Everything you need to plan your visit to the National Social Care Conference 2026 in Cardiff.
About NSCC26
When and where is NSCC26?
NSCC26 takes place on Wednesday 21 and Thursday 22 October 2026 at Sophia Gardens Cricket Ground, Cardiff, CF11 9XR.
What is this year’s conference theme?
The theme is “Times Like These: People, Pride and Purpose in Social Care”.
What time does the conference start and finish?
On Wednesday 21 October, registration and the exhibition open at 12 noon. The conference programme begins at 2pm and day one closes at 6.10pm. On Thursday 22 October, registration and the exhibition open at 8.30am, the programme begins at 9.25am and the conference closes at 3.30pm.
Where can I find the latest programme?
The latest programme and speaker information will be kept up to date on the NSCC26 programme page. Please check the website before travelling in case of any final changes.
Is NSCC26 bilingual?
Yes. Speakers may present in English or Welsh, and simultaneous translation will be available. Headsets can be collected in the Main Hall.
Tickets and registration
How do I book a ticket?
Conference and our Connect: Under the Dome 2 evening event tickets can be booked through the NSCC26 ticket page.
Where do I register when I arrive?
Please follow the event signage and stewards on arrival. The registration and information desk will be staffed throughout the conference, and the team will be happy to help with queries.
What should I do if I have a problem during the conference?
Speak to a steward or member of the conference team, who will be wearing branded t shirts. You can also call 01443 742 384 or email contact@adss.cymru.
Travel and parking
What is the venue address?
Glamorgan County Cricket Club, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, CF11 9XR.
How do I get to Sophia Gardens?
Sophia Gardens is accessible on foot, by bicycle, train, coach, bus and road. The walk from Cardiff Central Station is approximately 15 minutes and includes a route alongside the River Taff through Bute Park. Please use the Sophia Gardens visitor information and Traveline Cymru journey planner to plan your journey and check live travel information.
Is cycle parking available?
Yes. More than 30 cycle parking spaces are available underneath the stands.
Can I park at the venue?
Parking at Sophia Gardens is limited. Please do not assume that on-site parking will be available unless it has been arranged in advance. Delegates travelling by car should allow time to use nearby or off-site parking and follow event signage on arrival. Blue Badge parking is available via Gate 2 – please follow on-site signage.
Exhibitors and speakers will have been sent parking information separately.
Where to stay
We are delighted to be able to offer you the following discounts on hotel accommodation. Please note that these hotels are not affiliated with NSCC26 in any way.
| Pontcanna Inn (Hotel) | |
| 36 Cathedral Rd, Pontcanna, Cardiff CF11 9LL | |
| Contact Number: | 029 2023 2917 |
| Website: | https://www.pontcannainn.com/hotel-rooms/ |
| Booking process: | Use code (To be provided by the hotel) |
| Manager: | Adam |
| pontcannainn@youngs.co.uk | |
| Notes: | Discounted rate of £90 per room, per night for the 21st and 22nd October. To receive the discount, the guests must book directly by phone or email stating that they are delegates attending your conference. The following code must also quoted NSCC1NN when booking. Please note the following useful information: Guest check in is at 3pm. Breakfast is not included in the stay, but will be available from 8am to 12pm There are no parking facilities for the hotel |
| IKC – The Beverley, Cardiff | |
| The Beverley, 75-77 Cathedral Road Cardiff. CF11 9PG | |
| Contact number: | 029 2034 3443 |
| Booking website: | https://live.high-level-software.com/hotels/mab-beverley-hotel/availability |
| Family Rooms available | |
| Room Rates as of today | |
| Room Type | 21/10/2026 – 22/10/2026 |
| Double Room | £99 + £105 (Do not inc. prices in the website as they are subject to change) |
| Family Room | £124 + £115 |
| Availability | |
| 17 rooms available on both 21 and 22 October | |
| Only 5 Family Rooms available on 20 October | |
| Please note: | Double and Family Rooms are available. Rooms cannot be held, and rates are subject to change and therefore cannot be guaranteed until booking is confirmed. |
| Lincoln House Hotel | |
| 118-120 Cathedral Rd, Pontcanna, Cardiff CF11 9LQ | |
| Contact number: | 029 2039 5558 |
| Contact Person: | Carl Kodurand (Manager) |
| Email: | reservations@lincolnhotel.co.uk |
| Note: | Availability: 21 rooms available to book at the current time but expect these rooms to become fully booked as the year progresses. Please contact the hotel for pricing. |
Accessibility and practical information
Is Sophia Gardens accessible?
Sophia Gardens has step-free access, lifts and accessible toilets. Accessible toilets are located on each floor, and lifts are available at each end of the building. If you have specific access requirements, please email events@adss.cymru in advance so the team can support you.
Is there a cloakroom or somewhere to leave luggage?
Cloakroom facilities will be available. Space is limited, and all items are left at the owner’s risk. Luggage cannot be left at the registration desk or in the conference office. Please do not leave bags or packages unattended.
Is Wi-Fi available?
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the venue for general use. Login instructions will be provided at the event.
Is there a dress code?
No. Please wear whatever helps you feel comfortable and able to enjoy the conference and evening event.
Will photography and filming take place?
Photography and filming will take place during NSCC26 and may be used by ADSS Cymru to promote the conference and its work. If you have any concerns, please speak to the registration team when you arrive.
Food, refreshments and the exhibition
Will food and refreshments be provided?
Yes. Lunch and refreshments are included on both conference days. Food is also included with a separately booked Connect: Under the Dome 2 ticket.
How do I tell you about dietary requirements?
Please include all dietary requirements when booking your ticket. If anything changes, email events@adss.cymru as soon as possible, and no later than Monday 5 October Late requests may not be possible to accommodate.
When is the exhibition open?
The exhibition opens at 12 noon on Wednesday 21 October and at 8.30am on Thursday 22 October. It will remain open during the conference, including breaks and lunch periods.
Workshops
How do I choose workshops?
Details of the workshop programme and booking arrangements will be emailed to delegates. Day One workshops are repeated, giving delegates the opportunity to attend two sessions. Some sessions have limited capacity, so please book promptly when you receive the workshop booking email.
Where will workshops take place?
Workshops and parallel sessions will take place across Sophia Gardens. Room details will be included in the programme and displayed at the venue. Stewards will be available to direct you.
Connect: Under the Dome 2
What is Connect: Under the Dome 2?
Connect: Under the Dome 2 is the NSCC evening event, bringing together creativity, performance, food, music and conversation in a relaxed setting. It takes place from 7pm to 10pm on Wednesday 21 October at CultVR Lab in Cardiff.
Is the evening event included in my conference ticket?
No. Tickets must be booked separately and cost £60 per person. The ticket includes street food, performance and music. If you have not booked, you can ask at the registration desk on the day, but availability cannot be guaranteed.
How do I get to CultVR Lab?
A free coach service will be available to and from the venue from Cardiff city centre. CultVR Lab is also approximately a 15-minute walk or a short taxi ride away. Further coach information will be shared with ticket holders.
Contact
Who should I contact if my question is not answered here?
Please email events@adss.cymru and the conference team will be happy to help.
English (UK) 
Cymraeg