COLLABORATION, innovation and a shared commitment to improving lives took centre stage as healthcare professionals, social care leaders and technology innovators gathered for the 2026 Care Connect Show.
The event continues to position itself as one of the United Kingdom’s emerging platforms for transforming health and social care through meaningful partnerships.
Held on June 13 at City Gates, London, the conference brought together representatives from the National Health Service (NHS) and social care in silos.
Also in attendance were technology companies, and Ofsted regulated companies as well as sector specialists to exchange ideas, strengthen professional networks and explore practical innovations capable of improving care delivery.
Founder and organiser Rejoice Bhila, a Zimbabwean-born entrepreneur, described this year’s edition as one of the most rewarding since the show’s launch.
“It was fantastic to bring together leaders from the NHS, social care and technology sectors to share ideas, build new partnerships and explore innovative solutions that can improve care,” Bhila said.
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The event reaffirmed the importance of creating opportunities where professionals from different disciplines can collaborate instead of working in isolation.
“I was especially pleased to welcome back our headline sponsor, William Sachiti from Academy of Robotics.
“His continued support reflects the importance of collaboration and innovation in shaping the future of health and social care.
“This is the second time that William Sachiti has been headline sponsor for CareConnect Show.
“We are also grateful for special guest King of Trainers aka Franklyn Boateng for attending.”
King of Trainers is a highly regarded social media expert, renowned social influencer, serial entrepreneur, X (formerly Twitter) teacher, twogger (Twitter blogger), social media teacher for schools, summer camps and colleges, brand ambassador and brand marketing expert.
He has a passion for social entrepreneurship and is among the many ambitious young black men who are making significant strides in the post-millennial era.
He is a co-founder of Rxtro (a store selling retro clothing and social media agency) and Healtfulness a Health Outlet, showcasing his entrepreneurial prowess.
A major attraction was the growing role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare.
Headline sponsor had Academy of Robotics did a live demo of a new product that helps improve quality of care called Athena Mind AI.
It showcased how secure generative AI can help healthcare providers improve operational efficiency, reduce waiting times, support hospital administration and strengthen regulatory compliance while protecting sensitive information.
Speaking after the conference, Sachiti commended the organisation of the event.
He said: “Everyone from my team who attended, and all the guests, genuinely enjoyed it. The venue was excellent and it felt very well organised.”
Healthcare professionals also praised the networking opportunities created by the conference.
Professor Dakshana Sivayoganatha said the event enabled meaningful engagement between NHS professionals and the social care sector.
“Care Connect Show was an excellent opportunity for me to learn from people in social care.
“I rarely have that opportunity, so it was great to meet valuable contacts.
“Athena Mind AI is an amazing innovation that will be an asset to the healthcare sector.”
Although unable to attend, entertainer Chengeto Brown sent a recorded message congratulating organisers for their contribution to healthcare, promising to participate in the 2027 edition.
Former police inspector Sultana Ishaq-Pasha also applauded the initiative, describing it as an excellent opportunity to connect with industry pioneers and leaders driving positive change across the sector.
One of the key speakers, Jon Allen, a health and social care leadership and innovation champion said the conference left thinking about the pressing need for social care reform.
“I hear it in every provider’s story, I see it in every part of what we call the social care system or market. The level of change required is the scale of what Baroness Casey referred to as social care's Bevan moment,” he said.
“The challenge will be if enough political unity and agreement can be achieved against so many competing interests to achieve this within a reasonable timescale. However it is clear whichever way you look at it that a do nothing option is no longer feasible.
“The Kings Fund Sorting Out Social Care conference was more optimistic than not for change in social care that will improve the aspects that are broken.
“Unravelling the broken market economics and rebuilding a national functioning system of social care, requires everyone to understand the way the current system and market operates.
“This is not well understood in my experience and by the evidence of the polemic that circulates around politicians, commissioners and regulators, a polemic that leaves providers feeling misunderstood, carrying all the risk and deserted by the system they have invested in and committed to.”
Beyond keynote presentations, delegates participated in networking sessions designed to encourage collaboration, knowledge sharing and the exchange of best practices.
Many attendees described the conference as a refreshing environment where practical solutions and honest conversations replaced conventional industry networking.
Since its establishment, the Care Connect Show has sought to bridge the gap between policy, regulation and frontline care by bringing together professionals committed to raising standards through innovation and collaboration.
Over successive editions, the platform has expanded its focus to include digital transformation, leadership development and emerging technologies that support better patient and resident outcomes.
In closing, health and social care providers continue navigating increasing regulatory expectations, workforce pressures and rapid technological change.
In a positive move and response the Care Connect Show is steadily establishing itself as a forum where collaboration, innovation and shared learning are helping shape the future of compassionate, high-quality care.