There is something genuinely energising about bringing this community together in one place every year for the BAFTS Conference.
Shop owners, suppliers, advocates, educators – people who have dedicated their working lives to building a fairer, more equitable world and others who are coming to it with fresh eyes and energy.
The knowledge, creativity and passion in the Butetown Community Centre in Cardiff over two days was something to behold. We had a packed itinerary that moved from practical workshops and playful competitions to thought-provoking presentations and challenging discussions. The line-up was a mix of invited specialists and BAFTS board, staff and members who offered their own expertise.
So as not to forget, here are a few highlights from the two days:
Photo fun, fair trade futures and a show-stopping finale: Day One at BAFTS 2026 Conference
The artisans BAFTS members work with are the beating heart of every business. So, the first day of the conference opened with an important update on the situation for artisans in Iran, written by Saeed, CEO of Papital (and one of our newest Board members!).
Gogo Olive offered an uplifting story of the women in Zimbabwe who knit the most charming toys, each with their own name! Members deepened their storytelling craft with Angela from Pearl Works Production and Treefoods Natural Skincare. Followed by an extremely practical workshop from the legendary Helen Rayner! Helen equipped and enthused members to go out and put their new skills into practice on the Invisible Cities tour of Cardiff.
With the opportunity to win a beautiful Lost in Samsara laptop case, members took the competition very seriously. A stunning selection of photos were taken but there could only be one winner. Congratulations to Emma from Emma’s Emporium for her winning snap!
Up next was social media insights and strategy from Vurchoo Jewellery and the BAFTS team. They covered hooks, millenial pauses, and personal branding made social media a bit less ‘urgh’. The serious stuff came to a close with an important conversation with an expert panel on the future of fair trade.
To wrap up, day one closed with a Motown Bingo extravaganza – because this community knows how to celebrate too.
Talking money, ethics, strategy and solidarity: Day Two at BAFTS 2026 Conference
Dr. Andy Williams from Cardiff University delivered a talk on Tainted Money and Poverty Washing. By the end the room was left stunned (which doesn’t happen often!) and the talk sparked vital conversation.
Fair to Trade and Jacob Warn from Gaza Food Project gave a moving update on Palestine and the artisans trying to keep their businesses running.
Then, focused shop and supplier workshops made space for the kind of honest, practical exchange that is hard to find elsewhere. Members robustly challenged an expert panel on ethical finance, which included Shared Interest, The Co-op bank, Ethical Consumer Magazine and Unity Trust Bank. And, just before the AGM, Hub Cymru Africa led a sharp and important reflection on our Anti-Racism Charter.
So, now what…
With three new Board members, a whole book of new ideas, and big visions for what next, we leave with a great deal to think about – and even more to act on. The future of BAFTS is being shaped by conversations like these. We’re excited about what comes next for our members and for the wider fair trade movement.
It is a great reminder that being part of a network like BAFTS matters. Members are not doing this alone and the shared expertise and solidarity of this community is one of the most powerful tools any of us has.
The BAFTS team are already planning next year’s conference, which will be held in Sheffield…thinking abt joining?! We’ll leave you with a final quite from one of our members to tempt you…
Absolutely jam packed from start to finish with really valuable talks, practical workshops, thought provoking discussions and people from all backgrounds and skill sets. Best of all was the welcoming, friendly, inclusive, atmosphere for and from every participant old and new. Best BAFTS conference ever!
– Diana, Lanka Kade
Find out more about being a BAFTS member here.
Is this for BAFTS members info only?