ALBUM Conference 2026
Join us at the ALBUM Conference in May 2026, proudly hosted by Blackpool Transport.
Itinerary
Monday 11 May
Arrival
10:00 – 16:00
Golf Event at Heron’s Reach Golf Course
10:00
Trade stand setup
18:00
NEW! Blackpool Extravaganza – An evening of entertainment, including the Conference Welcome
Tuesday 12 May
Conference Day One
07:00
Trade stand setup
10:00
Registration and Exhibition Time
11:40
Welcome to conference with Jane Cole OBE and host Dave Guest
12:00
Keynote Speaker: Steve Norris
12:30
Reaction to Keynote Speaker – panel discussion with Steve Norris, Robert Williams, CEO Reading Buses and Alison Edwards, Director of Policy and External Relations at CPT
13:15
Lunch and Exhibition Time
14:15
Chris Cheek – reflections on the 30th anniversary of the UK Bus Awards, alongside presenting his latest research for CPT on the impact of congestion on bus passengers
15:00
David Joshua and Graham Moore – Using AI Is Not Optional: Your Competitors Have Already Started
15:45
Refreshments and Exhibition Time
16:15
Stelios Rodoulis, Head of Bus Centre of Excellence – highlighting new skill sets and resources from the Bus Centre of Excellence for operators and local authorities
16:45
Alex Perry, ALBUM Policy Advisor – Conference Day One Round Up
18:15
Gala Dinner – transport departs to the Gala Dinner and Drinks Reception at The Winter Gardens
Wednesday 13 May
Conference Day Two
09:30
Registration and Exhibition Time
10:30
Welcome to Conference Day 2
11:00
Jane Cole OBE and Bev Holden – the bus industry from a people perspective
11:45
Alison Edwards, Director of Policy and External Relations at CPT, Keeping Customers and Staff Safe Throughout Their Journey: Tackling anti-social behaviour (ASB) and violence against women and girls (VAWG)
12:30
Lunch and Exhibition Time
13:30
Kerri Cheek, Senior Bus Safety Development Manager, will share insights from Transport for London
14:15
John Furzeland, Head of Traffic Commissioner Policy
15:00
Conference Day Two Round Up
15:15
Refreshments and Exhibition Time
15:30
ALBUM AGM
16:15
Town Hall Event:
Interactive and thought-provoking Q&A with industry experts discussing the hot topics of the day!
Chaired by Jane Cole OBE, James Spencer (Managing Director, Portland Fuels), James Backhouse (Director, Backhouse Jones), Chris Cheek (Consultant) and Graham Vidler (CEO, CPT), will give their opinions on key industry challenges such as the impact of the Iranian war on fuel prices and supply, ensuring compliance with disability law, the affordability of the capital costs of ZEB and the key variables that affect the future of franchises.
Submit your question to [email protected] before 17th April 2026
17:15
Conference Close
Hotel Bookings
All rooms at The Village Hotel and at the Hampton by Hilton Hotel are now sold out.
If you have booked at The Village Hotel and need to make any changes to your room bookings or for cancellations, please contact the hotel directly. All bedroom bookings are non-refundable or transferable, and full payment is required at the time of booking.
Conference Theme and Features
Embracing Change: Make shifts in policy and market expectations work for you.
This year’s conference theme is intended share relevant insights on recent changes in legislation, the medium term future for buses, and how we must be looking to meet evolving market expectations.
Alongside great speakers and discussions, the conference aims to bring suppliers and operators together in a cooperative way to support the collective growth of our industry.
For conference regulars, evening social events will be a fond memory of many previous conferences and Blackpool intends to be no different. We have made changes to the traditional format this year, with the Gala Dinner taking place on Day one of the event to allow for greater participation, as well as increasing the opportunity for attendance with some changes to the conference start and finish times.
Conference Packages and Costs
All conference packages for operator and supplier delegates must be booked on this website.
| ALBUM Member | Non-ALBUM Member | |
| Two Day Conference Delegate Rate
Includes entry to the conference day programme. Entertainment and hotel costs are extra. |
£320 | £360 |
| One Day Conference Delegate Rate
Includes entry to the conference day programme. Entertainment and hotel costs are extra. |
£190 | £210 |
| Golf
11th May 2026 at Heron’s Reach Golf Course
|
£75 | £75 |
| Monday Evening Welcome Event
Join us on Monday evening as we kick-off the 2026 ALBUM Conference with a fun evening of entertainment at our Blackpool Extravaganza. |
£60 | £60 |
| Tuesday Evening Gala Dinner
A ticket to include a fabulous 3 course evening meal and entertainment on Tuesday evening at the Gala Dinner. |
£90 | £90 |
All prices exclude VAT and booking fees where applicable.
Information for Suppliers
ALBUM is greatly appreciative of our industry suppliers who attend and exhibit at the conference, along with the sponsorship support provided annually at each conference.
Trade Stands
If you’re a supplier to the industry and wish to exhibit at the conference, you can book a trade stand and any accompanying delegates on this website. Click below for more information.
Sponsorship
A range of sponsorship opportunities are available to elevate your presence and conference visibility.
