Each year, the ICCA UK & Ireland Annual Meeting earns a reputation as one of the most energetic and innovative chapter meetings in our community. In 2026, it heads to Edinburgh from 28 to 30 January, and ICCA members worldwide are warmly invited to join.
Hosted at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC), the meeting will explore the theme “The Edinburgh Enlightenment – Embracing Evolution.” It builds on a strong tradition, history and innovation. The 2025 edition brought more than 120 association professionals together, including over 40 first time attendees and more than 30 students, with a programme that tackled inclusivity, sustainability and decarbonisation through highly interactive formats and open debate.
In 2026, that commitment to immersive learning goes even further. A keynote on AI and innovation, delivered by the Edinburgh Futures Institute, sets the tone for a conference that looks at technology not in isolation but in terms of human connection and practical application. Delegates can then explore the topic from every angle in the signature, and now renowned and highly anticipated Big Debate, where this year’s motions ask whether AI is an existential threat to the conference industry, and whether it has any place in the association meetings world at all.
The programme is packed with formats that move well beyond the traditional conference room. A Business Leads Exchange for national association bids, supplier sessions, knowledge hubs and skills seminars give delegates concrete takeaways to implement at home. Out of the Box tours take learning into the city, from social enterprise walking tours and behind the scenes venue visits to experiences that connect heritage, innovation and community impact in real time.
Equally important is the spirit of the event. The UK & Ireland conference is known for being welcoming, informal and honest. Sessions such as “The Good, The Bad and The Ugly” invite candid discussion of challenges like funding, staffing and political uncertainty. Social elements, including a Scottish themed conference dinner and “Ghillie Games” challenge night, make it easy for new and returning delegates to build meaningful peer networks.
The ICCA UK & Ireland Chapter Meeting fully reflects the values and ethos of ICCA World, by creating a collaborative learning lab for association and meetings professionals who want to test ideas, share openly and co-create the future of our industry both regionally and globally.
ICCA members from every region are invited to register, for partners, explore sponsorship opportunities: