Leading Fertility & Pregnancy Expert
Leading fertility and pregnancy expert Zita West is a practising midwife, acupuncturist, nutritional advisor and bestselling author with over 30 years' experience. She has helped thousands of women conceive, many as a last resort. Her pioneering approach to fertility, combining the natural with the medical, has cemented Zita as the recognised leading fertility expert in Europe. Zita is the go to fertility consultant to celebrities and royals alike: “Zita is often referred to as a fertility and pregnancy guru…that’s exactly what she is.​" Kate Winslet.

Saturday 17th, 10:30am - Optimising Your Fertility: Lifestyle & Nutrition Tips

Clinical Director at the Lister Fertility Clinic
James Nicopoullos, Clinical Director at the Lister Fertility Clinic, is a Consultant Gynaecologist & Subspecialist in Reproductive Medicine & Surgery. He has a wide range of experience with IVF and subfertility but also welcomes those patients that suffer from reoccurring miscarriages, menstrual disorders or those approaching or going through menopause. James is a talented physician and an accredited laparoscopic and hysteroscopic surgeon, offering clients a one-stop shop for diagnosis and treatment.

Saturday 17th, 2:30pm - IVF 101: Finding the Right Treatment Plan for You

Leading Fertility Expert & Member of HFEA
Professor Geeta Nargund is the Lead Consultant for Reproductive Medicine at St George’s Hospital NHS Trust and the Medical Director of Create Fertility and abc IVF which have clinics across the UK and in Denmark. She is a hands-on consultant in fertility and assisted reproduction and GMC Responsible Officer for Create Fertility. She has published nearly 100 research papers including book chapters and editorials. Her research interests include mild approaches in assisted reproduction, affordable and global access to fertility care, education in reproductive health in schools and advanced ultrasound technology in reproductive medicine. She has previously served on several national and international scientific and advisory committees. She is a Trustee and Director of UK charities, Create Health Foundation. She is the Co-Founder and President of the International Society for Mild Approaches in Assisted Reproduction (ISMAAR). She is a Board member and Vice Chair of the British Red Cross. She is also the co-founder and medical advisor of the Ginsburg Women’s Health Board UK. She is passionate about women’s safety in IVF, making assisted reproduction treatments accessible and closing the gender health gap.

Saturday 17th, 4:30pm - Ethnic Disparties in Treament

Professor of Obstetrics & Gynaecology Imperial College London at St Mary's Hospital Campus
Dame Lesley Regan is Professor of Obstetrics & Gynaecology Imperial College London at St Mary's Hospital Campus where she continues her clinical practice in Reproductive Medicine. As Past President RCOG, she led the "Better for Women" report, published in December 2019, which shone a spotlight on taboo topics such as poor access to contraception, abortion, period problems, menopause and domestic violence and abuse. The key recommendation of this hard hitting report was the urgent need for an NHS-led Women's Health Strategy. In 2020, Lesley was awarded a DBE for her services to Women’s health in the late Queen's New Years Honours list. In June 2022 she was appointed Women's health Ambassador for England to help implementation of the DHSC's Women's Health Strategy.

Sunday 18th, 11:30am - Miscarriage & Recurrent Loss

Consultant Gynaecologist & Subspecialist in Reproductive Medicine and Surgery at Guy's Hospital
Mr Tarek El-Toukhy, consultant gynaecologist and subspecialist in reproductive medicine and surgery. Mr El-Toukhy offers personalised fertility treatment plans and evidence-based care to offer the best outcomes to his patients. Recognised worldwide as a figure in the field of recurrent implantation failure, Mr El-Toukhy has published and lectured widely on this topic, both nationally and internationally.

Sunday 18th, 1:30pm - Optimising IVF Success

Deputy Vice President and Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health at University of Manchester
Allan has recently joined the University of Manchester where he is the Deputy Vice President and Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health. He is also Professor of Andrology and has published over 200 research papers, book chapters and review articles. He is a former Secretary (2005-2010) and Chairman (2012-2015) of the British Fertility Society and former Editor in Chief of the BFS journal Human Fertility (2015-2022) and now emeritus Editor in Chief. In addition, Allan is an accomplished science communicator and broadcaster. Recent television programmes include Me, My Brother and our Balls (2020), Alex Jones – Fertility and Me (2016), Britain’s Secret Code Breaker (2011), Donor Unknown (2011), The Great Sperm Race (2009), The Truth About Food (2007), Make me a Baby (2007) and Lab Rats (2004). In 2016 he was awarded an MBE by the Queen for services to Reproductive Medicine. You can follow his general musings about science, fertility and the life of an academic on Twitter and Instagram @allanpacey.

