Bathroom Association Annual Connect Conference 2026: What to expect

Our Annual Connect Conference will take place on Thursday, 8 October 2026, at the Grand Hotel, Birmingham.

Join the bathroom sector’s key annual get-together for a day of ideas, insight and connection, bringing the wider supply chain and our partners into one room.

We’re delighted to be returning to the Grand Hotel in Birmingham for 2026. The venue proved hugely popular with delegates in 2025, so we’re back by demand and ready to build on that momentum.

Expect thought-provoking keynote talks from industry experts, lively panel discussions, and plenty of time to network with fellow professionals. Following a relevant and exciting speaker line-up during the day, we’ll finish with an exclusive gala dinner.

Theme: ‘Stronger Together’

Growth in our sector doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens when we align on policy, standards, skills, innovation, sustainability, and what customers actually need.

‘Stronger Together’ is the thread running through the conference: a practical, forward-looking take at how the bathroom industry can collaborate to create a stronger, more resilient marketplace.

Across the bathroom sector, collaboration can mean sharing insights early, connecting the dots from specification to end user, solving problems by raising quality, and strengthening trust in the category, and finally, backing each other as a community, because a supportive sector attracts talent, builds capability, and creates long-term strength

When we work together across the entire supply chain, we create the conditions for sustainable growth. And when the industry grows, everyone benefits.

What to expect on the day

You’ll leave with:

• Fresh insight on what’s shaping the market and what’s coming next
• Practical takeaways you can apply in your business
• New connections across the industry (and time to actually have the conversations)
• A renewed sense of momentum and a stronger network behind you

Gala Dinner: Celebrating the people shaping our future

After the conference, we’ll come together for an exclusive gala dinner, which is the perfect way to continue conversations in a more relaxed setting.

And due to popular demand, the charity raffle and Thirty-Under-Thirty Awards return this year. These awards celebrate the achievements and hard work of younger members who are already making a real impact and forging long, successful careers in our sector.

Register Interest:

Ready to Book: CLICK HERE

Interested in sponsorship?

Align your brand with one of the most influential events in the bathroom industry and gain high-impact visibility before, during and after the conference. Our sponsorship packages are designed to maximise exposure, build meaningful connections, and position your business as a leader within the sector.

View our packages here

Conference Agenda

8:30: Registration opens

10.00 – 10.15: Opening video & President’s welcome

10.15 – 11.15: Morning Keynote Speaker, Jez Rose, who will explore our ‘Stronger Together’ theme.

Jez Rose has an exceptional reputation as a keynote speaker delivering presentations to the world’s most recognised brands. As well as being a world-class keynote speaker, he is also an award-winning author and broadcaster. Jez has spoken at the renowned TEDx conferences in both the UK and USA.

Jez’s passion surrounds how nature impacts human health, well-being, and behaviour and how small changes can produce extraordinary results. Jez is no stranger to being a radio and TV personality, where he can be seen travelling the country with BBC 1’s Saturday Kitchen or in the studio with James Martin’s Saturday Morning. Jez is also recognised from his role as guest presenter on QVC.

11.15 – 11.45: Economic Speaker, Rebecca Larkin, Head of Construction Research, CPA

11.45 – 12.30: Trends & Design session- Vanessa Brady, Founder & CEO, The Society of British and International Interior Design (SBID).

Vanessa Brady is an international award-winning interior designer, business consultant, and founder of the Society of British and International Interior Design (SBID) with over thirty years of experience in the construction, B2B procurement and post-analysis of the design profession. She speaks on behalf of the UK Government for the Creative Industries to represent the interests of the interior design profession and received an OBE from the Queen for services to Interior Design and the UK Economy.

12.30 – 1.30: Lunch and networking

1.30 – 2.30:  Panel discussion including Steve Collinge, Managing Director, Insights Retail Group Ltd.

The panel will focus on one of the most pressing challenges facing our sector: the combined issue of skills shortages and uneven competence across the bathroom installation and plumbing industry. Rising demand for installation, refurbishment, and plumbing services continues to outstrip the supply of qualified, competent tradespeople, leading to delays, increased costs, and heightened risks to quality, safety, and regulatory compliance.

2.30 – 3.00: Coffee break

3.00 – 3.45: Manufacturing session with Rob Law.

As a seasoned entrepreneur, Rob transformed an initial setback on BBC Dragons’ Den in 2006 into the foundation of a revolutionary children’s travel product empire. The flagship Trunki Ride-On suitcase, a staple of his UK-based manufacturing since 2012, has reached homes in over 100 countries, with sales surpassing 5 million units and has garnered more than 120 industry accolades. In February 2023, Rob exited his business to Heroes Technology Ltd, marking a new chapter in his business journey.

In addition to his business accomplishments, Rob is a passionate supporter of fostering the next generation of leaders and innovators, a cause for which he has received two honorary doctorates and an MBE for his business contributions.

3.45 – 4.00: President’s Close