The 2026 Summit

Wednesday 10 June 2026
ICC Belfast

About the Summit

NICVA SUMMIT is Northern Ireland’s flagship event for the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector, bringing together the people, ideas and leadership driving social change. Taking place on Wednesday 10 June 2026 at ICC Belfast, the SUMMIT builds on the success of our inaugural event in 2024, creating a space to share learning, explore key issues and strengthen connections across the sector.

What to expect

  • Keynote sessions from influential voices and sector leaders

  • Member-led workshops and discussions sharing practical learning and innovation

  • Interactive activities and experiences showcasing the work of the sector

  • Opportunities to connect with peers, partners and policymakers

Inspire.

〰️

Connect.

〰️

Strengthen.

〰️

Inspire. 〰️ Connect. 〰️ Strengthen. 〰️

Our Programme

Wednesday 10 June 2026 | 8:45 - 5:15

Unlocking the Potential of Voluntary and Community Action in Northern Ireland.

Our full programme is available here.

  • 08:45 - Registration Open
    Check-in, network and visit the Exhibitor Hub – Refreshments available.

    09:45 – Welcome and Housekeeping

    09:50 – Opening Address
    Leadership at a Time of Change

    10:15 – Keynote Address
    Between Crisis and Possibility – The Real State of Civil Society
    Matt Whittaker, CEO, Pro Bono Economics

    10:55 – Break – Network and visit the Exhibitor Hub. Refreshments available.

    11:30 - Welcome back

    11:35 - International Address
    Civil Society Under Pressure – Lessons from the United States
    Diane Yentel, President and CEO of the National Council of Nonprofits

    11:40 - Reflection and Audience Interaction

    12:00 - Engagement Hubs – Session A

  • 13:00 – Lunch - network and visit the Exhibitor Hub

    14:00 - Engagement Hubs – Session Two
    Choose from 7 facilitated interactive discussions. (View the programme page for details)

    15:00 – Break – network and visit the Exhibitor Hub. Refreshments available

    15:30 - Welcome back

    15.35 – Panel Discussion
    From Survival to System Change – Reimagining the Role of the Voluntary and Community Sector
    Tina McKenzie MBE (Federation of Small Businesses), Stephen Dallas (Bytes and NICVA Chair), Prof Deirdre Heenan (Ulster University) and Paul Sweeney (National Lottery Community Fund

    16:30 – Fireside Discussion
    Community, Change and the Role of Government
    Communities Minister Gordon Lyons MLA and Permanent Secretary of the Department of Communities Grainia Long

    17:05 - Closing Remarks
    Celine McStravick, CEO, NICVA

    17:15 - Depart