Saturday 17th, 11.30am - What Men Need to Know About Fertility: The Missing Conversation

NHS Consultant with a personal Chair in Reproductive Medicine and Surgery
Professor Adam Balen is an NHS consultant at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, UK, with a personal Chair in Reproductive Medicine and Surgery. He is clinical lead of a large multidisciplinary reproductive medicine service, including paediatric & adolescent gynaecology. He has been interested in PCOS for many years and has been a member of the international consensus groups on its definition and management including the Global PCOS Guideline Group, published in 2018 and 2023. He is a member of the WHO Guideline Development Group on infertility (completed 2025) and was responsible for formulating the recent FIGO definition of disorders of ovulation (2022). Amongst numerous national and international roles over the last 30 years, Adam is a past Chair of the British Fertility Society and the ESHRE SIG for Reproductive Medicine. He has had numerous roles for the RCOG, in a range of committees and  sat on Council for 6 years;  he is the only person to have delivered 3 eponymous prize lectures and was awarded the RCOG Academic Prize in 2025. In 2025 he is also delivering the BFS Howard Jacobs Prize lecture and the BSGE Sir Alec Turnbull Prize Lecture. Adam co-founded the British Society for Paediatric and Adolescent Gynaecology (BritSPAG) and teaches regularly on adolescent reproductive health. He founded the Fertility Education Initiative to improve education in schools on reproductive health. Adam has authored >280 papers (H index 83, >48,000 citations) and 16 books, including Infertility in Practice (5th edition 2022) and The Fertility Book - Your definitive guide to achieving a healthy pregnancy (2021), co-authored with his wife Grace Dugdale for people trying to conceive.

Saturday 17th, 12:30pm - PCOS: Overcoming Challenges to Conception

CEO, Medical Director and Founder of the Agora
Carole is the CEO, Medical Director and founder of the Agora, the largest fertility centre in Sussex. A Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist and renowned fertility expert, Carole is a leading advocate for inclusive, patient-centric fertility care in the UK dedicated to ensuring that individuals from all backgrounds, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, health, or financial status, have equal access to fertility services and receive the very best emotional support combined with medical expertise throughout their parenting journey. Beyond the clinic, Carole is a highly respected researcher and lecturer, sharing her expertise in reproductive medicine and clinical leadership both nationally and internationally. She established the first UK program to help those living with HIV have children safely and is an authority on the provision of inclusive fertility care to those from the LBGTQIA+ community. She is a Trustee of the charity Donor Conception Network UK and a founding member and Trustee of Fertility Access UK, a charity that campaigns for justice and equality in the UK delivery of NHS funded fertility care.

Saturday 17th, 10:30am - LGBTQ+ Pathways to Parenthood

Director of the UR Hospital
Dr. Francisco Anaya Blanes is experienced in the field of Gynecology and Obstetrics. Francisco is a Director of the UR Hospital La Vega, Murcia & Gynecologist of the Reproduction Unit of Clinica Vistahermosa. As a Medical Doctor, he graduated from the University of Valencia with a specialist degree in Gynecology and Obstetrics (MIR) at the Hospital Clínico de Granada and a Master's degree in Breast Pathology and Senology from the Autonomous University of Barcelona.

Saturday 17th, 2:30pm - Egg & Embryo Donation: What to Expect

Sunday 18th, 1:30pm - Genetic Testing & Fertility: What You Should Know

Consultant Urologist
Jonathan Ramsay is a Consultant Urologist, who practices in London, exclusively in the field of male fertility. Formerly appointed at Hammersmith Hospital (Imperial College Healthcare) and Chelsea & Westminster Hospital, he maintains links with Imperial as an HFEA Licence Holder. Currently, he advises male patients referred from the Lister Fertility Clinic in London (2500 cycles of treatment per year) and at the Agora Clinic in Brighton. Consulting practice involves patients from all over the country, and so Jonathan has great insight into nationwide fertility services and practice. He has set-up the first advanced one-stop male fertility diagnostic centre, aimed at the investigation and treatment especially for couples who have unexplained infertility, and who have failed IVF and ICSI cycles. This practice gives considerable insight into patients increasing awareness that the male factor is not surprisingly 50% of the problem, and that therefore men need treatment, not merely more cycles of IVF and ICSI. Most recent publications include a review of worldwide practice in varicocele, both relevance and treatment, and about the possible significance of the ‘genital tract microbiome’

Sunday 18th, 12:30pm - Male Fertility and New Concepts & Treatments

Consultant Gynaecologist and Subspecialist in Reproductive Medicine and Medical Director at Lister Fertility Clinic
Mr. Rehan Salim is a Consultant Gynaecologist and Subspecialist in Reproductive Medicine and Medical Director at Lister Fertility Clinic at The Portland Hospital. With a wonderful career across leading fertility clinics in the UK and internationally, he brings a wealth of expertise to his patients. After completing his medical training at St Andrew’s University and King’s College London, Mr. Salim pursued subspecialty training in reproductive medicine at University College London Hospital (UCLH). He later became a Consultant at UCLH, where he led the Reproductive Medicine clinic and played a key role in developing the NHS IVF service. Now, he has built a thriving private fertility practice at The Portland Hospital. Mr. Salim has extensive experience in IVF and takes a highly personalised approach to treatment, tailoring protocols to optimise success rates. He has a particular interest in supporting patients who have experienced previous unsuccessful fertility treatments or are considered poor responders to IVF. Alongside his expertise in assisted conception, Mr. Salim is highly skilled in reproductive surgery. He specialises in minimally invasive procedures, including laparoscopic and hysteroscopic surgery for conditions such as endometriosis, ensuring the best possible outcomes for his patients.

