BOOKINGS CLOSED!
25 & 26 February 2026, Manchester
We are looking forward to bringing UKiCon26 to the vibrant city of Manchester on 25 & 26 February 2026, in partnership with Marketing Manchester.
This flagship event will bring together over 350 travel trade professionals from all corners of the UK and across all sectors for two days of networking opportunities, seminars and workshops, one-to-one business meetings and engaging discussions on the critical issues facing the industry. Celebrate the achievements of the inbound tourism industry at the Awards for Excellence Gala Dinner, and discover the very best of Manchester’s tourism offer on a series of familiarisation visits.
Join us to:
- Meet and connect with new industry contacts and strengthen existing relationships
- Generate new business through a major B2B workshop with one-to-one scheduled appointments
- Hear the latest insights and trends from industry experts
- Be inspired to take your business and personal growth to the next level with our keynote session
- Share experiences and ideas with like-minded travel trade professionals
- Celebrate the successes of our industry at the Awards for Excellence Gala Dinner
- Discover the very best tourism product in the Greater Manchester region through a range of fam trips and plan your itineraries for 2026 and beyond.
RATES
Buyer first delegate: £370* + VAT
Buyer additional delegates: £285* + VAT
Supplier first delegate: £740* + VAT
Supplier additional delegates: £555* + VAT
*Prices include an optional £5 donation to Menu For Change Greater Manchester – a partnership project between Open Kitchen, Marketing Manchester and the Greater Manchester Green Spaces Fund to support access to dignified, more secure, healthier and more sustainable food for local communities across Greater Manchester.
Tickets include access to the full Convention programme, meals and refreshments, transfers between venues and fam trips. Accommodation can be booked separately and we are pleased to have negotiated preferential rates at a number of partner hotels.
We are delighted that Avanti West Coast is offering discounted fares to and from Manchester for delegates. Tickets will be available to book from December, and details on how to book can be found in the Key Information Pack.
PROGRAMME*
Wednesday 25 February 2026
Emirates Old Trafford Cricket Ground
10:00 Delegate Registration & Refreshments
11:00 Welcome from UKinbound & Victoria Braddock, Managing Director, Marketing Manchester
11:30 VisitBritain’s Strategic Role in Driving Demand and Growth: Patricia Yates, CEO
12:00 Keynote Address – Karen Blackett CBE
12:45 Lunch
13:30 Afternoon Plenary Session – AI in Tourism: Theory, Legal & Ethical Considerations, and Practical Applications
- Joshua Ryan-Saha, Director of Tourism, University of Edinburgh
- Thomas Chartres Moore, Partner, Stephens Scown LLP
- Christian Watts, Founder & CEO, Magpie Travel
14:30 Inbound Tourism Prospects & Trends: David Edwards, Scattered Clouds
15:10 Refreshment Break
15:30 Buyer & Supplier Breakout Sessions
- Buyer Workshop: Destination Workshop for buyers & local supplier fair
- Supplier Workshop
- Commercialising the Connection Opportunity: Danni Rush, CEO, Virgin Experience Days
- Discussion Panel: Smart Tourism: Technology that Improves Operations, Experience and Growth – Maddie Crust, Headout; Martin Harlow, Prioticket; Xavier Valle, Tour Partner Group, John Boulding, Vox Group (Moderator)
17:00 Free Time
19:00 Informal Networking Evening, Albert Hall
22:00 End
Thursday 26 February 2026
Emirates Old Trafford Cricket Ground
08:30 UKinbound Business Leaders’ Forum (By Invitation Only)
09:00 B2B Workshop Registration & Refreshments
09:50 B2B Workshop Welcome Presentations
10:00 B2B Workshop
10:00 Market Seminar:
- GCC & India Market Seminar: Gary Robson, VisitBritain (10:00-10:45)
- Set Jet – Capturing Audiences with Screen Tourism in 2026: Seren Welch, Tourism Consultant (10:45-11:30)
11:30 Refreshment Break
11:50 B2B Workshop Continued
13:00 Buffet Lunch
14:00 B2B Workshop Continued
14:00 Market Seminar:
- GCC & India Market Seminar: Gary Robson, VisitBritain (14:00-14:45)
- Set Jet – Capturing Audiences with Screen Tourism in 2026: Seren Welch, Tourism Consultant (14:45-15:30)
15:30 Refreshment Break
15:50 B2B Workshop Continued
16:45 Free Time
18:30 Coach transfers to Gala Dinner
19:00 Awards for Excellence Drinks Reception
19:30 Awards for Excellence Gala Dinner, Kimpton Clocktower Hotel
23:30 End & Coach transfers to Conference Hotels
23:30 After Party at BOX 125 – All Welcome (Kindly hosted by TravelBeat & Virgin Experience Days)
*Timings subject to change
FAM TRIPS
Marketing Manchester are offering a range of fam trips for delegates to discover the very best of the region.
One-night buyers fam trip (Friday 27 – Saturday 28 February)
Experience the vibrant city of Manchester and its bookable product. From world-class cultural attractions, iconic sporting venues and dynamic neighbourhoods, this itinerary will highlight Manchester’s unique blend of heritage and innovation, and leave a lasting impression of the city’s appeal and readiness to welcome inbound visitors.
Two-night buyers fam trip (Friday 27 – Sunday 1 March)
Discover the best of Greater Manchester. Showcasing the region’s vibrant culture, world-class attractions and diverse accommodation options, this fam trip will incorporate history and heritage alongside cutting-edge venues and thriving food, music and sport scenes.
Half-day fam trip (Friday 27 February)
Open to all delegates, this two-hour fam trip will feature a guided walking tour of Manchester.
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Amplify your presence and grow your brand awareness with our exciting range of sponsorship opportunities designed to help you connect with connect with an engaged audience. Whether it’s directly addressing delegates or a visually impactful branding takeover, we have opportunities to suit all business types and budgets.
View the sponsorship pack here >>
WHAT PREVIOUS ATTENDEES SAID:
“The Annual Convention is a highlight of the year. It’s an ideal setting to forge meaningful connections with new and existing partners and foster future business growth.
“A fantastic one-stop opportunity to be in the room with an astounding amount of business contacts, sharing industry updates and trading products and ideas.”
“We have attended the UKinbound Convention multiple times now. They are superbly organised with a relevant agenda of speakers, interactive discussions, B2B meetings and exceptionally organised networking events. The atmosphere is incredibly welcoming and should be a benchmark for similar events.”
“An incredible experience…I left feeling inspired and more informed, with new insights and contacts that will undoubtedly enrich my role.”
Image & video credit: Marketing Manchester
