Accommodation – Exclusive Member Rates

We have arranged discounted accommodation rates with a selection of hotels in Belfast for event attendees. Please use the relevant promo code or booking link below to access your discounted rate.

Hilton Belfast – Exclusive Member Rate

Hotel Booking:
Available Rooms – Hilton Belfast

Booking Notes:

Valid for stays on 10 and 11 December 2026.

The discount is applied automatically when booking through the link above.

Rooms are subject to availability, so we recommend booking early to avoid disappointment.

Other Member-Discounted Hotels

Clayton Hotel Belfast | Up to 15% off | Code: CONF12 

Maldron Hotel Belfast | City Up to 15% off | Code: CONF12

Second Nature Belfast | 15% off  | Code: ABPCO 

Bullitt Hotel Belfast | 10 - 15% off | Code: ABPCO2026

Moxy Belfast City | 10–15% off | Code: ADP 

How to book: For the hotels listed above, select your preferred hotel and enter the relevant promo code when prompted during booking. For Hilton Belfast, please use the dedicated booking link, where the discount will be applied automatically.

All discounted rates are subject to availability and the individual hotel's booking terms.

Best Association Events Team - sponsored by Manchester Central

• Royal College of Emergency Medicine
• Royal College of Psychiatrists
• Convenzis Group
• Universities and Colleges Information Systems Association
• Pensions UK
• MCI on behalf of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons

Best Digital & Technology Provider - sponsored by Live Recruitment 

• Rapiergroup (Motability Scheme Live: Connecting Accessible Event Experiences Through Technology)
• FFAIR
• CrowdComms & Royal College of Psychiatrists (Technology with Purpose: Delivering Better Member Experiences)
• EventsAir in collaboration with the Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiological Society of Europe (Empowering Global Medical Education Through Event Technology)
• Cvent & NASUWT - The Teachers' Union (Scaling Seamless, Inclusive Event Experiences)
• First Sight Media (Powering Participation: How First Sight Media Made NHS Ignite Possible)

Best EDI at a Conference - sponsored by the British Motor Museum 

• Seren Events (Redefining Inclusion: How Fertility 2026 Raised the Standard for Association Conferences)
• NatWest Internal Audit, Welcome Brain Consulting and Edinburgh International Conference Centre (Neuroinclusion by Design: Collaboration to create a Platinum-level neuroinclusive conference)
• Renewable UK (Global Offshore Wind 2026)

Best Event by an Agency PCO (ABPCO members only) - sponsored by Full Circle Events & Exhibitions

• Freshwater UK - Metro & Us 2026 (Exploring the future impact of the South Wales Metro)
• Abbey Conferences and Scottish Agritourism (The Global Agritourism Conference)
• Outsourced Events Limited and British Maternal & Fetal Medicine Society (BMFMS Annual Conference 2026)
• Outsourced Events and British Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy (BSGE Annual Scientific Meeting 2026)
• Redactive Events (Public Finance Live 2026)
• MCI on behalf of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (43rd ESCRS Congress 2025 - Copenhagen)

Best Event by an In-House PCO (ABPCO members only) - sponsored by P&J Live

• Alzheimer's Research UK (Alzheimer’s Research UK Research Conference 2026: delivering a flagship event through strategic planning, collaboration and meaningful impact)
• Universities and Colleges Information Systems Association (UCISA26 Leadership Summit: Creating Space to Lead, Connect and Belong)
• Association of Anaesthetists (WSM 2026: Restoring Relevance, Expanding Reach, Changing Practice)
• British Orthopaedic Association (BOC Annual Congress 2025)
• Pensions UK (Pensions UK Annual Conference 2025)
• Pensions UK (Pensions UK Local Authority Conference 2026)

Best Industry Supplier  (ABPCO members only) - sponsored by Modex 

• Barbican Centre (A Strategic Supplier for Future-Focused Association Events)
• Edinburgh International Conference Centre (Partnering with Associations to Create Lasting Impact)
• Live Recruitment
• Harrogate Convention Centre (The Partner Behind Exceptional Conference Experiences)
• Full Circle Events & Exhibitions (More Than a Supplier: A Partner to the ABPCO Community)
• GES

Best Member Engagement - sponsored by Memcom

• First Sight Media (Breaking Down Barriers to Engagement: How First Sight Media Transformed Participation at NHS Ignite Festival)
• RenewableUK (RenewableUK - NextGen Network)
• MCI on behalf of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (We Are ESCRS: A Connected 365-Day Member Experience)

Best New Conference - sponsored by the Golden Jubilee Conference Hotel 

• Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM Annual Conference 2026 - the place for Emergency Medicine)
• The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH Digital Paediatrics Conference 2025)
• NASUWT - The Teachers' Union (NASUWT Reps Summit 2026)
• Institute of Materials, Minerals & Mining (Materials, Minerals and Mining for People, Places and Planet)
• Scottish Agritourism and Abbey Conferences (The Inaugural Global Agritourism Conference)