Sunday 18th, 3.30pm: Understanding IVF Cycles: What Every Cycle Can Teach You

CEO of Enhanced Fertility, Nurse Consultant and Researcher
Andreia Trigo RN BSc MSc is the CEO of Enhanced Fertility. Andreia is also an experienced nurse consultant, researcher, and chairwoman of the European Fertility Society Care Awards, having presented research at national and international conferences on the topic of reproductive health and digital health. Andreia is the recipient of numerous awards, including the British Fertility Nurse prize 2022 and 2024 by the British Fertility Society, Women in Innovation by InnovateUK and King’s College London Distinguished Alumni 2024 for Business and Entrepreneurship. Andreia has a Purple Plaque at Florence Nightingale School of Nursing for her work in fertility. At Enhanced Fertility, Andreia has been helping people be diagnosed faster, using at-home testing and digital platforms that use artificial intelligence to deliver personalised recommendations.

Saturday 17th, 4:30pm -
Fertility Testing and Diagnosis

Obstetrics & Gynaecology Surgeon Dunya IVF
Dr. Alper is an Obstetrics & Gynaecology Surgeon with IVF Specialist certification. He joined Dunya IVF in 2019. Previously he was part of the Koc University Hospital in Istanbul Turkey.He received his IVF Specialist certification from the American Hospital in Istanbul. He attended faculty of Medicine in Dokuz Eylul University School of Medicine in Izmir and completed Ob&Gyn Residency in Marmara University Hospital in Istanbul. He was granted a fellowship from ESGO at Klinikum Frankfurt Höhcst, Germany with Prof Volker Mobüs in 2013 and at UZ Leuven, Belgium with Prof Ignace Vergote in 2014. He graduated from the University of London and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Clinical Studies Master Program between 2019-2022 He has good command of English.

Saturday 17th, 2:30pm: Egg & Embryo Donation: What to Expect

Sunday 18th, 11:30am - Does Age Matter? How to Maximise Your Chances of Success

Reproductive Biologist and Nutrition Scientist
Grace Dugdale is a reproductive biologist and nutrition scientist with a background in molecular biology and genetics and an interest in environmental influences on reproductive health. Her current research focusses on modifiable factors affecting male and female fertility and integrated approaches to assessing reproductive health in men and women. Grace also runs a fertility and preconception service at The Nuffield Leeds Hospital, is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology, the founder of Balance Fertility and the co-author of ‘The Fertility Book: Your Definitive Guide to Achieving a Healthy Pregnancy’ along with her husband, Adam Balen. She also devised a fertility and preconception course for fertility patients at the IVF unit at Leeds NHS Teaching Hospitals Trust to encourage men and women to improve their preconception health, which is now available online. Grace is an accomplished science communicator and public speaker who has made numerous TV, radio and festival appearances including for the BBC, Sky News, LBC Radio, Latitude Festival, Festival No6 and Salon London, and is a regular contributor to media articles on fertility and reproductive health including for The Daily Mail, The Daily Telegraph, Marie Claire, Red Magazine and The Stylist Magazine. As a founding member of the Fertility Education Initiative, she works to promote good-quality education in sex, relationships and fertility, as well as gender equality and healthy attitudes towards sex and reproduction in young people. She is also a member of The All-Party Parliamentary Group for Sexual and Reproductive Health.

Saturday 17th, 11:30am - Fertility and Preconception Care: What Additional Tests are Worth Doing and What's the Evidence

Lab Co-Director at Newlife IVF
Chrysa Karakosta, BSc, MSc Clinical Embryologist, Lab co-Director & International Patient Manager Chrysa is the Lab co-Director at Newlife IVF clinic and the International Patient Manager. She studied Applied Biology (BSc) at Kingston University, UK. She has two postgraduate titles: MSc Human Reproductive Biology from the Imperial College of London and a Diploma and Certificate in Clinical Embryology from the Association of Clinical Embryologists (ACE) Training Committee and the Institute of Biology (IOB), UK. She specialized in IVF and ICSI at King’s College Hospital, London. She periodically visited the Bridge IVF Clinic, Lagos Nigeria to organize and supervise the laboratory set up. She worked as Senior Clinical Embryologist in large IVF Centers in Thessaloniki. She is a certified Senior Clinical Embryologist by ESHRE. She is a member of the Pan-Hellenic Society of Clinical Embryologists (PEKE), ESHRE, and ALPHA Scientists in Reproductive Medicine. She was also board member of PEKE.

Saturday 17th, 11.30am - Going Abroad for Fertility Treatment: Is It Right for You?

