Visionary Annual Conference 2026
Bookings Now Open To All!
| We are pleased to announce bookings for the Visionary Annual Conference 2026 are now on general sale! Thank you to everyone who has already reserved a place, you can now book additional places, subject to availability. The Visionary Annual Conference 2026 is returning to Conference Aston, Birmingham on Wednesday 23 and Thursday 24 September 2026. We are developing a programme which creates opportunities to participate in workshops, hear from fabulous panels, contribute to sector-wide conversations, showcase the wonderful work of our members, and of course, allows us to connect with colleagues both familiar and new. More information, including FAQs can be found on our dedicated conference website page here where we will continue to update with new information: Visionary Annual Conference 2026 | Visionary. Booking informationThe booking system will be open Monday to Friday, between 10am – 4pm. The booking system will fully close when the conference is fully booked or on midnight on Thursday 23 July, whichever is sooner. Please note, there may be occasions between the hours of 10am – 4pm when the system is closed for updating – we will open again as soon as possible. With thanks to support from our sponsors, we have have been able to keep costs to a minimum. You can book a 2 day package with overnight accommodation and dinner on 23 September 2026, with the option to book additional accommodation on Tuesday 22 September 2026. Alternatively, you can book individual elements of the conference. Places are limited. Accommodation for the event sold out in less than three hours last year, so we suggest you reserve your place as soon as possible. To enhance the flexibility of the booking, you can change the name of your delegates up to Friday 14 August 2026. Roche Products Ltd has provided financial support for this conference but has had no involvement in the content Use the link below to open the annual conference booking form (opens a new window for Form Assembly). |
| Conference Speakers 2026 We are delighted to be welcoming fabulous guests to open both days of the 2026 conference. We are very pleased to be welcoming back Debra Allcock Tyler, CEO of Directory of Social Change, as your host on Wednesday 23 September. Debra will be joined by: Chloe Joyner, Founder of Usher Kids UK Harbi Jama, Director of Philanthropy and PartnershipsKamran Mallick, CEO, Disability Rights UKSandy Wassmer, CEO, Onvero Tilly Dowler, The Blind Stylist On Thursday 24 September, we will open with a discussion, bringing together a panel who will offer honest, practical insights into how we sustain ourselves and each other in demanding roles. Our panel will share their personal experiences across topics including mindfulness and stress management, physical wellbeing, work-family balance and the responsibility leaders have to build cultures where others can thrive. The session will be hosted by Clare Burgess, CEO of Sensory Services by Sight for Surrey. Clare will be joined by: Dr Beverley Duguid, Freelance Mindfulness TeacherMark Upton, CEO, MyVision OxfordshireSteven Johnson, Founder and Developer, Black Lens AppSusanette Mansour, A Catalyst for TransformationPlease visit the Visionary website to read more about this year’s pannellists: Annual Conference Speakers 2026 | Visionary. |
| Annual Conference Programme 2026This year’s programme has been shaped by what you have told us matters most. Throughout the year, Visionary members and partners have shared the challenges and opportunities you are facing, and we have used that input to build a programme of workshops, speakers and facilitated discussions that reflect your priorities. Across the two days, we will bring together a range of speakers to share practical experiences and insights on themes including:AI and delivering servicesAmplifying lived experience voices to influence decision makersChildren and Young People collaborationsCollaboration for changeDeafblind services and supportEquality, diversity and inclusionFundraising investmentGlaucoma research and treatmentLocal political influencingMicro volunteering and AI in volunteeringThe NHS 10 year plan and sight loss charitiesPhysical activity in local communitiesProgressive sight lossRecruiting and retaining trusteesRehabilitationSight Loss CouncilsSocial return on investmentCommissioning servicesTrustee appraisalsPlus workshops delivered by Visionary members, and much more!Please note: The above is an overview of themes – session titles and final content are still to be confirmed. We will be announcing and sharing more workshop information on social media and on our website, so you can keep up to date via the links below:Visionary Website: Visionary Annual ConferenceVisionary LinkedIn: @Visionary_UKVisionary BlueSky: @visionaryuk.bsky.social#VisionaryConference26 Visit the Visionary website to find out all you need to know about the Visionary Annual Conference 2026, using the link below: |
| Our Conference Sponsors The Visionary Annual Conference would not be possible without the amazing support we receive from our conference sponsors, for which we are extremely grateful. We are looking forward to sharing more details about our conference sponsors and supporters over the coming weeks. If you are interested in sponsoring part of this year’s conference, we would love to hear from you. Please email Amy Pearman (opens email), who will arrange a time to chat. Important information if you are planning to drive to Conference AstonCar parking at Conference Aston must be booked online, prior to arrival. Please visit the Conference Aston website (opens window), where you can book and pay for your space online. You will then be sent an email permit to display in your windscreen and an entry code for the car park. Please ensure you book this prior to setting off, as availability cannot be guaranteed at the venue car park on the day. Visionary is unable to arrange car parking. If you have any questions please contact Conference Aston. In the meantime, please do not hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions by emailing the Visionary team (opens email). We are really looking forward to welcoming you back to Conference Aston for the Visionary Annual Conference 2026. Best wishes Fiona, Amy, Raquel and Tayyaba |