image for illustration: Belfast, Photo via IHBC
The IHBC is delighted to host a stall at the Heritage Network Conference 2026, on 28 September, with Branch and National Office leads attending, so if you are there be sure drop by, and remember to encourage your colleagues and friends to come along too!
IHBC Services and Support Executive Officer, and Branch Link, Sarah Homer will be there and said: ‘I am really looking forward to working with our wonderful Northern Ireland Branch Colleagues to host our stand at this sector leading conference.’
‘It will be a pleasure to have the rare opportunity meet such a wide range of delegates and to make new connections.’
‘The conference is focussing on the impact of community-led heritage on people and places, which is really important for the IHBC – and was an important theme in our case for a Charter – so please do spread the word, and if you are able to attend, drop by for an informal and friendly chat.’
‘We would love to make the most of this opportunity to hear about and share your thoughts and experiences.’
HTN writes:
The community heritage networking event of the year is back for 2026 and this year we are in Northern Ireland.
Join hundreds of community heritage leaders in Belfast and Armagh for three days of networking, discussion, learning, exploration.
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.
Programme
We are developing the programme for Belfast and Armagh 2026, in partnership with local heritage leaders, 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’.
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.
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.
Get your tickets
Network, Partner and Supporter class member of the Heritage Network save £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. Simply add that to the box on the Eventbrite page which says ‘Promo Code’. The discounted ticket options will be revealed.
If you did not get the code please email admin@heritagenetwork.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?
Visit our ‘join us’ page for details.
See full details and book
https://www.heritagenetwork.org.uk/conference
Book your tickets HERE