Expert in Fertility Treatment in Europe
Emma Haslam has become the go-to expert in fertility treatment in Europe. Following the birth of her son Emma set up Your IVF abroad – the UK’s only independent reproductive agency that does not take commission from clinics and is run by Emma. Emma has become the expert that the Haslam’s needed and did not exist. Aiming to change the narrative, Emma is an advocate, speaker, campaigner, podcaster and writer for the infertility community and on donor conception. Emma is able to do all of this as she has lived it. Emma is all about putting you in control, helping you to make informed impartial decisions and give you the best chance of growing your family, with no regrets and she is on a mission to make fertility testing and treatment more transparent, affordable, accessible, safe and supported. Putting you back in control of your journey with infertility. Emma writes a regular blog and has a podcast ‘Your IVF abroad’. Emma has featured as a guest on lots of podcasts and blogs she is an fertility treatment abroad guest expert on two infertility platforms as well as appearing in the national and international press. Emma lives with husband Adam and son Albie. During her downtime she enjoys walks in the Yorkshire Dales, family holidays and cooking.

Sunday 18th, 11:30am - Treatment Abroad: Key Considerations Before You Go

Head Doctor at Reprofit
Graduated from the Faculty of Medicine of Masaryk University, dedicated to oncogynecology and oncogynecological surgery, now focuses mainly on the problem of reproductive ageing of women. Head doctor of Reprofit Brno (The Czech Republic). Scientific Secretary of the Section of the Assisted Reproduction Committee​ in the Czech Republic

Sunday 18th, 11:30am - Treatment Abroad: Key Considerations Before You Go

Gynaecologist Specialised in Reproductive Medicine and Coordinator of the International Department at Vida Medicina Reproductiva
Julia Ramos Vidal, PhD, earned her degree in Medicine from the University of Seville. Inspired by her father, the renowned gynecologist Dr. Luis Ramos, she specialised in Gynecology and Obstetrics following her internship at the Virgen del Rocío Maternity Hospital. Dr. Ramos Vidal has been dedicated to the field of Reproductive Medicine since 2004, surrounded by a talented team of professionals. Her academic achievements include a Master's Degree in Human Reproduction from Rey Juan Carlos University, Madrid, in 2018, and her role as Master Tutor in Human Reproduction at Rey Juan Carlos University at IVI Seville. She has delivered multiple lectures and presentations on Assisted Reproduction, authored several publications and medical books on the subject, and has made significant contributions to advancing knowledge in the field. Since 2012, she has been actively promoting engagement on social networks related to Assisted Reproduction, aiming to disseminate current scientific issues and foster collaboration among professionals in the specialty. Her professional journey includes a year as a gynecologist at Repromed, a clinic specialising in Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) in Dublin, Ireland. Since 2022, she has been part of Vida Medicina Reproductiva, a group of clinics part of Recoletas Salud, where she currently serves as the coordinator of the International Department while also attending to her national patients.

Sunday 18th, 11:30am - Treatment Abroad: Key Considerations Before You Go

Founder & CEO of The Ribbon Box
Eloise is a donor sperm IVF mother of five. Following a male infertility diagnosis and five cycles of fertility treatment, Eloise founded The Ribbon Box (formerly known as Fertility Help Hub) back in 2019, to help support others and create the community that she and her husband wished they had along the way. Today, The Ribbon Box is a fast-growing, global media platform, helping connect people with the expert information, community, and reassurance they're looking for during their wellbeing, fertility, and family-building journeys, as well as getting fantastic brands and businesses noticed far and wide. After undertaking two more IVF cycles in 2023, she has recently welcomed her second set of twins, recently born in April this year. She lives in Berkshire with her husband, five children and two spaniels.

Follow @fertility.theribbonbox

Website – www.theribbbonbox.com (subscribe to our weekly newsletter to be in the know)

Sunday 18th, 2.30pm: Sperm Donation: All You Need To Know

Author and Adventure Activist
Jessica Hepburn is an award-winning author and adventure activist who has become one of the UK’s leading voices on fertility and family, as well as endurance sport (even though she is the most unlikely athlete and doesn’t have children!). She is the first woman in the world to achieve the Sea, Street, Summit Challenge - swim the English Channel, run the London Marathon and summit Mount Everest - and has become a pioneer in inspiring people to live big and bravely when life doesn’t go to plan, and championing the benefits of going on adventures to improve your physical and mental health. She is the author of three books exploring her fertility adventures - The Pursuit of Motherhood / 21 Miles and her brand new book out March 2024 Save Me from the Waves. - www.jessicahepburn.com

Sunday 18th, 3:30pm - The Emotional Side of IVF: Coping With The Ups & Downs

Consultant Gynaecologist and Subspecialist in Reproductive Medicine and Surgery at Guy’s Hospital
Dr Julia Kopeika is a Consultant Gynaecologist and Subspecialist in Reproductive Medicine and Surgery, and the Clinical Lead of the Assisted Conception Unit at Guy’s Hospital. She also leads one of the UK’s largest fertility preservation services, supporting patients seeking both medical and non-medical fertility preservation. Known for combining empathy with scientific rigour, Dr Kopeika provides holistic, evidence-based care focused on treatments that truly benefit patients. She is also actively involved in education and research, particularly in the field of reproductive medicine.

