Speaker: Broadcaster, Singer, Educator, Event host and Gaelic activist, Joy Dunlop

Described by The Herald as, ‘A one-woman Gaelic industry’, Joy Dunlop is a broadcaster, singer, educator, event host and Gaelic activist. In this talk, she’ll take you on an engaging journey through Gaelic Scotland; from its arrival in the fourth century, to becoming the language of the Scottish court, before suffering a nationwide decline and most recently, a revival.

She’ll touch on education and politics, culture and heritage, and teach a few simple words and phrases. Bidh fàilte bhlàth oirbh uile / A warm welcome awaits you all.

Speaker: Dr. John Loughton BEM, Social Entrepreneur, Leadership Coach and Activist.

Social entrepreneur, leadership coach and activist John Loughton invites you to explore how purpose can grow from even the most difficult beginnings, and lead you on the most unlikely journeys. He shares how his tough childhood and challenges became the sparks that drove him to create change, from founding charities and running for Parliament, to global businesses, royalty and reality TV. He will talk about the 'secret ingredients' of purpose can improve your presence, mindset and wellbeing.

This talk encourages you to look inward with curiosity, recognise what truly motivates you and consider the questions that guided his own journey, what is your why, that thing that drives you.

Speaker: Danny Ormonde, Head of Coffee / Director at Parallel Coffee

The Rise of Speciality Coffee follows my personal journey into the coffee industry, beginning with leaving school, dropping out of college, and navigating dyslexia in a system where I didn’t fit the traditional academic path. Coffee became both a craft and a career, offering purpose, creativity, and progression.

From there, the talk explores a brief history of coffee, the emergence of the coffee “waves,” and the influence of espresso culture. It moves into modern specialty coffee, covering roasting, brewing, and café culture, before looking ahead to where the coffee industry is heading next.

You will walk away from this talk understanding more about

• Paths to meaningful and successful career in the coffee industry

• Speciality coffee is built on people, craft, and curiosity, not just products

• Every cup of coffee reflects history, culture, and global collaboration

• Modern roasting and brewing are about transparency, precision, and flavour

• The future of coffee depends on sustainability, education, and connection