Where and when is the event taking place?

The Festival of Learning is taking place at the Eastside Rooms in Birmingham.

The event is on Tuesday 29 April with pre-event activities starting on Monday 28 April. Go to Schedule for full details.

Is there a theme?

The theme this year is Connect, Collaborate, and Challenge.

How can I register?

Registration is open follow the link above to book online now.

Is registration open to non-members?

Yes, we welcome both members and non-members from the association events industry. Go to Prices for information on the different tickets.

What is included with registration?

Registration includes access to the full schedule of sessions on 29 April and optional sessions and eligible activities on 28 April. This includes refreshments and meals taking place during scheduled events.  

Is there a discounted hotel rate?

Yes, we have secured a special group rate at Aloft Birmingham Eastside for £125.00 per night. Book your group rate for ABPCO Festival of Learning. Please note the last day to book at this rate is Monday, 31 March, 2025.

Is the event accessible for people with disabilities and neuro inclusivity?

We consulted some of our expert ABPCO members and The Eastside Rooms to identify and implement steps we could do throughout the process to ensure it was accessible and inclusive for anyone who wanted to join.  

The venue meets our accessibility requirements and can be adapted as needed; this includes:

• Step-free access and wide aisles ensure easy navigation.
• Clear, visible signage is placed throughout the venue for easy navigation.
• A calming, neutral colour palette is used throughout the venue to create a soothing environment.
• A dedicated Prayer room will be available.
• Quiet spaces will be available.
• Accommodation is attached to the venue.
• Accessible rooms and parking are available on request.
• Single-person and gender-neutral bathrooms are available, on request.
• Assisted listening devices are available on request.
• If you need to make a request or tell us how we can support please include this when you register. 
• The Eastside Rooms Virtual venue tours are available to help you familiarise yourself with the space.

We will cater to different dietary needs. If you have any restrictions or specific needs that we need to be aware of please include this when you register.

If you’d like a summary of the steps we’ve taken get in touch.  

Will there be an Event App?

Yes, this is something that we’re working on with support from our tech sponsor Cvent. This will be available by mid April, so you have time to access before the event.

If there are any questions that we haven’t answered for you please contact heatherlishman@abpco.org

Become a sponsor

This annual gathering attracts industry leaders, association professionals, and key decision-makers, offering a unique platform to enhance your brand's visibility, engage with influential stakeholders, and contribute to the future of professional conferences and events. 

To discuss future sponsorship opportunities email heatherlishman@abpco.org.

Be part of our Event Innovation Hub

New this year, the Event Innovation Hub will be an interactive showcase space designed to spotlight cutting edge advancements in the sector and groundbreaking ideas, products or services that could transform the way events professionals work.

The showcase will take place during the networking supper on Monday 28th April. Each exhibitor will have the opportunity to do a 2-minute elevator pitch and host a stand for the evening. 

The deadline to get involved has past, but to express your interest for future events. 

Monday 28th April

14.30 – Afternoon tea at The Belfry Hotel

The Belfry Hotel welcomes PCOs attendees to afternoon tea and a tour. This event is open to PCOs only, and transportation will be provided from The Belfry Hotel to the Eastside Rooms, but you will have to make your own way there.

18.30-19:00 – ABPCO First Timers Pre-Meet

We encourage first-time attendees to join the pre-meet where you can meet other newcomers as well as some of our ABPCO veterans.

From 19:00 – Networking Supper and Event Innovation Hub

This session blends networking and food & drink with an exploration of innovative; and groundbreaking ideas, products and services through the Event Innovation Hub. Drinks and food will be provided by the Eastside Rooms. We will have a presentation by Caroline Windsor of Meeting Needs.

Tuesday 29th April

7:40 - Morning Run

Join us for a friendly, 'chatty pace' 5k starting from Aloft Birmingham Eastside. Sign up for the run now.

09.30 – Welcome and opening

10.00 – Keynote: State of the industry

The first session of the day will explore current trends and challenges in the events industry.

Chair: Samantha Shamkh and panelists Nicola Williams, Seren Events, Rick Stainton, The Power of Events, Robert Wright, Davies Tanner, Sandra Sagar, MIA, and Stephanie Mynett, West Midlands Growth Company.

10:40 – “Out of the Box” Creative Thinking

This interactive session highlights the importance of innovative thinking for personal and professional development. It will encourage you to think creatively and embrace rapid idea generation for business growth.

Facilitator: Robert Dunsmore

11:15 – Break

11:45 - Tackling the Talent Crisis

The recruitment and retention crisis is one of the most significant challenges facing the events and hospitality industry today. Hear from a range of experts who will share their strategies, techniques and solutions.

Chair: Gemma Savage, ICC Wales and panelists: Pauline Beattie, Candice Kass, Maia Breedon, Laura Kelly and Joanna Goodey.

