societies. Dedicated networking sessions encourage meaningful conversations, collaboration opportunities, business partnerships, and professional development. Attendees can exchange experiences, discuss industry challenges, and discover practical solutions for improving research publishing workflows. Learning from Industry Experts International experts will share practical experiences and successful case studies covering publication ethics, editorial management, research quality assurance, AI governance, and innovation strategies. Interactive discussions allow participants to ask questions directly and gain valuable perspectives from leaders shaping the future of scholarly communication. Innovation Showcase Technology providers and publishing solution companies will demonstrate modern tools designed to improve editorial workflows, manuscript screening, plagiarism detection, metadata management, peer review efficiency, research analytics, and digital publishing platforms. Attendees can explore how emerging technologies improve productivity while maintaining scientific integrity. Benefits for Organizations Organizations participating in STM Innovation & Integrity Days gain valuable exposure to current industry developments while strengthening relationships with global publishing stakeholders. The conference also supports strategic planning by providing insights into regulatory changes, technological innovations, and evolving research policies. Professional Development Publishing professionals can expand their knowledge through educational sessions focused on editorial best practices, compliance standards, publishing ethics, AI implementation, and digital transformation. The conference helps attendees enhance leadership skills while preparing for future challenges in scholarly publishing. International Collaboration Scientific publishing depends on global cooperation. This event creates an environment where professionals from different countries can exchange knowledge, develop collaborative projects, and discuss common challenges affecting research communication worldwide. Future of Scholarly Publishing As research continues becoming increasingly digital, trusted, transparent, and technology-driven publishing becomes more important than ever. STM Innovation & Integrity Days explores how publishers, researchers, technology providers, and institutions can work together to build resilient research infrastructure while maintaining quality, integrity, and public trust. Participants will leave the conference with practical knowledge, expanded professional networks, awareness of emerging industry trends, and actionable strategies for supporting responsible scholarly communication in the years ahead. Whether you are an academic publisher, journal editor, researcher, technology innovator, librarian, policy specialist, or research integrity professional, STM Innovation & Integrity Days 2026 provides an exceptional opportunity to learn from global experts, discover innovative solutions, and contribute to the future of trusted scientific publishing.

The ESRC Festival of Social Science 2026 represents a prestigious annual celebration dedicated to highlighting the vital role of social science research in addressing the most pressing challenges of our era. Hosted by the University of Southampton, this event series serves as a bridge between academic inquiry and public understanding, demonstrating how rigorous data and analysis can inform policy, drive economic competitiveness, and improve societal wellbeing. The theme for the 2026 festival is "Money, Finance and the Cost of Living." This focus is particularly timely, as it delves into the intricate ways that financial systems influence our daily lives—from individual spending habits and saving decisions to the broader macroeconomic forces that dictate the costs of essential goods like housing, food, and energy. Throughout the festival, participants will have the opportunity to engage with leading researchers, including experts from the Centre for Population Change, to explore why our financial habits develop, how economic literacy is cultivated across generations, and why economic conditions fluctuate so rapidly in the modern world. By opening these critical conversations to the public, the festival aims to empower citizens to feel more informed, confident, and connected to the economic issues that shape their households and communities. Attendees can expect a diverse program featuring interactive workshops, insightful seminars, and networking sessions that connect academic theory with practical reality. Whether you are a student, a policy professional, or simply a curious member of the public, this festival offers a unique lens through which to view the 21st-century society. It is an opportunity to look beyond the headlines and understand the structural dynamics behind our current cost-of-living challenges, fostering a better-prepared and more resilient community.

The ESRC Centre for Population Change (CPC), in collaboration with the Connecting Generations partnership, is proud to host this comprehensive one-day conference at the University of Southampton. As we navigate the complexities of 2026, understanding the shifting landscape of global and regional demography has never been more critical. This event brings together world-leading experts in demography, gerontology, sociology, and economics to explore the multifaceted challenges of an aging society and the evolving nature of intergenerational support. The conference will delve into the latest research findings concerning reproductive freedom, the "generation rent" housing crisis, and the widening gender gaps in unpaid caregiving. Attendees will participate in high-level plenary sessions and interactive workshops designed to translate academic evidence into actionable policy frameworks. Key topics include the impact of rising pension ages on grandparenthood, the socio-economic implications of declining fertility rates, and the role of social infrastructure in supporting families across the life course. With a focus on "Rights, Justice, and Action," the program aims to provide a roadmap for policymakers and practitioners to foster more resilient communities. The event will also feature a special panel on the "Central South" regional demographic trends, providing localized insights for the Southampton and wider Hampshire area. Whether you are a researcher, policymaker, or social advocate, this conference offers a unique platform to engage with the evidence-shaping the future of the UK’s demographic system.