Best Partnership - sponsored by the Telford International Centre

• Barbican Centre, Design Council, Stitch powered by Connection Crew CIC and Searcys (World Design Congress 2025 at the Barbican: A Design for Planet Partnership)
• Fitwise Management (Fitwise and the Association for Continence Professionals Partnership - ACP Conference 2026)
• P&J Live &  The Event Complex Aberdeen (The UK Stroke Forum 2025)
• The ABPCO Dietary Inclusion Taskforce (Managing Dietary Requirements at Events)
• Abbey Conferences, P&J Live and Scottish Agritourism (Growing Together: How Partnership Formed World's First Agritourism Conference)
• Conference Partners International  & British Society for Haematology (Building More Than a Conference: A Strategic Partnership Transforming the British Society for Haematology's Annual Scientific Meeting)

Best Sustainable Conference - sponsored by GES

• Barbican Centre, Design Council, Stitch powered by Connection Crew CIC and Searcys (World Design Congress 2025 at the Barbican: Design for Planet in Practice)
• Scottish Agritourism, Abbey Conferences and P&J Live (The Event Complex Aberdeen - Global Agritourism Conference, Aberdeen)
• Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management, One Tribe and ACC Liverpool (Flood & Coast 2026: Embedding Sustainability, Driving Climate Resilience)
• RenewableUK (RenewableUK - NextGen Network)

Guiding Star - sponsored by London Excel 

• Katrina Cookson (University of South Wales)
• Steve Daun  (P&J Live | Legends Global)

Legacy and Impact - sponsored by Bridgewater Hall 

• NASUWT - The Teachers' Union (Beyond the Conference: Building a Lasting Legacy in Birmingham)
• Liverpool Experience Campus & Campus the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry (EAPD) (Liverpool's 'Little Smiles for Everyone' Legacy Project)
• Visit Belfast (Visit Belfast: A new era)
• UK Stroke Association,  P&J Live and Aberdeen Convention Bureau (The UK Stroke Forum 2025 (UKSF25))
• The Business of Events and ICC Wales (Access All Areas: Closing the Accessibility Gap in Events)
• The Power of Events (The Power of Industry)

Rising Star - sponsored by the Crowne Plaza Newcastle 

• Saffron Owen (Alzheimer's Research UK)
• Esther Wong (UCISA)
• Sorcha Donnelly (Institute of Materials, Minerals & Mining (IOM3))
• Antonia McMillan (ICC Belfast)
• Taliana Rontard (Seren Events)
• Caitland Lomas (RenewableUK)

Student of the Year - sponsored by Allianz Stadium Twickenham 

• Misan Jekhine (Leeds Beckett University)
• Raphaela Lee (University College Birmingham)
• Annabel Leach (Manchester Metropolitan University)
• Isha Lakhani (Oxford Brookes University)

Thursday 10 December

3pm - 5.30pm Belfast City Tour (organised by Visit Belfast) 
Delegates will be guided across the city, visiting a selection of venues and attractions that highlight Belfast's vibrant events landscape. Along the way, you'll gain insight into the city's rich history, culture, and character, while discovering the experiences that make Belfast such a compelling destination for conferences, meetings, and events. We look forward to welcoming you and sharing some of the venues, stories, and experiences that make Belfast a truly memorable destination.

3pm - 5pm Traditional Irish Music and Dance Session (sponsored by Visit Belfast)
Immerse yourself in the rich musical heritage of Belfast with an authentic Traditional Music and Dance Session. Hosted by talented locals, this interactive breakout experience gives delegates the opportunity to enjoy the lively sounds while learning about the stories and traditions behind the music and dance. Whether you're a lifelong music enthusiast or discovering Irish culture for the first time, this relaxed and engaging session offers a true taste of local hospitality. Delegates can learn some simple Irish Ceili dances, ask questions, learn about traditional instruments, and even join in with a song, rhythm, or dance!

3pm - 5pm ABPCO Workshop: Refocus, Rebalance, Reimagine - A Strategic Look at Your Event Portfolio
Association events often evolve to meet member needs—some grow, some diminish, and others cease to exist. This session will help you strategically assess your event portfolio, identifying early indicators for events that warrant investment, consolidation, amalgamation, or even closure. We will step away from the daily operational challenges to provide a broader perspective on opportunities and to pinpoint any "vanity projects".

6.30pm - 7pm ABPCO First-Timers Drinks Reception (sponsored by MICE Concierge)
First-time ABPCO event attendees are invited to join us for a newcomers drinks reception at the ICC Belfast where you can meet other ABPCO newbies.

7pm - 9pm ABPCO Excellence Awards Networking Supper (sponsored by Visit Belfast)
ICC Belfast

Friday 11 December

7:30am 5k Run (meet at 7:30 to run from 7:40)
Dust off the cobwebs with a gentle 5k run (if such a thing exists!) through the heart of Belfast.  Starting at the Riverside Entrance of ICC Belfast, you’ll head towards the Titanic Quarter before returning alongside the River Lagan.   Organised and led by Richard Morris (Active Media Events).  Register directly with Richard here. 

