One month to go until NTC2026

In just a bit over one month’s time, licensing professionals from across the UK will gather in Stratford-upon-Avon for the National Training Conference 2026, taking place from 18 to 20 November at the Crowne Plaza Hotel.

This year is particularly special as we celebrate the 30th Annual Conference, marking three decades of bringing together practitioners, regulators, lawyers, operators and policymakers to discuss the issues shaping the licensing landscape.

It’s remarkable to reflect on how much the sector has changed since the first conference was held in 1997, under the banner of the Local Government Licensing Forum, which later became the Institute of Licensing in 2003. Back then, alcohol licensing was still administered by magistrates, the Licensing Act 2003 had yet to be introduced, and neither the Gambling Act nor the Security Industry Authority existed.

Since 2016, the Crowne Plaza Stratford-upon-Avon has been the conference’s home, and in November it will once again welcome delegates for three packed days of learning, discussion and networking.

This year’s programme features more than 65 sessions and 117 speakers, covering every corner of the licensing world. From alcohol, gambling and entertainment licensing to taxis, animal welfare, security, local authority enforcement and emerging regulatory challenges, NTC2026 offers something for everyone. Highlights include contributions from leading licensing practitioners, regulators, legal experts and industry representatives. You can explore the full programme here.

Thursday evening will see the return of the much-anticipated IoL Gala Dinner and Awards Night. To celebrate the conference’s 30th anniversary, this year’s event will have a Pearl theme, beginning with a drinks reception from 19:00 in the Atrium and bar area before guests move into Ballroom A for a three-course dinner, awards presentations and entertainment, with festivities continuing until around midnight. The dress code is black tie, with delegates invited to embrace the optional Pearl theme.

The evening will also recognise excellence across the profession through the presentation of the Jeremy Allen Award, Charles Holland Award, and, for the first time, the new Licensing Team of the Year Award.

We’re also pleased to introduce something new for 2026. The Whova event app is now live, giving booked delegates access to conference information, session schedules, speaker profiles and networking opportunities before they arrive. Delegates who have already registered can download the app and start planning their conference experience today.

NTC2026 would not be possible without the support of our 23 sponsors, whose continued commitment helps us deliver the UK’s leading licensing conference. We extend our sincere thanks to all our sponsors and encourage delegates to visit sponsors to learn more about the organisations supporting this year’s event.

With just one month to go, excitement is building for what promises to be a memorable conference and a fitting celebration of 30 years of professional licensing training, learning and collaboration.

There’s still time to join us. If you haven’t yet secured your place, bookings remain open, and we would be delighted to welcome you to Stratford-upon-Avon this November.

Alongside the conference sessions, delegates can look forward to the IoL Annual General Meeting, taking place on Thursday 19 November.