Event Programme
Day 1 – Friday 11th September
09:00 – 10:00 | Registration & Refreshments
Doors open for registration. Collect your pass, enjoy tea and coffee, and take time to catch up with friends, old and new.
10:00 – 10:15 | Welcome
National President’s welcome and an engaging overview of the Members’ Gathering, introducing the highlights and what to look forward to across the two-day event.
10:15 – 11:15 | Guest Speaker – Stuart Johnstone, Editor – People’s Friend Magazine Uncover the fascinating story behind People’s Friend magazine and explore its rich heritage, enduring charm, and the impact it has had on generations of readers.
11:15 – 11:30 | Comfort Break
11:30 – 12:30 | Guest Speaker with Q&A – an exciting announcement coming soon.
12:30 – 13:30 | Members’ Lunch and Social Gathering
Enjoy lunch while exploring the exhibitor stands and catching up with friends.
13:30 – 14:30 | Guest speaker – Leonie Bell, Director – V&A Dundee
As Director, Leonie leads the organisation from its spectacular home on Dundee’s reimagined waterfront and delivers the museum’s vision to inspire and empower through design and to champion design and designers.
14:30 – 16:30 | Learning Workshops or ‘Oot an’ aboots’ (Pre-booked)
Choose how you spend your afternoon — join an inspiring, hands-on workshop to learn new skills and spark your creativity, or head ‘oot an’ aboot’ for a relaxed, guided outing and enjoy exploring beyond the venue.
16:30 – 18:30 | Free Time
Relax, have dinner, explore the city and get ready for the evening activities.
Friday Evening Activities
18:30 | Official Exhibition Opening by Depute Lord Provost of Dundee Nadia El-Nakla – National Handcraft Competition (Vaughan Nash)
Celebrate the opening of this colourful exhibition, featuring handcrafted festival-inspired creations from members across the country.
19:30 | Drinks Reception sponsored by SWI Investments Partner, LGT Wealth Management
20:00 – 23.00 | Evening Entertainment ‘SWI’s Got Talent’ – Sign up to take part
Enjoy lively performances, an exciting raffle, and plenty of opportunities to socialise, all hosted by the warm and witty comedian Susan Morrison.
Day 2 – Saturday 12th September
09:00 – 10:00 | Registration & Refreshments
Doors open for day 2 registration. Collect your pass, enjoy tea and coffee, and take time to catch up with friends, old and new.
10:00 – 10:15 | Welcome
National President’s welcome, featuring highlights from day one and a helpful walkthrough of the activities and events planned for day two.
10:15 – 11:15 | Guest speaker – Anna Campbell Jones – Interior Designer
Anna designs spaces, objects and ideas that help people feel more themselves. Based in Glasgow, she has spent decades working across interiors, television, product design and public speaking, always with a belief that good design is not about trends but about how we live and feel.
11:15 – 13:15 | Learning Workshops or ‘Oot an’ aboots’ (Pre-booked)
Choose how you spend your morning — join an inspiring, hands-on workshop to learn new skills and spark your creativity, or head ‘oot an’ aboot’ for a relaxed, guided outing and enjoy exploring beyond the venue.
13:15 – 14:15 | Members’ Lunch and Social Gathering
Enjoy lunch while exploring the competition entries and catching up with friends.
14:15 – 15:00 | Craft Experts Panel and Q&A
Discover how the SWI’s NDS collection can ignite a creative movement across Scotland. Gain new insights, exchange ideas, and join the conversation shaping the future of craft.
15:00 – 15:30 | Comfort Break
15:30 – 16:30 | Saturday Kitchen Live – Chef Sarah Rankin & Journalist, Broadcaster and Content Creator, Julia Bryce
Enjoy an exciting live cooking session with renowned Sarah Rankin chef and acclaimed food writer Julia Bryce, packed with expert tips, delicious inspiration, and plenty of culinary creativity.
16:30 – 16:40 | Closing Remarks & Farewell
Please note: While the programme has been carefully planned, details may be changed, refined or adjusted as arrangements are finalised.
Photo: Dundee One City Many Discoveries