Saturday 17th, 3:30pm - Fertility Treatment Plans: What to Consider and What the Add-Ons Really Mean

UK’s leading expert in fertility law
Natalie is one of the UK’s leading experts in fertility law, leading specialist law firm NGA Law and non-profit surrogacy agency Brilliant Beginnings together with Helen Prosser. A same-sex parent to two grown-up children herself, she is passionate about making change. She has helped create nearly two thousand families through surrogacy in the UK and overseas and represented the parents in the UK’s first international surrogacy case in 2008. One of the first voices to campaign for surrogacy law reform, she and her team have been involved in most of the court decisions which have shaped UK surrogacy law, and been instrumental in winning positive legal changes including maternity leave for surrogacy in 2015 and equalrights for single parents through surrogacy in 2019. Natalie has been quoted in the Houses of Parliament and invited to meet the Prime Minister. She is also a regular voice on the BBC and in the national and international media.

Saturday 17th, 3:30pm -  Surrogacy Explained: Legal Clinical & Emotional Considerations

Obstetrician Gynecologist Victory Reproductive Care
Dr. Rahi Victory is a Canadian trained obstetrician gynecologist with an American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology subspecialty in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. Dr. Victory is renowned for his compassionate, individualized patient plans and approach to care. His extensive experience combined with an avante-garde approach have placed Victory Reproductive Care at the forefront of fertility treatments and success including third party fertility services. Dr. Victory is passionate about making sure every experience is an exceptional one and to that end he meets with every client, every egg donor and every surrogate, himself. Our principles are science, technology, communication and compassion. Dr. Victory’s only goal is your success and satisfaction.

Saturday 17th, 3:30pm - Understanding Endometriosis & Adenomyosis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Sunday 18th, 1:30pm - Genetic Testing & Fertility: What You Should Know

Sunday 18th, 2:30pm - Support Networks: Finding Your Fertility Community

Reproductive Medicine and Fertility at Acıbadem Healthcare Group
Bülent Tıraş, MD is a leading specialist in the field of reproductive medicine and infertility in Türkiye, with more than 30 years of experience. Completing his medical training at Ankara University Faculty of Medicine, following a residency in gynecology and obstetrics at Ege University Medicine Faculty, he has focused on reproductive medicine and infertility. Professor Bülent Tıraş furthered his expertise with the training and courses he received in prestigious centers around the world which include the University of London and Hammersmith Hospital in the UK, Assaf Harofeh Medical Center in Israel, and Johns Hopkins University in the USA. In 2011, Dr. Tıraş joined Acıbadem, assuming the role of Head of the Reproductive Medicine and Infertility Department at Acıbadem Healthcare Group. Currently, Professor Bülent Tıraş addressing infertility issues and performing assisted reproductive procedures at Acıbadem Maslak Hospital where carries out about 6000 IVF cycles per year. Dr. Tıraş and his team offer an extensive spectrum of services to couples ranging from IVF, insemination, ICSI, testicular sperm extraction, embryo freezing, and preimplantation genetic diagnosis to other innovative practices like PRP and exosome.

Saturday 17th, 11.30am: Going Abroad for Fertility Treatment: Is It Right for You?

International Business Development Director at Cryos
Saghar Kasiri has been responsible for establishing Cryos’ first Egg Bank in Europe. She is a Healthcare professional with an Executive MBA with distinction from Cass Business School, with a background in Clinical Embryology and Fetal Medicine. Besides the background in healthcare, Saghar has a track record of combining medical and scientific knowledge with commercial expertise having managed departments in both the NHS and private sectors.

Saturday 17th, 10:30am - Understanding Egg & Sperm Freezing: The Options, Benefits, and Considerations

Specialist Fertility Counsellor
Tracey Sainsbury is a specialist fertility counsellor with over 20 years experience supporting people trying to conceive, donors and surrogates too. Tracey works with several clinics and has a private practice www.fertilitycounselling.co.uk

Saturday 17th, 4:30pm - Emotional Wellbeing & Resilience During Fertility Treatment

Knackered Knackers & Transformational Coach
Having been diagnosed with Azoospermia in 2018, Shaun experienced not just the heartache of infertility, but the shame and secrecy attached to being an infertile man. Shaun found himself navigating this trauma alone, with no conversation or support networks in place for men at the time he needed it. Now the proud father to twins conceived via the use of donor sperm, Shaun shares his story via Instagram (@Knackered_Knackers) to provide that voice that he so desperately needed when experiencing infertility. To further expand the support he can provide other men, Shaun trained as a Transformational Coach. Using the tools and strategies of coaching, as well as his personal lived experience, Shaun helps men navigate the emotion, pain and confusion of a fertility struggle – something that permeates into every aspect of life.

