Heritage Network Conference 2026

There is nothing quite like the Heritage Network Conference. In recent years it has grown into the most lively, informative and fun event in the heritage sector calendar.  The emphasis is on the impact of community-led heritage on people and places, explored through the experience of heritage regeneration in our host towns and cities and beyond. We explore the vital topics of funding and business planning, community engagement, access and inclusion, governance and succession, regeneration and place-making and so much more.  

These are serious topics, but we don’t take ourselves too seriously. This is the friendly conference, and we go out of our way to make everyone feel welcome, safe and included. We have a perfect mix of delegates; community heritage leaders, major heritage agencies and funders, local authorities, heritage businesses and early-career professionals, meaning you can Network and make the connections you need whatever your role. 

As well as a day of compelling presentations, lively discussions and networking, Conference includes tours and visits to fascinating historic sites and ground-breaking projects. We seek out stunning locations for our main Conference day, dinner, drinks reception and farewell lunch.  

We are developing our programme for Belfast and Armagh 2026 but here is the outline: 

Sunday 27th September

An afternoon spent exploring fascinating sites and projects around Belfast.

Welcome drinks reception at an unusual historic location.

Monday 28th September

Our main Conference day of presentations, workshops, discussions, conference expo and networking in the Assembly Building, Belfast.

Conference Dinner in the great hall of Belfast City Hall

Tuesday 29th September

We are off to the historic City of Armagh and the towns and villages in the Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon district to explore historic buildings streets and parks and see community-led heritage regeneration in action. We will come together at lunchtime in special location to hear from local leaders in this designated National Lottery Heritage Fund ‘Heritage Place’.

What’s a Heritage Network Conference like?

We understand that conference is a big event, and buying a ticket might be a big commitment, we’ve included a couple of quotes from last year’s attendees to give a flavour of the event.

Earlybird and Discounted tickets

Earlybird discounted tickets are currently available for all ticket types, we have a limited number of these available, only on sale until they sell out or April 30th, whichever is first.

Network, Partner and Supporter members can save an additonal £50 and there is a special low rate for our Student Members. If your membership is in any of those categories you should have received an email with a code to access the discounted tickets. Click the red ‘Get tickets’ button and enter your code in the box that says ‘Promo Code’. The discounted ticket options will be revealed.

If you did not get the code please email admin@heritagetrustnetwork.org.uk.

Why not join us today to get your Conference discount, free or discounted entry to lots more Network events and loads of other benefits.

Networking

Our conference is a great opportunity to network with peers, other professionals in the sector, and heritage businesses and funders. We will be including some structured networking into the main conference day, as well as plenty of opportunities for informal networking throughout the 3-day event.

Inclusive and safe

We aim for all of our events to be inclusive, safe spaces where everyone’s views and experiences are respected. Please read our code of conduct for more information.

Travel & Accommodation

It’s easy to travel to Northern Ireland from England, Scotland or Wales

Here is Visit Belfast’s ‘Getting Here’ page.

Green travel

We’ll be handing out prizes to any delegate that travel over land and sea by public transport. It’s easy and you can get lots of work done on the way. Check out Man at Seat 61’s Northern Ireland page for tips and information.

Lift sharing

We are hoping to set up a mechanism to enable delegates who want to drive to share petrol and ferry costs.

Flying

You can fly to from nearly all GB regional airports to either Belfast International or Belfast City Airports. We will be looking into providing coaches to get you back from Armagh to your chosen airport on Tuesday afternoon.

Accommodation

We recommend delegates stay in Belfast and we will sharing delegate booking offers from hotels with those who have booked tickets to the Conference in due course.

Tours and Visits

The main conference day sits between two sessions of tours and visits to heritage projects and places. This year we’ll have our regular Sunday afternoon tours across Belfast city.

Then on Tuesday we are off to the historic City of Armagh and the towns and villages in the Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon district to explore historic buildings streets and parks and see community-led heritage regeneration in action.

We’re still figuring out where these will be and the logistics of getting everyone around, but we’ll keep updating here as plans are confirmed.

Why not stay longer?

Northern Ireland is a great place to visit. Here are some ideas from Visit Belfast if you want to extend your stay:

• Things To See & Do
• Places To Eat & Drink
• Ideas and Inspiration
• Sustainable Belfast
• What’s On (continually updated)
• Essential Information

Visit Belfast has put together a selection of exclusive offers and discounts for conference delegates attending events in the city. This link is continually updated.

Sponsorship, Advertising & Exhibiting:

Heritage Network Conference is a unique opportunity for heritage businesses to connect with leaders of community heritage organisations carrying out restoration projects and managing sites throughout the UK.  Throughout the event there are sponsorship, advertising and exhibiting opportunities, please get in contact for more information.

Financially supported by Visit Belfast, Tourism NI and Belfast City Council