Royal Armouries, Leeds, 11 - 12 November 2026
We are delighted to announce that the ever-popular Autumn Conference is returning to the Royal Armouries in Leeds.
Exhibitors
Click here to view the exhibitors
Programme
The programme delivers two inspiring days of insight, innovation and collaboration, bringing together the experts shaping the future of public safety technology. Attendees will benefit from exceptional networking opportunities, connecting with leading practitioners, decision-makers and industry innovators.
Featuring a dynamic mix of keynote presentations, expert panel discussions and interactive breakout sessions, the event also includes a dedicated exhibition showcasing the latest solutions and technologies. The experience culminates in an exclusive evening networking supper, held within the unique setting of the Museum’s Tournament and War Galleries.
The outline programme for the event are:
| Wednesday 11 November 2026 |
| 1000 |
Exhibition, Networking & Registration |
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Welcome
Darryl Keen, Chair, British APCO |
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AI
Chris Philpott, Assistant Chief Officer, Humberside Police |
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Public Safety after AI: What must change?
Chris Philpott, Assistant Chief Officer, Humberside Police
Representatives from the Fire and Ambulance Services
Aaron Page, Principal Consultant, Actica Consulting |
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When risks collide
Ordnance Survey |
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Exhibition, Networking & Lunch |
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Breakout Session 1a: How do you plan to use ESN?
Kevin Partridge, Head of Campaigns, ESN - Home Office
This workshop will invite attendees to discuss some of the potential ESN tools that users and first responders could use, as well as opportunities for ways in which their day-to-day roles could be made easier once they are transitioned to ESN.
Breakout Session 1b: Beyond response
Ordnance Survey |
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Breakout Session 2a: AI in Control Rooms
Breakout Session 2b: MAIT - Open Forum
Tony Bracey; Jim Powell, Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Northants
An interactive discussion reviewing the current position of the rollout, including members’ experiences, lessons learned, and opportunities to support wider adoption. The session will also provide an update on website development, encourage greater engagement and registration, and explore priorities for continuous improvement. |
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Exhibition, Networking & Refreshments |
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Cyber Resilience in emergency management of infrastructure |
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What happens when the technology fails: Human in the Loop
Susan Whyte, Emergency Management and Resilience Manager, University of Wolverhampton
Scenario: There has been a complete failure of police technology. There is an ongoing large scale major incident in a major city with casualties…we examine the
importance of cyber specific response plans and the intersection of running a physical major incident and a cyber attack incident. |
| 1800-2100 |
Evening Social & Networking Reception in the Royal Armouries War Gallery |
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| Thursday 12 November 2026 |
| 0930 |
Welcome |
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Resilience when severe weather hits |
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Staying operational in extreme weather conditions |
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Exhibition, Networking & Lunch |
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Breakout Session 3a: How can we all support users effectively as organisations transition to ESN?
Karen Larkin, Information Management Lead, ESN - Home Office
This workshop invites you to share thoughts on areas of consideration around ways of working when organisations begin to transition to ESN, as well as inviting your feedback on what additional information you might need to know during this time.
Breakout Session 3b: Skills for What’s Next: Upskilling, AI and Career Pathways with IBM SkillsBuild
Raj Sritharan, Learning Experience Designer, IBM
This workshop will explore how IBM SkillsBuild can help you develop skills for the future. Through an introduction and a live demonstration, we’ll explore free learning opportunities in areas such as AI and digital technologies, as well as pathways to grow in your current role or prepare for what comes next. You’ll come away with practical ideas for taking your first steps. |
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Exhibition, Networking & Lunch |
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Connecting Emergency Calls Across Borders - The journey towards a global public safety directory
Louis Fraser-Wilson, Performance Manager Call Handling, London Ambulance Service
NHS Trust What happens when a caller in one country needs emergency help in another? As international emergency calls continue to rise, public safety agencies face an increasingly complex challenge: finding and contacting the right emergency service across borders. Drawing on research undertaken through the Ian Thompson Bursary Award, this session explores the realities of international emergency call routing, lessons learned from existing directory initiatives around the world, and how collaboration through CC:IPS is helping shape a common framework for future public safety interoperability. |
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British APCO Bursary Awards
British APCO Board |
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Benefits of ESN today and latest development
Jayne Gardner, Deputy Director for Delivery Assurance, ESN – Home Office
Find out the latest developments on the Emergency Services Network (ESN), including learnings from recent testing events and milestone activities, and a discussion of what Deployment will look like in the future for both user organisations and suppliers. |
| 1430 |
Closing Remarks
Darryl Keen, Chair, British APCO |
CPD
The Autumn Conference is CPD accredited for 15 points.
Registration
Attendance is free for British APCO members.
Click here to register
Exhibition and Sponsorship
Sponsorship and exhibition opportunities are now open for Advancing Critical Communications, British APCO’s Autumn Conference to be held at Royal Armouries, Leeds on 11 and 12 November 2026.
This long-established event in the British APCO calendar is highly respected for its rigorously selected programme which highlights the latest innovations, successes and challenges in mission critical communications for the emergency services and public sector. Examples of best practice and practical, user-driven technology solutions will also be discussed in roundtable style, interactive breakout sessions.
The conference provides a forum where frontline practitioners and industry suppliers come together to share information and experience to facilitate learning and improve outcomes in a mutually supportive environment.
Participants will include public safety communications professionals from the emergency services, government, academia, and industry.
To allow British APCO members complimentary attendance, funding for this event relies on the generosity of our industry partners. We invite you to support the event as a sponsor and/or exhibitor.
Please contact victoria.armstrong@bapco.org.uk to reserve your exhibition stand or discuss the sponsorship opportunities.
Venue
Armouries Way, Leeds LS10 1NF
Parking
This is an on-site multi-story car park for 1250 vehicles.
Train Travel Discount
LNER offer a 25% discount on train tickets to the event. Details will be available to registered attendees.
Hotels
Located on the Royal Armouries doorstep are three hotels, ranging from 2 to 4 star. Discount codes will be available to registered attendees.