Sunday 18th, 2:30pm -
Sperm Donation: All You Need To Know

Gynaecologist specialising in Fertility and Assisted Reproduction at Clinica Tambre
Dr. Abraham Zavala is a gynaecologist specialising in fertility and assisted reproduction. He is currently a member of the medical staff at Clinica Tambre, where he is dedicated to helping women and couples achieve their dream of having a baby. He has a degree in Medicine from Universidad Anáhuac de Mérida (Mexico) and completed an externship at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital in Oakland, California (USA). He later specialised in Gynaecology and Obstetrics at the Hospital Ángeles del Pedregal in Mexico City and obtained recognition of his speciality at the Hospital Universitario San Juan de Alicante (Spain). Further advancing his expertise, Dr. Zavala also completed a Master's Degree in Medicine and Genetics of Assisted Human Reproduction at the Universidad de Elche, in collaboration with the Hospital Vistahermosa (Alicante) and La Vega Hospital (Murcia). Additionally, he holds an Official Master's Degree in Medical Research Methodology from Universidad Internacional de La Rioja. With extensive experience in reproductive medicine, Dr. Zavala specialises in treating patients with fertility challenges, including complex cases such as recurrent miscarriage and implantation failure. Dr. Zavala is known for his compassionate and professional approach, earning the trust of patients both nationally and internationally. His dedication to personalised care and his ability to treat complex cases make him a highly respected specialist in the field of reproductive medicine.

Saturday 17th, 1.30pm: Navigating Fertility Over 40: Your Options and Next Steps

Renowned Fertility Specialist & Medical Director at Avenues
Dr. Ali Al Chami is a renowned fertility specialist and the leading clinician in the UK for surrogacy, known for his expertise in complex fertility cases, including patients with high BMI, genetic screening, and investigating why previous IVF cycles failed  through a thorough IVF failure analysis. As the Medical Director at Avenues, the world’s only fertility clinic to integrate AI-driven technologies throughout the journey, he is pioneering a new era of precision fertility care.  Dr. Al Chami joined Avenues from CRGH, bringing extensive experience in gestational surrogacy, embryo selection, and cycle optimization. His expertise has made him the trusted physician for My Surrogacy Journey founders and TwoDadsUK, where he provides in-depth guidance on surrogacy options in the UK and internationally, covering medical protocols, and emotional support for intended parents.  With a holistic approach to fertility care, Dr. Al Chami specializes in helping patients with high BMI navigate IVF successfully, ensuring they receive the best possible care without unnecessary barriers. He is also a leading expert in genetic screening, utilizing advanced techniques to improve embryo selection and reduce the risk of inherited conditions.  A key aspect of Dr. Al Chami’s work is analyzing failed IVF cycles to uncover underlying causes and refine future treatment strategies. By learning from previous cycles, he optimizes protocols to significantly enhance success rates for subsequent attempts at a personal level. As a pioneer in AI-driven reproductive medicine, Dr. Al Chami is transforming fertility care by combining industry-defining technology, precision diagnostics, and compassionate support. His expertise ensures that every patient, regardless of their unique challenges, receives the highest standard of fertility treatment, maximizing their chances of a successful pregnancy.

Saturday 17th, 1:30pm: The Future of Fertility: Advances on the Horizon

Consultant Embryologist, Founder of Avenues, Global Leader in Fertility and AI*
Dr. Cristina Hickman is a renowned expert in fertility and artificial intelligence (AI), pioneering advancements in reproductive healthcare. With over 25 years of experience as a clinical embryologist, lab director, and an academic researcher, Dr. Hickman has helped thousands of couples have a healthy live birth, built 13 IVF clinics worldwide, consulted with more than 250 clinics in more than 20 countries, and co-developed, validated and brought to market through regulatory approval innovative robotics and AI-driven solutions to enhance IVF accessibility, convenience, and success rates. As the founder of Avenues, the world’s first fully digitalised, EMR-free, AI-integrated reproductive care clinic, she is transforming the fertility landscape by combining industry-leading technology with personalized patient care. Dr. Hickman is also a prominent figure in the global fertility community, serving as the previous Science representative in the British Fertility Society and the current Chair of the World AI Fertility Society and the ASRM Special Interest Group for AI in Fertility, where she helps shape the future of fertility standards.  Amongst Dr.Hickman's many publications, she co-authored the first paper developing time-lapse algorithms for embryo selection and many industry-defining papers on the use of AI in IVF. Driven by a passion for breaking barriers in reproductive health, Dr. Hickman is at the forefront of innovation, working to improve fertility treatments with expertise, compassion, and cutting-edge technology.

Sunday 18th, 12.30pm - The Science of Embryo Selection: What Increases IVF Success?

Fertility Consultant and Researcher specialising in Unexplained Infertility and Recurrent Pregnancy Loss at FERTILYSIS
Dr. Venieratos, PhD is a fertility consultant and researcher specializing in unexplained infertility and recurrent pregnancy loss with an active experience spanning 15 years. His passion lies in assisting couples worldwide, particularly those facing challenging fertility issues, to fulfill their dreams of building a family. He is the Scientific Director and Co-Founder of FERTILYSIS, an innovative medical company focused on diagnosing and treating unexplained infertility through advanced services in Microbiome analysis, Reproductive Immunology, and Genetics.

