#Facilitate2026 Conference: Designing Space, Time and Collaboration - Shaping Impact

Overview

#Facilitate2026 is an opportunity for facilitators to gather, share, learn and develop our skills and practice. We’re in a new venue in central Birmingham, as with more than 130 facilitators attending in 2025, we have outgrown the one we have used for the last 3 years,  

Everything you need to know is explained below, including the conference details, ticketing information, how to submit a workshop session proposal and how to join the incredible team of volunteers that make this wonderful event possible.

About this event

Facilitation happens in meetings, workshops, conferences, and events, in addition it happens in youth work, community engagement and schools.

As facilitators we are always supporting others to grow and change. This conference is a space for your own development. A chance to meet others you can learn from, look at different tools and techniques to improve your skills, and to grow your business.

Everyone interested in facilitation is welcome, whether you are brand new to this work or have been doing it for years, whether you work in-house or externally and whether you facilitate some or all of the time.

What to expect in 2026

Over the two days, you’ll find hands-on workshops, short talks, and loads of opportunities to meet and chat with other people. There’s always plenty of colourful stationery, to play with and the much-loved raffle. 

This year, we’re mixing things up with the introduction of an optional evening meal at the venue.  We will be running a fun night of activities or if you prefer you can just relax and get to know everyone a little better after a busy day of workshops.

We want to create a space to get curious, explore, question, challenge, and most importantly learn and develop.

Currently we are shaping up the agenda with all our workshop hosts and speakers

The theme this year is Designing Space, Time and Collaboration - Shaping Impact

Registrations, fees & discounts

We will have a number of ticket pricing options available:

Early bird tickets for 2 days and 1 day tickets, 2 day, 1 day, and Corporate tickets*

ALL tickets include lunch and tea/coffee/refreshments and snacks

*Corporate Tickets.: We aim to keep this conference accessible to the widest range of facilitators possible and so we offer tickets to those working for SMEs, charities and the self employed at low rates. The corporate rate is designed for participants employed by larger organisations that are funding their attendance.

IAF Members discount: If you are an IAF member you can get 20% discount on any standard ticket PLUS an additional 15% on an early bird ticket. You have been emailed a promo code to be applied at checkout. If you haven’t received it email conference@iaf-ew.co.uk.

If you interested in joining the IAF, details can be found here iaf-members.org/site/join before you book (and then get your claim your discount!)

Financial Support: For those experiencing financial difficulty at this time we are offering a pay what you can approach. Please note there are a very limited number of pay what you can places, so please only use this option if you are unable to cover the full cost of the ticket price. If you are unsure please contact us at conference@iaf-ew.co.uk.

If you are able to pay full price for your ticket you can also make a donation at the time of purchase, to support those less able to do so.

Tickets must be purchased by Wednesday 8th April 2026 to confirm numbers and make final payment to the venue. 

New options this year: 

Optional Friday evening event. This time we are swapping our usual arrangement of organising many restaurant bookings to a more unified experience,  we are bringing a more together feel by having an optional evening sit down meal at the venue as part of an evening event. (Ticket sold separately) More info below.

Optional Pre-booked accommodation We have secured a number of discounted rooms (through the venue) at a nearby hotel accommodation just 2 mins walk from the venue. These rooms are bookable directly when you purchase your ticket, but are only available up to 11th March 2026. Click Here to view the hotel , not to book it as we will do that for you). The rooms are studio apartments. 

Other hotels at a range of prices are available close to the venue, bookable directly at the usual online websites.

Amendments and cancellations:

If you cancel your registration before midnight on 16th March, we will provide you with a full refund, less fees incurred.

Cancellations after this time will not be refunded, but you may transfer your ticket to another named person by informing us of their details OR we may be able to defer your ticket to the 2027 conference. Please contact conference@iaf-ew.co.uk

Please note that we also reserve the right to cancel with no less than 8 days’ notice, without liability for any consequential or indirect loss. In this case, we will let you know by email and refund all tickets in full, less any associated fees.

Introducing our Friday Evening Facilitator Feast and Flow

One of the clearest pieces of feedback from previous conferences was this: people loved the chance to eat together in the evening. Those shared meals sparked some of the most meaningful conversations of the whole event.

At the same time, we heard the challenge. With a large group, evenings can quickly become fragmented. Dining in many different locations. It is easy to miss the chance to connect with the people you were hoping to spend time with, or to continue conversations that began during the day.

So this year, for the first time ever, we are doing something a little different.

On the Friday evening, we are hosting a dedicated evening meal and event, transforming our venue into what we are affectionately calling a Facilitators’ Feast. A relaxed, welcoming space designed for connection, conversation, and choice.

You can expect a delicious three-course meal, served in the venue itself, alongside the freedom to move around, mingle, and reconnect with fellow facilitators. Before and after dinner, the space opens up. Those who would like to opt into light, playful activities in the main room can do so, while others may prefer cosy, quieter conversations in the atrium area. There is no pressure to do everything. You choose how the evening unfolds for you.

We have intentionally built in a generous break between the end of the conference day and the evening event. This gives you time to return to your accommodation, freshen up, and take a breath while we transform the space ready for the evening.

Many people told us they loved the idea of a residential experience but could not quite make that commitment. This evening event is our halfway point. A way to enjoy the feeling of staying connected, without needing to opt into a full residential format.

We are also really pleased to say that we have secured a great deal, meaning the full evening meal and event is just £30.

If you have already bought your conference ticket, you can simply head back to Ticket Tailor and add the evening meal as a separate ticket. Quite a few have already done so, and we wanted to share a bit more clarity about what the evening actually involves.

If you value deeper conversations, unhurried connection, and the chance to carry on the discussions that matter most to you, we would love you to join us at the Facilitators’ Feast.