Social Media Conference Cymru gives free tickets to 10 marketers facing redundancies

A note from the organisers

We started Social Media Conference Cymru in 2023 because we were frustrated that seemingly all big industry conferences were in London, with a £450+ price tag, but most importantly would rarely if ever feature any speakers or case studies from Wales. We knew that great work was being done here, that talented creatives thrive here, and we felt it was time to give people in this industry a high quality event and a proper chance to get together and connect. It's always been about uplifting the people in this industry, so we couldn't ignore what's happening now.

The marketing industry is going through a turbulent time. We've lost count of how many times we've opened LinkedIn to another painful redundancy post from a marketer, as well as some of our friends and industry connections having been through it in the last few months. And this is a wider trend in the industry. It really is worrying. Redundancy warnings across the UK reached their highest level since the pandemic in 2025, and early 2026 figures show the trend hasn't eased. Marketing budgets flatlined at 0.0% growth in the final quarter of 2025, one of the weakest results the IPA Bellwether survey has recorded. Comms, digital, marketing, PR, advertising and creative teams have all felt it.

So if you've been made redundant from a role in this industry in Wales in the last 12 months, and you're still looking for your next one, you can apply for one of 10 free tickets to Social Media Conference Cymru 2026.

We hope the day will inspire you, help you feel hopeful about the industry, and connect you to people and organisations that - you never know - might lead to something.

SMC Cymru team

Who this is for

You can apply if:

• You're based in Wales

• You've been made redundant from a role in marketing, comms, digital, content, PR, advertising, journalism/media, or a related creative role - within the last 12 months

• You're still job hunting - you haven't started a new full-time role since
  
  

If you've been made redundant but have since taken a new full-time role in the industry, this offer isn't for you this time - it's specifically for people who are still out of work and looking.

How to enter

Fill in the short form below.

We'll ask you for:

• Your name and contact details

• Confirmation that you're based in Wales

• The field you worked in and when you were made redundant

• Confirmation you're not currently in full-time work

• A link to your LinkedIn profile

• Whether you've already bought a ticket for SMCC26 (see below)

You don't need to send us any formal proof of redundancy - we're asking you to self-declare, and we may follow up with anyone selected to check the details.

How tickets are allocated

10 people will receive a free ticket. If we get more entries than that, tickets will be allocated by random draw after the deadline.

Already bought a ticket? You can still apply.

Everyone who meets the criteria has an equal chance. If you've already bought a ticket for SMCC26 and you qualify, you're welcome to enter - if you're picked in the draw, we'll refund your ticket in full.

Deadline

Entries close 6pm, Friday 18th September 2026. We'll contact everyone selected shortly after.