9am - 9.40am  ABPCO Member Group Networking Sessions 
More details to follow

9am - 9.40am ICC Belfast Venue Tour
An opportunity for a guided tour of this year's ABPCO Awards venue with a member of the ICC Belfast team.

10am - 10.40am and 10.45am - 11.25am
Delivering high-quality events: what keeps me awake at night!
Even the most experienced event professionals have those moments when they lie awake wondering: What if it goes wrong? Have we missed something? How do we make this better? This interactive session creates a space for event professionals to share the challenges, risks and frustrations that come with delivering high-quality events, from the everyday pressures to the issues that can keep you awake at night. Bringing together in-house event professionals, agencies, venues, destinations and suppliers, we’ll put real-world challenges on the table and work together to find solutions, share experiences and learn from each other.

AI and Events: cutting through the hype and finding the opportunity
AI is changing the way we work but what are event professionals actually using it for, and where can it genuinely make a difference? This interactive session will cut through the hype and explore the practical reality of using AI in event management. We’ll share examples of how event professionals are already using AI, explore where the biggest opportunities lie, and consider the risks, from accuracy and data protection to ethics, trust and over-reliance on technology. Most importantly, you’ll hear from peers who are already experimenting with AI and leave with practical ideas, useful examples and clear next steps you can apply in your own work.

Beyond the contract: creating long-term event partnerships
Great partnerships don't happen by accident. They're built, tested, and earned over time. This panel brings together event organisers, agencies, venues, and suppliers to explore what makes long-term partnerships work, and what makes them fall apart. We’ll look at how to move beyond a traditional client-supplier dynamic to something genuinely strategic: building two-way value, balancing commercial realities with shared value and finding ways to deliver more for your event, organisation and partners. Expect candid conversation, real examples, and practical ideas you can take back to the partnerships that matter most to your association.

ICC Belfast Venue Tour
An opportunity for a guided tour of this year's ABPCO Awards venue with a member of the ICC Belfast team.

11.30am - Midday ABPCO Excellence Awards Drinks Reception (sponsored by Harrogate Convention Centre)

12:10pm - 3pm ABPCO 2026 Excellence Awards Lunch

* Programme and Timings subject to change however the event will close no later than 3pm * 

Getting to ICC Belfast

Located in the heart of Belfast city centre, ICC Belfast is easy to reach by plane, train, bus or car, with excellent transport links and parking close to the venue.

By Plane
George Best Belfast City Airport is just 8 minutes away by car, Belfast International Airport around 30 minutes, and Dublin Airport approximately 90 minutes away.

By Train
Lanyon Place Train Station is just a 2-minute walk from ICC Belfast, with regular Enterprise services connecting Belfast and Dublin.

By Bus
Belfast’s city centre bus stations are within walking distance, with a Translink Glider stop directly outside the venue. Aircoach also provides regular services between Belfast and Dublin Airport.

Plan Your Journey
For full travel information, directions and transport options, click here

Prices

Please find a list of tickets for this event below.

Delegate Terms and Conditions

Cancellation or postponement of event

In the unlikely circumstance that ABPCO has to cancel the event, we will refund the full cost of any pre-paid registration fees. 

In the event of a postponement, all tickets will automatically be valid for the new date, or transferable to someone else in the same ticket pricing bracket. Refunds will be available if you are unable to make the new event date.

ABPCO shall not be liable for reimbursing the cost of travel or accommodation arrangements booked by those attending an ABPCO event.  ABPCO reserves the right to change the event venue within 10 miles of the advertised venue.

Cancellation of attendance at an event

Please let us know if you cannot attend an ABPCO event as soon as possible by emailing hello@abpco.org      

Where a fee has been charged, you will be reimbursed as follows:

For cancellations on or prior to 30 days before the event, a 50% refund will be given.

For cancellations received less than 30 days before the event, no refund will be given, but name substitutions can be made at any time.

To cancel a booking email hello@abpco.org     

Name changes

Tickets are transferable: it will be possible to amend the name on your ticket to a colleague within the same ticket pricing bracket at any time.

To arrange for a name change contact hello@abpco.org   

Event sponsor

This event may be sponsored.  ABPCO may contact you via email after the event with messaging from our sponsor(s) however ABPCO will not share your details directly with the sponsor(s).  To opt out of this messaging, contact hello@abpco.org 

Force Majeure

For the purposes of these terms and conditions, "force majeure" means any cause beyond our reasonable control including, but not limited to, war, acts of terrorism, governmental requirements, acts of local or central government or other competent authorities, acts of God and industrial disputes.

We will not be liable to you for failure to perform any obligation under these terms and conditions or in relation to your booking to the extent that the failure is caused by force majeure.

Conditions of attendance

You must comply with instructions and directions given by staff, ABPCO and stewards and agents of the venue (where relevant) and any applicable policies and procedures of which you are notified.

We reserve the right to refuse access to, or remove any delegate from any ABPCO event who, in our reasonable opinion has, or is likely to affect the experience of the other delegates, in our reasonable opinion is acting under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or who uses threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour or who behaves in a manner which may cause a breach of the peace.