Saturday 17th, 4.30pm: Fertility Testing and Diagnosis

International Fertility Support Coach at UR Vista Hermosa
Ema Locker has over 22+ years of experience working directly with fertility patients in a clinical setting, plus have personal IVF experience. Her role as a coach focuses on related IVF treatment support at Vistahermosa with key support as your designated key person for the whole journey. She knows how to help you focus on stress reduction associated with IVF treatment elements; the organisation and early planning whilst being in the preparation phase; answer all your questions (however small as they are important to ask so you feel confident and help you not to worry); explain timescales etc. Additionally she can talk through Mind/Body techniques so that you can feel as positive as possible.

Saturday 17th, 11.30am - Going Abroad for Fertility Treatment: Is It Right for You?

PACT Senior Social Worker
Heather Liveston is a PACT Senior Social Worker, EDEI (equality, diversity, equality and inclusion) group member and LGBTQ+ Champion. In her role, she works closely with the LGBTQ+ adoption and fostering support organisation, New Family Social, to promote LGBTQ+ awareness and best practice. Heather has years of experience supporting children and families throughout the adoption journey.  She is passionate about helping children find safe, loving homes and in guiding prospective adopters through the process while offering compassionate support and expert advice.

Saturday 17th, 1.30pm: Pathways to Parenthood: A Guide to Adoption

Senior Women’s Health Nurse
Kate Pleace is a dedicated and compassionate senior women’s health nurse with over 17 years of expertise in fertility, premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), and menopause care. With a career that spans both clinical and academic settings, Kate has become a trusted voice in women’s health, blending her hands-on experience with a deep commitment to education and advocacy. A nurse lecturer and lifelong learner, Kate holds a Master’s degree in Reproductive Medicine and is currently pursuing a part-time PhD with the Centre for Reproduction Research at De Montfort University. Her doctoral research delves into the lived experiences of women with premature menopause, a topic she is passionate about amplifying in both medical and public conversations. Known for her enthusiastic and empathetic approach, Kate is on a mission to empower patients and healthcare professionals alike by sharing her extensive knowledge, fostering understanding, and raising awareness around menopause and reproductive health. Her dedication to making a difference continues to inspire and inform those she serves.

Saturday 17th, 2:30pm: Premature Ovarian Insufficiency: Future Innovations

Chair of the British Infertility Counselling Association (BICA)
Angela is Chair of the British Infertility Counselling Association (BICA), counsellor representative for British Fertility Society (BFS), a Trustee at The Fertility Alliance and has specialised in fertility counselling with both individuals and couples within the NHS and private practice since 2004. Angela has written and spoken about the emotional impact of infertility and has co-authored BICA Guidelines for Good Practice in Fertility Counselling 4th Ed. 2019 and Counselling in Surrogacy in UK Licensed Centres (2021). Her recent research and writing have focused on Covid-19’s impact on UK counselling provision and patients’ experiences, The emotional, physical and psychological impact of infertility in the workplace and Counselling challenges associated with donor conception and surrogacy. Angela is driven to improve professional standards in fertility counselling; the psychological support, provision and accessibility of information and fair treatment for patients.

Saturday 17th, 12:30pm - Navigating Baby Loss & Mental Health Support

Laboratory & Quality Director, Data Protection Officer at Herts & Essex
Lucy’s career began with an illustrious First Class degree in Anatomy and Developmental Biology from University College London in 2003, receiving the highest degree mark for that year. She won a BBSRC studentship to study for her PhD in Embryology at The University of Cambridge’s Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, where she investigated the origins of embryonic axis formation. One of her discoveries resulted in several scientific papers and presentations at national and international medical conferences. She continued her clinical embryology training at a large central London clinic after which she moved to a privately run clinic in Kent before joining the Herts & Essex team as a Clinical Embryologist in 2013. In 2018 she was promoted to the position of Laboratory Director. In addition to her responsibilities within the laboratory, in December 2023, Lucy also took on the role of the Quality Director and Data Protection Officer following the restructuring of the Senior Management Team. Lucy is a Clinical Scientist registered with the Health and Care Professions Council and has been instrumental in training Embryologists via the ACE Certificate and more recently by acting as an assessor for the National School of Healthcare Science Scientific Training Programme. She has overseen Embryologists' successful applications for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council via The Association of Clinical Scientists and regularly volunteers as a scientific advisor for the charity Chana.

Saturday 17th, 10:30am: Understanding Egg & Sperm Freezing: The Options, Benefits, and Considerations

Adoptive Mum, Author, Advocate & Campaigner
Notafictionalmum is passionate about opening up much needed, topical conversations. These include honest, truthful insights about infertility and the world of treatment and the UK care system by way of sharing her own teenage experience of foster care and later becoming a mother by way of adoption. Notafictionalmum writes to ensure no mother is left behind and difficult conversations are hacked away at in hope of a more open and aware society. Notafictionalmum survived years of trying to become pregnant both naturally and via treatment. She has lived the pain of longing and the joy of forever since becoming a mum through the power of adoption in 2019. NFM aims to reperesnt the many for whom treament doesn't work and share how love really can make a family.

