Programme 2026

Headline Sponsors

Registration & Breakfast

08.30 - 09.30

Kick off the day with a warm welcome over a delicious breakfast. Fresh coffee, tea, juice, and light morning bites will be waiting for you as you check in and pick up your badge. It’s the perfect time to meet new faces, reconnect with colleagues, and ease into the day.

Our team will be nearby to help with registration and answer any questions so you feel right at home. Don’t forget to swing by our exhibitors, they'll be ready to greet you and share exciting innovations to explore throughout the day.

Chair Welcome

09.30 - 10.00

Chloe is a Fellow Safety & Health Practitioner, immediate past chair of the IOSH Sports Grounds and Events Group committee and accredited IOSH trainer with a pragmatic approach.

After graduating in psychology, Chloe began her career in events working with some the largest UK exhibition organisers, gaining operational experience both in the UK and overseas. Drawing on both her academic expertise and over 15 years industry experience, Chloe completed a Masters in Behaviour Change with a focus on event contractor work behaviour during build-up and breakdown. With a passion for driving best practice within the ever changing events industry, Chloe recently undertook an advanced diploma in counter terrorism risk management. Ultimately, Chloe aims to implement initiatives to make the events industry a healthier, safer, securer and happier place for all.

Keen promote the industry as a career of choice, Chloe has recently become a schools Ambassador for the Power of Events introducing career’s in the events industry.

Jason Anker

10.00 - 11.00

Jason Anker, born in 1979, is a motivational speaker and behavioral safety expert known for his powerful storytelling and impactful messages. After being paralyzed from the waist down in 1993 due to an avoidable accident on a construction site, he has dedicated his life to sharing his story and advocating for health and safety in the workplace. Anker's talks, which include his famous "5 seconds" talk and "It's Not About the Fall, It's About the Bounce," cover his mental health crisis and recovery, as well as the importance of personal well-being in workplace decisions.

He has worked with major companies to improve health and safety practices and has become a leading figure in the field of safety culture, human error, and resilience. Anker's journey from paralysis to a successful speaker and consultant is a testament to his resilience and commitment to making a positive impact on safety and well-being in the workplace.

Mock Trial - Session 1

11.00- 12.00

Synopsis to follow

Well-being side of Standards

12.00- 12.45

Kylie Peavoy is a Registered Nutritional Therapist with over 20 years’ experience working in the exhibitions industry as both an organiser, venue and supplier. Combining her understanding of the realities of event life onsite and pre-show, with her expertise in nutrition and wellbeing, she is passionate about helping busy professionals protect their energy, health and resilience with realistic strategies that actually work in the real world.

Lunch & Networking

12.45 - 13.45

Take a well-deserved midday pause and join us for a relaxed lunch. Enjoy a tasty variety of dishes thoughtfully prepared to suit different preferences, with plenty of options to keep you fuelled for the afternoon ahead. Lunch is more than just a meal—it’s a chance to share stories, swap ideas, and connect in a casual, welcoming setting. Be sure to stop by our exhibitors before or after you eat; it’s a great way to discover new solutions, ask questions, and spark conversations with our sponsors that might inspire your next big idea.

ESSA Update from CEO, Andrew Harrison

13.45 - 14.00

The Solutions Room

14.00-15.00

Step into The Solutions Room—a conference favorite and one of our most engaging sessions. This interactive, participant-driven format is all about tackling real challenges with fresh ideas. Instead of listening to speakers, you’ll collaborate directly with peers in small groups to share experiences, brainstorm solutions, and spark creative thinking.

Bring a problem you’d like input on, or join a discussion to contribute your own expertise. The energy in the room is always high, and every voice has a chance to make an impact. You’ll walk away with actionable insights, new perspectives, and valuable connections that extend well beyond the session itself.

Coffee & Tea Break

15.00 - 15.15

A little pick-me-up goes a long way! During our coffee break, you’ll find freshly brewed coffee, fragrant teas, and light snacks to keep your energy flowing. Step away from the sessions, stretch your legs, and chat with fellow attendees in a relaxed setting. This is also a wonderful opportunity to visit the exhibitor area—grab your cup and explore what our sponsors are showcasing. Whether you’re curious about new tools, looking for fresh ideas, or just enjoy a friendly chat, the exhibitor booths are buzzing with energy. Recharge, connect, and get ready for what’s next.

Mock Trial - Session 2 - The Conclusion

15.15-16.15

Step into The Solutions Room—a conference favorite and one of our most engaging sessions. This interactive, participant-driven format is all about tackling real challenges with fresh ideas. Instead of listening to speakers, you’ll collaborate directly with peers in small groups to share experiences, brainstorm solutions, and spark creative thinking.

Bring a problem you’d like input on, or join a discussion to contribute your own expertise. The energy in the room is always high, and every voice has a chance to make an impact. You’ll walk away with actionable insights, new perspectives, and valuable connections that extend well beyond the session itself.

Conference Wrap up & Close

16.15 - 16.30

As the day winds down, join us for the Chair’s Wrap-Up with Chloe—a thoughtful close to the program and a chance to reflect on the theme of today, Level Up: Raising the Bar on Event Standards. Chloe will highlight the day’s key moments, celebrate the insights shared, and connect them to the opportunities ahead.

This session offers a moment to pause, look back on what we’ve accomplished together, and consider how today’s conversations will shape tomorrow’s actions. We also take a moment to express gratitude to our speakers, sponsors, and participants, .