Planning ahead for 2026: your guide to the big events in planning and politics

2026 is already promising to be another landmark year for planning and politics, with a packed calendar of live events offering opportunities to influence policy, showcase projects, and build strategic relationships.

From global property showcases like MIPIM, to UK-focused forums such as UKREiiF and All Energy, these gatherings will shape the conversations that matter most to organisations in the energy, infrastructure, transport and property sectors.

How we can help: Whether it’s helping you to prepare your narrative and engagement strategy, or making introductions that ensure you maximise the positive impact of the time you spend at major events , SEC Newgate has a team of experienced communications and engagement professionals who are ready to help. Contact local@secnewgate.co.uk if you’d like to know more.

We can support you in making an impact at any event, but we’ve helpfully captured the some of the biggest events in politics and planning for 2026 and why they matter.

Major Events for 2026 – Opportunities for Engagement

• Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects Forum 2026
  Date: 25-26 Feb
  Location: Royal National Hotel, London
  Why it matters: The premier industry event for NSIPs, including all stages of the DCO process and impacts of spatial planning, grid reform and changes to consultation requirements.
   
• Interchange 26 – Connected Transport Infrastructure
  Date: 3-4 March
  Location: Manchester Central
  Why it matters: The only integrated transport infrastructure event designed to stimulate new ideas and establish new relationships.
   
• MIPIM 2026
  Date: 9–13 March 2026
  Location: Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, Cannes, France
  Why it matters: The world’s leading real estate market event, bringing together global investors, developers, and city leaders. A prime opportunity to showcase UK projects and engage with international stakeholders. 
   
• National Infrastructure Planning Association AGM
  Date: 28 April
  Location: SEC Newgate, 14 Greville St
  Why it matters: Participate in discussions  about key issues in the NSIP world and changes to the DCO planning regime.
   
• All Energy
  Date: 13-14 May
  Location: SECC Glasgow
  Why it matters: The UK’s largest renewable and low-carbon energy conference and exhibition, attracting over 13,000 attendees last year.
   
• UKREiiF (UK Real Estate Investment & Infrastructure Forum)
  Date: 19–21 May 2026
  Location: Royal Armouries Museum and Leeds Dock, Leeds
  Why it matters: The UK’s flagship event for property and infrastructure investment, attracting 16,000+ delegates from government, development, and finance sectors. 

• Housing 2026
  Date: 23-25 June
  Location: Manchester Central Convention Complex, Manchester
  Why it matters: The UK’s leading event on the future of social housing, attended by sector professionals, politicians, funders and residents.

• Local Government Association (LGA) Annual Conference
  Date: 7–9 July 2026
  Location: Bournemouth International Centre, Bournemouth
  Why it matters: A key gathering for senior local government leaders and stakeholders, ideal for influencing policy discussions and networking with decision-makers. 
   
• Onshore Wind Conference 2026
  Date: 1-2 September
  Location: Edinburgh
  Why it matters: Co-hosted with Scottish Renewables, the Onshore Wind Conference will bring together all the major players shaping this next phase of onshore wind's development, from policymakers and developers to investors and the supply chain, offering an unmissable opportunity to connect, collaborate, and influence the industry’s future direction.
   
• Labour Party Conference
  Date: 27–30 September 2026
  Location: ACC Liverpool
  Why it matters: Central to shaping Labour’s policy agenda ahead of the next general election cycle. 
   
• Liberal Democrat Conference
  Date: (Expected late September 2026 – exact dates TBC)
  Location: Traditionally held in seaside or major city venues such as Bournemouth or Brighton
  Why it matters: Opportunity to connect with Lib Dem councillors and MPs on local government and planning issues. 
   
• Reform Party Conference
  Date: (Expected September 2026 – exact dates TBC)
  Location: TBC
  Why it matters: With a strong showing in the polls, this would be an opportunity to connect with Reform councillors and supporters on local government and planning issues.
   
• Solar and Storage Live UK
  Date: 22-24 September
  Location: NEC, Birmingham
  Why it matters: The UK’s largest solar energy exhibition with over 20.000 attendees and 600 exhibitors.
   
• Resource and Waste Management Expo (RWM)
  Date: 16-17 September
  Location: NEC, Birmingham
  Why it matters: The largest event of its kind, this conference gathers attendees from across the waste, recycling and resource management sectors.
   
• EXPO REAL
  Date: 5-7 October
  Location: Munich
  Why it matters: An international trade fair that combines real estate and infrastructure professionals from across Europe.
   
• Conservative Party Conference
  Date: 4–7 October 2026
  Location: Birmingham
  Why it matters: A critical forum for engaging with Conservative policymakers and influencers on planning, housing, and infrastructure priorities.