Aberdeen’s Ultimate Masterclass Festival (UMF) has unveiled the first two speakers for its 2026 programme, welcoming internationally acclaimed psychologist Dr Julie Smith and entrepreneur-broadcaster Jamie Laing to the city.
Delivered by Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce and supported by headline sponsor Boskalis Subsea Services, the 2026 festival will once again bring globally recognised voices to Aberdeen, combining inspiration, insight, and high-profile live events that drive footfall into the city centre.
The first announcement sees Dr Julie Smith, one of the world’s most influential mental health educators, confirmed for An Evening with Dr Julie — a special, one-night-only dinner event at The Chester Hotel on March 18th.
With more than 10 million followers worldwide and two international bestselling books to her name, Dr Julie has helped millions better understand anxiety, burnout, confidence, and emotional wellbeing.
The intimate dinner will pair exceptional dining with an open, thought-provoking conversation exploring the pressures of modern life — from imposter syndrome and stress to motivation and emotional overload — alongside a live audience Q&A.
The second confirmed speaker is Jamie Laing, who will take to the stage at Aberdeen Music Hall on May 14th.
In a candid live interview, Jamie will share the personal stories behind his journey from national television personality and entrepreneur to author of Boys Don’t Cry: The A-Z of Everything We Need to Talk About.
The event will explore themes of vulnerability, resilience, redefining success, and navigating mental health, identity, and relationships in the modern world — delivered with Jamie’s trademark humour and honesty.
UMF host Ryan Crighton said the first announcements set the tone for the year ahead.
He said: “The Ultimate Masterclass Festival has always existed to bring meaningful conversations to Aberdeen - the kind that challenge thinking, inspire confidence, and reflect what people are actually dealing with in their lives and careers.
“To announce Dr Julie and Jamie Laing as our first two speakers for 2026 is incredibly exciting. Both are global voices in their own right, and both speak with honesty about pressure, performance, resilience and mental health — topics that resonate deeply with audiences here.
“With Boskalis Subsea Services supporting the festival, we’re building a programme that not only inspires individuals, but continues to play a role in supporting the vitality of our city centre.”
The Ultimate Masterclass Festival has become a flagship event for Aberdeen, attracting sell-out audiences and high-profile speakers from across sport, business, media and culture. Previous editions have welcomed Sir Chris Hoy, Louis Theroux, Davina McCall, James Corden, Grace Beverley and Jamie Genevieve, with more than 6,000 people attending the 2025 series alone.
Tickets for Jamie Laing and Dr Julie can be purchased at umf.events. Further speakers for UMF 2026 will be announced in the coming months.