Click here to view the programme for Wednesday 11 November
Monday 9 November 2026
- From 5pm-8pm, registration will be open - beat the morning queues and pick up your badge early
- From 6.30pm, welcome drinks reception, Hall 8, The ICC, sponsored by AoC Recruitment
Come and say hello on your arrival to Birmingham and meet other conference attendees in an informal setting before the conference opening.
Tuesday 10 November 2026
Hall 3 and Hall 3 foyer
Registration and exhibition open
Refreshments available, registration sponsored by NCFE
Visit the college suppliers to discuss your individual needs
Hall 1
Welcome by the conference chair
Sameena Ali-Khan, ITV News Presenter
Opening address
David Hughes CBE, Chief Executive, Association of Colleges
In conversation: Enrichment, opportunity and improving outcomes for young people
Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon MBE, CEO, Stemettes and Department for Education’s Enrichment Ambassador for Life and Future Skills
Baroness Sue Campbell DBE, Chair, England Netball and Department for Education’s Enrichment Ambassador for Sport and Physical Activities
More speakers to be announced shortly
Hall 3 and Hall 3 foyer
Exhibition and refreshments
Visit the college suppliers to discuss your individual needs
Various halls
Breakout session - Strand one
To view the full breakout session listings, please click here
Hall 3 and Hall 3 foyer
Lunch and exhibition
Visit the college suppliers to discuss your individual needs
Networking lunch for Equity Exchange colleagues - Hall 1 foyer level 5
A chance for colleagues involved in the AoC Equity Exchange and Inclusive Futures programmes 2026 to chat and network. By invitation only
The College Collective Associate Experts’ networking lunch - Hall 3 triangle (outside Hall 3)
By invitation only
Various halls
Breakout session - Strand two
To view the full breakout session listings, please click here
Hall 3 and Hall 3 foyer
Exhibition and refreshments
Visit the college suppliers to discuss your individual needs
Hall 1
Chair’s welcome back
Sameena Ali-Khan, ITV News Presenter
Announcement of the 2026/27 Beacon award finalists
Dr Shaid Mahmood MBE, Chair, Association of Colleges and Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Durham University
Announcement of the Good for me Good for FE 2026 awards
David Hughes CBE, Chief Executive, Association of Colleges
Dr Sam Parrett CBE DL, CEO and Principal, London South East Colleges
Ready for work? Ready for progression? Who decides and who delivers?
A panel session with Pearson, speakers to be announced shortly
The stories we share: Belonging, identity and building stronger communities
David Olusoga OBE, historian, writer, broadcaster, and Professor of Public History, University of Manchester
Hall 1
AoC Annual General Meeting
Open to AoC members only
Hall 3
Drinks reception
Open to all conference attendees and exhibitors
Hall 4
AoC awards dinner
Announcement of the winners of the AoC Student of the Year awards 2026
See the awards dinner page for seating plan details.
Open to ticket holders only