Welcome to APDO Conference 2026
The Organisers' Conference
12 & 13 March 2026
Manchester Hall, 36 Bridge Street, Manchester, M3 3BT
Over two energising days, we’ll come together as a community to learn, grow, share expertise, and elevate the work we do across the UK and beyond. Whether you’re just starting out or have been organising for years, this conference is built with you, your business, and your professional journey at its heart.
Day One is dedicated to big ideas and big inspiration. You’ll hear from speakers who will challenge, motivate, and energise you for the year ahead.
On Day Two, it’s all about your specialisms. You’ll get hands-on insight from experts, followed by focused small-group sessions where you can swap tips, compare approaches, and learn how other organisers work in your chosen area.
It’s designed to be practical, personal, and packed with value.
This year we have scheduled in more time to network, chat, and share experiences. We’ve built in longer breaks so you can properly connect with each other. Expect plenty of space to mingle, meet new people, and deepen those all-important relationships.
Day Two takes this even further with focussed networking groups. It’s your chance to really “talk organising,” swap real-world insights, and pick up new techniques from fellow professionals.
More time together. More learning from each other. More value for you.
Conference Sessions
Here’s a flavour of the topics that will be covered at this year's conference:
- More than just stuff: the psychology behind overconsumption and the pull of Temu & Shein (Speaker: Cassandra Jay)
- Beyond the grief paperwork: understanding when traditional organising methods aren't enough for sorting the admin (Speaker: Emma Gray)
- How to stand out so clients come to you, and what to do with them when they do (Speaker: Heather Tingle)
- Declutter your website: make space for dream clients (Speaker: Jonathan Tilley)
- From invisible to in-demand: business (sales and marketing) made easy with AI tools (Speaker: Julie Stevens)
- The impact of hoarding on family and community (Speaker: Maria Spetalnik)
- How to support clients with neurodivergent traits throughout the client journey (Rebecca Batstone)
More content and a full schedule will be added in the weeks to come.
Timings
Thursday 12th March: 09:00 - 17:00
Friday 13th March: 09:00 - 16:30
Tickets
There are a number of ticket options available:
Early Bird:
Our Early Bird tickets are exclusive to APDO Members and Associates only and are available until 8th December 2025
- 2 day early bird ticket - £345
- 1 day early bird ticket - £190
Standard Member Ticket Prices:
- 2 day member ticket - £375
- 1 day member ticket - £240
Standard Non-Member Ticket Prices:
- 2 day ticket - £480
- 1 day ticket - £310
Conference tickets are available until Monday 9th March 2026 (subject to availability)
Socials
Conference dinner
We’re hosting an optional evening meal on Thursday 12th March - details of the venue will be released in the coming weeks. It’s a relaxed chance to unwind, share stories from the day, and enjoy good food in great company. We’d love to have you with us. Tickets are £35 and can be purchased along with your conference ticket.
The Conference Buddy Programme
2022 was the first time we offered a Conference Buddy programme, designed for those who have never been to conference or just wanted someone to buddy up with. It was a great success and is a service we are offering again this year.
Are you possibly nervous about coming to conference on your own or not knowing anyone and would like a friendly face to connect with when you get here? Let us know on the booking form if you'd like a Conference Buddy and we'll be in touch with more details. You may be buddied up with either a new member or an experienced organiser.
Please note: this is a separate programme to the buddy programme APDO runs for members.
Delegates should be 18 years or over. All ticket prices are inclusive of 20% VAT.
If you have any specific requirements to make your time at conference more comfortable, please contact the Conference team - [email protected] - before purchasing your tickets to ensure that we can facilitate your request sufficiently.
Members of the following organisations will also qualify for APDO Membership Ticket Rates: ANPOP, AOPE, FFPO, FAPO, ICD, JALO, KAPO, NAPO, NBPO, CALO, APOI and POC. APDO Volunteers will also be entitled to a discounted ticket.
Cancellation Policy: Tickets cancelled by 12th February 2026 will be refunded less a £40 admin fee (inclusive of 20% VAT). Refunds are not available after that date. Tickets can be transferred up to 26th February 2026, but member tickets cannot be transferred to non-members.
APDO reserves the right to change details regarding the conference programme if necessary. Please read the Terms and Conditions and FAQs before booking.
We look forward to seeing you!