| 09:00 | | Registration and Coffee |
| 10:00 | UKCMA Patron:
Philip Kolvin, QC | WELCOME |
| 10:15 | Panellists:
Brian Dubiski | Figen Murray | Ken Johnson
Co-chairs:
Anne Marie Chebib, UKCMA Chair | Eric Stuart, UKCMA Fellow | Keynote PanelOur 2026 conference will open with a defining panel for the industry. We are deeply honoured to welcome three parents who have dedicated themselves to campaigning for safer crowds and venues worldwide after the loss of a child on event sites. |
| 11:45 | | BREAK |
| 12:15 | Ian Baird, Brighton & Hove Council | Ben Crabb, SERCO Resilience | Tom Devine, TMS Protect (Chair) | James Fitzgerald | Helen Thackeray, LAEOG | The Role of Local Authorities and SAGs in the Events Industry
This panel explores how councils and Safety Advisory Groups (SAGs) should work with event organisers to ensure safe, compliant, and successful events. Through practical insights and real-world examples, the discussion will highlight good practice in collaboration, regulation, and risk management, and examine how early engagement can streamline planning and improve outcomes. |
| 13:00 | Linev Systems UK | Meet the Supplier |
| 13:10 | | LUNCH |
| 14:15 | Prof. Aoife Hunt, University of Greenwich (Chair) | Cathy Long, Aposto | Lloyd Major, Halo Solutions | Nic Wilson, DTN | Martha Harrison, Calico | Sensors, Screens, and Seamless Experiences: How Smart Tech is Redefining the Event Journey
This panel explores how cutting-edge technologies are transforming every touchpoint of live events. From crowd flow and safety monitoring to immersive screens and personalised attendee experiences, this panel examines how data-driven, connected solutions are shaping smarter, more engaging, and safer events. |
| 15:20 | Anne Marie Chebib, Select Security | Eric Stuart, Gentian Events | Russ Philips, Island Site Protective | Prepared, Not Scared: A Practical Guide to Martyn’s Law Readiness
An interactive panel to help everyone understand what Martyn’s Law means in practice. Drawing on scenarios provided by the audience, speakers will explore proportionate security planning, risk assessment, and preparedness strategies empowering organisers to meet their responsibilities with confidence, not fear. |
| 16:20 | Crowdguard | Meet the Supplier |
| 16:30 | | BREAK |
| 17:05 | Gary Simpson, Legends Global (Chair) | Tim Chambers, Legends Global | Stuart Doyle, Stadium Safety Officer | Wembley Stadium | Mike Chalmers, Sport and live events operations professional
| From Kick-off to Curtain Call: Maximising Events in Modern Venues
The panellists will explore how today’s venues are evolving, with multi-purpose usage and the challenges this presents. The discussion will examine how operators and organisers can unlock new opportunities, balance sporting and non-sporting events, and optimise infrastructure, technology, and operations to deliver memorable and safe experiences at every stage of the event calendar. |
| 17:50 | Controlled Events | Meet the Supplier |
| 18:00 | | Setting the Scene for Day Two |
| 18:10 | | The Safety Cup – Pub Quiz |
| 19:10 | | Conference Social and Food |
| 21:00 | | CLOSE |
