Education Estates® Network Programme 2026

Join the Education Estates® Community

The programme runs throughout the year, with events ranging from regional sector briefings to informal networking sessions and the flagship gathering at Education Estates® itself. Each one is designed to give you time to build the relationships that matter, away from the pressure of a packed conference schedule.

 


 

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Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, Edinburgh
  1. Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, Edinburgh

    09.00am Arrive, Registration & Breakfast
    09.30am Seated for Presentations

    • Welcome & Introductions
    • Billy Gray, Framework Director, Morrison Construction
    • Andy Dailly, Head of School Building, Scottish Government
    • Video address from Màiri McAllan, Cabinet Secretary for Education, Culture and Gaelic

    The Scottish Government has committed to continue to improve the condition of the school estate - but that pledge can't be delivered by government alone. In this address, the Cabinet Secretary will put a challenge to the sector: how do we work together to make this happen, and where can we drive greater efficiency?

    • Discussion with audience
      • Chair: Peter Reekie, Chief Executive, Scottish Futures Trust
      • Panellists: Stephen Long, Senior Associate Director - Learning Estate & Lindsay Henderson, Associate Director, Scottish Futures Trust

    Peter Reekie, Chief Executive of Scottish Futures Trust will discuss the challenges and opportunities ahead to deliver buildings that meet the needs of Scotland's communities. This will be followed by an interactive discussion session that will help to shape the Scottish Government business case for the successor to the Learning Estate Investment Programme.

    10.30 Networking
    11.30am Event Ends

The Junction, Manchester Central
  1. The Junction, Manchester Central

    Free to attend and open to all, the People Awards honour individuals and teams making a real impact. Held alongside the Opening Party, it’s the perfect setting to network with peers, partners, and sector influencers.

    Find out more here

Manchester Central
  1. Manchester Central

    20-21 October 2026

    As the highlight of the year for those involved in the design, build, maintenance, and management of education infrastructure, Education Estates® 2026 is a must-attend event for Leaders shaping the future of our learning environments.

    This two-day event features a multi-stream conference, an innovative exhibition, and the prestigious Education Estates® Awards, offering a unique platform for sharing best practice and driving improvement across the sector.

    Why Leaders Should Attend

    For members of the Education Estates® Leaders Network, this is the flagship moment of the year to:

    • Connect and collaborate with fellow Leaders across the UK and Ireland
    • Gain insight from sessions tailored to current challenges and priorities
    • Explore the latest thinking, strategies, and solutions
    • Celebrate sector progress and recognise outstanding contributions


    Throughout the event, there will be multiple chances for Education Estates® Leaders Network members to connect through informal meet-ups, breakout sessions, and on-stand conversations. It’s an ideal space to share experiences and strengthen relationships.

    We encourage all Education Estates® Leaders Network members to be part of this annual gathering. It’s your space to engage, be inspired, and shape what’s next.

    Find out more here

  2. Manchester Central

    A relaxed and energising session to round off Day 1, EduFest is always a highlight, bringing together Education Estates® Leaders Network members, exhibitors, speakers, sponsors and attendees for informal conversation, reflection, and connection before the evening celebrations begin.

SEC, Glasgow
  1. SEC, Glasgow

    This November, Education Estates® Leaders Network members are invited to join us in Glasgow for a focused opportunity to connect, collaborate and help shape the future of learning environments across Scotland. Held as part of Learning Places Scotland, this event provides a vital platform to share best practice, engage with sector leaders and strengthen professional networks within the Scottish education community. We look forward to welcoming you in Glasgow.

    Learning Places Scotland returns this November for the annual gathering of Scotland’s Learning Estate professionals, bringing the education community together to share ideas, best practice, and innovation.

    Members of the Education Estates® Leaders Network are very welcome to attend and join the conversation.

    Registration:

    • Public sector attendees can attend free of charge
    • Private sector delegate rates apply, but Education Estates® Leaders Network members will receive the same 10% discount as other events this year
    • Use code: NETWORK10


    Please note that registration opens in Spring 2026

    Find out more here

RDS Dublin (Hall 2)
  1. RDS Dublin (Hall 2)

    11-12 November 2026

    This November, Education Estates® Leaders Network members are invited to join us in Dublin for a dedicated opportunity to connect, collaborate and influence the future of Ireland’s education environments. Taking place as part of Education Buildings Ireland, this event offers a valuable platform to share best practice, gain insight from sector leaders and build meaningful relationships within the Irish education community. We look forward to welcoming you in Dublin.

    Education Buildings Ireland returns this November in Dublin, bringing together professionals shaping the future of education environments across Ireland.

    Members of the Education Estates® Leaders Network are very welcome to attend.

    Registration:

    • Public sector attendees can attend free of charge
    • Private sector delegate rates apply, however Education Estates® Leaders Network members will receive the same 10% discount as other events this year
    • Use code: NETWORK10


    Please note that registration opens in Spring 2026

    Find out more here

  1. We’re delighted to announce the return of our complimentary end-of-year networking lunch for the Education Estates® Leaders Network, taking place at The Cinnamon Club.

    Further details and joining instructions will be shared later in the year.

    Please note:

    • This event is exclusively for members of the Education Estates® Leaders Network
    • Spaces are strictly limited to 50 attendees
    • Priority will be given to Education Estates® Leaders Network members who have actively participated in and supported this year’s programme


    We look forward to celebrating with those who have contributed to another successful year.