12:25 – Best Practice quick fire session 1

The first of our PCO-led quick-fire sessions providing practical insights into specific topics will include:

• ISO 20121 Sustainable Event Management – Jessica Penney & David Murray, BSI
• Fostering Professional Growth and Community Engagement – Catherine Lawson Outsourced Events
• Building Our Sustainable Society (BOSS) Programme: Fostering Inclusive Collaboration – Nicole Leida, MCI UK

13:00 – Lunch and Networking

14:00 – Afternoon Energiser

Sarah Hunt, Conference Wellness Expert, is delivering a short energiser and breathing session to help you get ready for the afternoon. 

14:10 – Making Events More Neuro-Inclusive

We will explore why neuro-inclusivity is so important and highlight practical steps for implementation following the launch of the Neuro-Inclusion in Events Checklist developed in partnership with EICC, Welcome Brain and ABPCO.  This interactive session will challenge you to identify actionable changes you can take back to your work to create more neuro-inclusive events.

Speakers: Gayle McGuinn, EICC and Andy Williamson, Welcome Brain

14:40 – Best Practice quick fire session 2

Our next quick-fire sessions will feature:

• Circular steps, carbon savings: How the circular economy hotspot 2024 cut carbon and boosted sustainability – Beth Hanson, Conference Care and Charlotte Homa, Freshwater
• The Essential Role of Teams in Event Legacy Success – Caroline Mackenzie, the Hip Preservation Society
• Transforming the Exhibition Floor into a Sponsorship Powerhouse – Zackary Puttock, Association of Anaesthetists
• Championing a culture of Inclusivity and Wellbeing - Kaylie Hodges, NASUWT The Teachers' Union

15:25 – Break

15:45 - How To Forge Ahead: A Lived Experience Mental Health Playbook

This impactful final session will share strategies for overcoming mental health struggles, navigating imposter syndrome and thriving in professional settings. Nick will share real-world techniques drawn from his experiences to help you create your own “mental health playbook” to reference in challenging moments.

Keynote Speaker: Nick Elston

16:25 – Closing Remarks

Prices

Please find a list of tickets for this event below.

Delegate Terms and Conditions

Delegate Terms and Conditions

Cancellation or postponement of event

In the unlikely circumstance that ABPCO has to cancel the event, we will refund the full cost of any pre-paid registration fees. ABPCO shall not be liable for reimbursing the cost of travel or accommodation arrangements booked by those attending an ABPCO event.

In the event of a postponement, all tickets will automatically be valid for the new date, or transferable to someone else in the same ticket pricing bracket. Refunds will be available if you are unable to make the new event date.

ABPCO reserve the right to change the event venue within 10 miles of the advertised venue.

Cancellation of attendance at an event

Please let us know if you cannot attend an ABPCO event as soon as possible by emailing heatherlishman@abpco.org      

Where a fee has been charged, you will be reimbursed as follows:

• For cancellations on or prior to 28 March 2024, a 50% refund will be given.
• For cancellations received on or between 28 March 2024 and 28 April 2024, no refund will be given, but name substitutions can be made at any time.

To cancel a booking email heatherlishman@abpco.org     

Name changes

Tickets are transferable: it will be possible to amend the name on your ticket to a colleague within the same ticket pricing bracket at any time.

To arrange for a name change contact heatherlishman@abpco.org   

Payments and payment methods

From 19 April 2024 onwards, only credit card payments will be accepted for new bookings.  If we have not received payment to cover the total cost of all bookings under your contact details on or before 19 April 2024, we reserve the right to refuse entry to the event.

Force Majeure

For the purposes of these terms and conditions, "force majeure" means any cause beyond our reasonable control including, but not limited to, war, acts of terrorism, governmental requirements, acts of local or central government or other competent authorities, acts of God and industrial disputes.

We will not be liable to you for failure to perform any obligation under these terms and conditions or in relation to your booking to the extent that the failure is caused by force majeure.

Conditions of attendance

You must comply with instructions and directions given by staff, ABPCO and stewards and agents of the venue (where relevant) and any applicable policies and procedures of which you are notified.

We reserve the right to refuse access to, or remove any delegate from any ABPCO event who, in our reasonable opinion has, or is likely to affect the experience of the other delegates, in our reasonable opinion is acting under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or who uses threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour or who behaves in a manner which may cause a breach of the peace.

ABPCO is dedicated to creating and maintaining a positive event experience where everyone is treated with dignity, courtesy and respect.

Any discriminatory language and imagery are not appropriate at any ABPCO event, including in presentation material. Violation of these rules could result in exclusion from the event without a refund.

ABPCO are committed to and actively encourage diversity and promote inclusion and accessibility at our events. 

We value the participation of each individual and want everybody to have an enjoyable and fulfilling experience. All communication and behaviour should therefore be appropriate for a professional audience.

By attending an ABPCO event, you’re agreeing to respect and be kind to everybody, regardless of their gender, race, religion, age, sexual orientation, disability, or any other aspect of what they look like, where they come from or who they are.

For further information and our full code of conduct please visit our website here.