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Early Bird registrations are now open for the 2026 Institute of Economic Development (iED) Annual Conference and Awards Dinner, bringing together experts from the industry’s community for a full day of insight, discussion and networking.
Taking place at BMA House, London, on Wednesday 18th November, the Annual Conference – themed ‘Delivering Good Growth’ – is open to both iED members and non-members and will once again act as a trusted forum to explore the trends, challenges and opportunities shaping the sector. Through keynote speakers, expert-led sessions and focused discussion, delegates can expect deep dives into critical issues facing places, economies and communities across the UK, alongside practical insight and valuable CPD opportunities for professionals at all levels.
A long-standing fixture in the economic development calendar, the conference also offers exceptional networking opportunities with peers from across the public, private, charity and academic sectors, bringing together over 160 decision-makers. Furthermore, it will act as a launchpad for the iED’s 2026 Delivering Good Growth report – a year-long project bringing together case studies, insights and anecdotal evidence from across the economic development community.
Speakers confirmed for the conference so far include iED Chair, Tom Stannard; iED patron, Bloomberg and for BBC economics journalist, Stephanie Flanders; John Till, CEO of Thinkingplace and Paul Lawrence, Chief Executive of Edinburgh City Council. Details on additional speaker sessions, panel discussions and interactive workshops – will be announced in coming weeks.
Click here for the conference and awards booking portal.
Now in its fourth year, the iED’s Awards Dinner also returns as a celebration of excellence and achievement in economic development, across nine individual, team and organisational categories. They include Leader of the Year, Most Innovative Project of the Year, and the Outstanding Contribution to Economic Development category, which last year was posthumously awarded to former Chief Executive of Manchester City Council, Sir Howard Bernstein.
To enter the awards, individuals and teams must complete a simple online entry form by 31st July. Both self-nominations and nominations of others are welcome, as are entries from both members and non-members of the iED. The Awards will take place at BMA House following the conference.
Tom Stannard, Chair of the iED, said: “At a time of funding uncertainty, the pressures created by Local Government Reorganisation and wider economic headwinds, the iED Annual Conference has never been more valuable as a space for insight, debate and practical exchange. It will give attendees the opportunity to gain practical insight, hear fresh perspectives and take away ideas they can apply in their own places and organisations to support the delivery of good growth.
“Last year’s event sold out, and with discounted tickets available until 30th June, we would encourage members and non-members alike to secure their place early.”
A range of sponsorship packages for the conference have now been launched, offering organisations direct influence in front of an engaged audience. Options include Headline Partner, Associate Partner and Exhibition Partner, as well as Awards Headline Partner and Awards Category Partner for the Awards.
ENDS