Instagram Handle: @notafictionalmum

Sunday 18th, 12:30pm - Adoption & Fostering: Alternative Paths to Building Your Family

Donor Conceived Adult and Mum Through Sperm Donation  & Head of Operations at Paths to Parenthub
Hayley King is an advocate and educator for donor conceived families and the Head of Operations at Paths to Parenthub, an online support platform for parents building their families through donor conception. As a donor conceived adult and mum of twins in an LGBTQ+ family, she brings a unique and balanced perspective to the complexities of donor conception. Through her work, Hayley provides information, resources, and a supportive community for all those navigating this journey.

Saturday 17th, 10:30am - LGBTQ+ Pathways to Parenthood

Award-winning Podcaster, Writer and Influencer
Kreena Dhiman is an award-winning Podcaster, Writer and Influencer committed to changing the narrative when it comes to routes to Motherhood particularly within the South Asian community. Once told she was infertile and unable to carry a pregnancy, Kreena is now a proud Mum to four wonderful children thanks to the gifts of surrogacy and egg donation. She has a daughter aged four who shares her genetics, and triplet sons aged 2 conceived using donor conception. Kreena is an Indian woman who shattered many glass ceilings and stigmas to achieve her dream of becoming a Mother.

Saturday 17th, 3:30pm - Surrogacy Explained: Legal Clinical & Emotional Considerations

Fertility Support Expert
Anya has over fifteen years of experience within the Fertility sector including seven overseeing patient support at the London Women’s clinic Harley Street and previously headed up the “Fertility in the workplace” initiative for the Fertility Network UK She is often in the media as a champion for the patient perspective on facing Infertility and is currently busy lobbying MPs and speaking in Parliament regarding Fair provision of IVF for all. She is also a local councillor for Hoxton East and Shoreditch, and Deputy speaker for Hackney. Anya is also is a mum of two children, which she had via IVF, plus has one adopted son also.

Saturday 17th, 1:30pm - Pathways to Parenthood: A Guide to Adoption

The Male Fertility PT & The Male Fertility Podcast
12 years ago, I was diagnosed with male factor infertility. I was diagnosed late as the consultant had failed to test me during routine testing for my wife who we knew had PCOS. My diagnosed was a shock and apart from the standard advice e.g., change your diet, avoid alcohol and warm showers I was given no support. This caused quite a significant breakdown over 2-3 years. During this 2-3 year period my wife and I experience a miscarriage and several failed ICSI cycles. All this resulted in me being depressed and suicidal, because I felt I was the cause of what we were experiencing. With the love and support of my wife I was able to engage in counselling, which saved my life. Once I started to feel better mentally, I turned my attention to my lifestyle. I realised that I was the only one that could help me, so I used my Sports Studies degree and love for exercise to create a programme to try and improve my health to optimise my fertility. After 18 month of hard work and sticking to the plan my wife fell pregnant with my son Sebastian. He was born in 2016. After a short period, we decided we wanted to try for another child. I adjusted the programme I had followed previously slightly and reimplemented it. In 2020 my daughter Enya was born, once again through ICSI treatment. But this time a lot quicker and less heartache. Now I help other men facing infertility, physically as The Male Fertility PT and mentally through The Male Fertility Podcast.

Saturday 17th, 12.30pm - Navigating Baby Loss & Mental Health Support

Sophie Sulehria is a presenter, podcaster and host for The Fertility Show. She is also a fertility patient and has documented her experience for the BBC, and across various platforms and articles. Sophie is proud to be hosting the Let’s all Talk Fertility Stage again this year, joined by our wonderful ambassadors and patient advocates. Sophie says; “it’s the real life experiences from our wonderful TTC community that will make you feel less alone, and more empowered. I urge you to attend these conversations and absorb their wisdom.”

Jessica Hepburn is an award-winning author and adventure activist who has become one of the UK’s leading voices on fertility and family, as well as endurance sport (even though she is the most unlikely athlete and doesn’t have children!). She is the first woman in the world to achieve the Sea, Street, Summit Challenge - swim the English Channel, run the London Marathon and summit Mount Everest - and has become a pioneer in inspiring people to live big and bravely when life doesn’t go to plan, and championing the benefits of going on adventures to improve your physical and mental health. She is the author of three books exploring her fertility adventures - The Pursuit of Motherhood / 21 Miles and her brand new book out March 2024 Save Me from the Waves. - www.jessicahepburn.com

Seetal Savla (@SavlaFaire) is freelance writer and fertility patient advocate. Having experienced multiple failed IVFs and losses before becoming mum to a daughter, she is passionate about sharing her story to support others on a similar journey and reduce the stigma surrounding fertility issues in South Asian communities.

Anya has over fifteen years of experience within the Fertility sector including seven overseeing patient support at the London Women’s clinic Harley Street and previously headed up the “Fertility in the workplace” initiative for the Fertility Network UK She is often in the media as a champion for the patient perspective on facing Infertility and is currently busy lobbying MPs and speaking in Parliament regarding Fair provision of IVF for all. She is also a local councillor for Hoxton East and Shoreditch, and Deputy speaker for Hackney. Anya is also is a mum of two children, which she had via IVF, plus has one adopted son also.