Community First Yorkshire’s leadership and collaboration conference, Create 26, has officially begun, bringing together people from across North Yorkshire’s voluntary, community and social enterprise sector for a day of conversation, creativity and future-focused thinking.

Taking place at Pavilions of Harrogate, the event opened with excitement, activity and a real sense of anticipation as delegates arrived for a full programme exploring leadership, collaboration, innovation and the future of the sector.

Opening moments – connections begin

The opening moments of the day have been captured in a new short video, showing the atmosphere as people arrived, prepared for the day ahead and began connecting with others from across the county.

More than 100 people are attending Create 26, which has been designed to give people working and volunteering across the VCSE sector space to pause, share ideas and explore what comes next.

The video highlights the breadth of conversations taking place throughout the day, from digital inclusion and the role of AI in supporting organisations, to climate action, sustainability and the work of Community First Yorkshire’s Village Green programme.

Create 26 is also an opportunity to showcase the work of Community First Yorkshire and its partners, while giving organisations the chance to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing communities across North Yorkshire.

An event with collaboration at its heart

The event has been created with connection at its heart. Alongside keynote speakers, workshops and panel discussions, the day is focused on helping people meet others, exchange ideas and strengthen networks across the sector.

From feedback boards and informal conversations to practical sessions and shared learning, Create 26 aims to support people to leave with fresh thinking, renewed confidence and ideas they can take back to their work, teams and communities.

The opening video captures the spirit of the day: people arriving with energy, curiosity and a shared commitment to building a stronger future for North Yorkshire’s VCSE sector.