SAPCA Technical Conference 2026

The 2026 SAPCA Technical Conference, one of the year’s most popular events for the sports and play facility construction industry, will return to the East Midlands Conference Centre near Nottingham on Thursday 26 November.

This event will provide an essential programme of seminars and workshops covering the most important technical topics that affect SAPCA members, plus fantastic networking opportunities throughout the day and during the social dinner that evening.

Situated within the University of Nottingham campus, just a 10-minute drive from Junction 25 of the M1, the EMCC offers excellent conference, networking, meeting and dining areas, alongside easy access to overnight accommodation at the adjacent Orchard Hotel and complimentary parking.

The conference programme will include:

The operating challenges of major sporting events
Considerations of sustainability in all aspects of business
Research and development in the sports construction industry
Developments across racquet sports in the UK
Updates and challenges in the world of planning
How UK Athletics are using player perception data to drive the sport
More to come!

We will also host an informal networking dinner that evening at the same venue. The dress code is smart casual, and we will take the opportunity to raise funds for SAPCA’s 2026 nominated charity, Boot Out Breast Cancer.

Delegate prices

Conference day only: SAPCA members £150; non-members £300.

Dinner only: £75 for both SAPCA members and non-members.

Conference day and dinner: SAPCA members £210; non-members £360.

Book the conference day and dinner together to save £15 per person.

Accommodation at the adjacent Orchard Hotel is available for the nights of 25 and 26 November 2026, at £145 per night.

All prices exclude VAT.

Sponsorship and exhibition opportunities

This event offers fantastic brand-awareness opportunities for SAPCA members. Please contact Karen Maxwell (karen@sapca.org.uk) for more information on sponsorship packages and exhibitor stands.

FAQ's

How do I get there?

Both the venue and hotel address is:

The East Midlands Conference Centre
Beeston Lane
Nottingham
NG7 2RJ

What's the dress code?

The dress code for the day’s meeting, and for those that have booked their place at the Networking Dinner that evening, is ‘smart casual’, which allows everyone to be as comfortable as possible.

What are the car parking arrangements?

Both East Midlands Conference and Orchard Hotel have plenty of free car parking spaces. We would remind all delegates not to leave any valuables in their vehicles.

What time does the registration desk open?

For delegates arriving by car pleased be advised that traffic is likely to be heavy at this time of day. Registration is from 8.30am, and the first session will start at 10.00am, to give you time to enjoy the refreshments.

On arrival, all attendees should register at the SAPCA reception desk, located just inside the main entrance to the Conference Centre, and collect their delegate badge.

When will I receive a delegate list and final programme?

The delegate list and final programme will be sent to all registered delegates 1 week before the event

Is food and drink provided?

On arrival and throughout the day, tea, coffee and other refreshments will be provided and a buffet lunch, will be served in the exhibition area.

Please also take time to visit the exhibitor stands during your networking breaks throughout the day.

What time can I check into the hotel?

For those of you staying at the Orchard Hotels, bedrooms will be available by 3.00 pm on the day of arrival. You are required to check out by 11.00 am on the day of departure, unless otherwise requested. Hotel guests may leave any bags in the hotel’s luggage room.

Your room rate at both hotels includes breakfast, which is available from 7.00 am until 10.00 am each morning.

I have special dietary requirements, who should I notify?

If you have any dietary requirements please let us know immediately, if you have not already done so please advise our Operations Manger Paul Johnson via email to: paul@sapca.org.uk

What time does the Networking Dinner commence?

If you are attending the Networking Dinner, please note that we will meet in the Bar at the Conference Center Hotel from 6.45 pm; we will sit down for Dinner at 7.30 pm.