On September 14th, 2026, the BRIDGES for Dementia Network+ community gathered at the VOCO St. Paul’s in Sheffield for our annual conference - researchers, healthcare professionals, industry leaders, and individuals with lived experience of dementia gathered for a lively, energetic day filled with meaningful connections, breakthrough research, and real collaboration.

Highlights from an Inspiring Day

The Power of Lived Experience

At the core of the conference was the lived experience panel, which brought vital, diverse perspectives to the main stage. Panelists shared personal insights on living with dementia, the daily realities for carers, and the unique cultural nuances of navigating dementia within migrant communities. Their honesty set the tone for the entire day. The impact resonated deeply across the room, and the atmosphere was inspiring.

Art, Creativity, and Inclusion

Beyond digital technology, the conference showcased how creative collaborations enrich the dementia community. Delegates explored a moving art display created through a partnership between the Age UK Sheffield Young Onset Hub, the University of Sheffield, and the University of Lancaster, highlighting the profound role of artistic expression in wellbeing and identity.

Hands-On Networking & Interactive Demonstrations

The exhibition space was packed as delegates, researchers, and individuals with lived experience interacted directly with stallholders and tech presenters. From trying out fall-prevention tools (Bide) and physiological sensors (Milbotix) to exploring accessible gaming (ALJO Games) and self-powered devices (Z-PULSE), conversations flowed naturally between creators and the people who will actually use the technology.

Cutting-Edge Academic Insights & Career Mentorship

The programme offered a rich mix of academic research and practical learning:

Keynotes & Policy: Dr. Jennifer MacRitchie (BRIDGES N+ Director) welcomed guests, Jo Pass (Sheffield City Council) outlined local strategy, and Gordon McCullough (RiDC) challenged businesses to embed accessibility into product design from day one.

• Research Parallel Sessions: Focused workshops explored conversational AI, natural language in social robotics (Kent & Sheffield), creative delivery tools (Culture Box, Surrey), nutrition technology (Portsmouth), and AI diagnostics in Motor Neuron Disease (CognoMND).

• ECR Masterclass & Experiential Learning: Early Career Researchers pitched project concepts directly to a lived-experience panel for feedback, facilitated by Rachael Litherland (Innovations in Dementia). Grace Stead (Enrichment for the Elderly) led a hands-on workshop building communication skills for inclusive research.

Sharing her reflections on her session, Grace shared with us the following: 

"Hearing first of all from Howard…about what it is like to have dementia, we started our workshop on communication. The group experienced some of the difficulties that people with dementia faced surrounding communication and what we could do to help to support more involvement from people with dementia and create better tools.  ‘It really puts things into perspective and has made me think a lot more about what I can do to support, from a place of understanding’ a delegate explained."

To wrap up, Dr. Jennifer MacRitchie and Amira Samatar (BRIDGES N+ Impact Officer) shared insights on upcoming research funding calls and pathways to maximising real-world project impact.

A Heartfelt Thank You

The incredible energy and overwhelmingly positive feedback from the day belong to everyone who participated.

We extend our sincere thanks to all of our speakers, presenters, workshop facilitators, and technology exhibitors for sharing their expertise. Most importantly, we thank every single attendee - especially those living with dementia and their carers - who shared their stories, made new connections, and reminded us why this work matters.

Presentations from the day can be downloaded here.