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 |
| 1000-1030 |
Exhibition, Networking & Registration |
| 1030-1045 |
Opening Remarks |
| 1045-1130 |
Keynote Address: AI |
| 1130-1215 |
Panel Session 1: Public Safety after AI: What must change? |
| 1215-1330 |
Exhibition, Networking & Lunch |
| 1330-1430 |
Breakout Session 1: ESN | Making the most of OS Geospatial data & mapping |
| 1430-1530 |
Breakout Session 2: AI in Control Rooms | MAIT |
| 1530-1615 |
Exhibition, Networking & Refreshments |
| 1615-1700 |
Plenary Session: Cyber Resilience in emergency management of infrastructure |
| 1700-1730 |
Plenary Session: International 999 Directory |
| 1800-2100 |
Evening Social & Networking Reception in the Royal Armouries War Gallery |
| Thursday 12 November 2026 |
| 0900-0915 |
Welcome |
| 0915-1000 |
Keynote Address: Communications Resilience in disaster relief |
| 1000-1045 |
Panel Session 2: Improving Communications Resilience in disaster relief |
| 1045-1130 |
Exhibition, Networking & Lunch |
| 1130-1230 |
Breakout Session 3: ESN | IBM SkillsBuild |
| 1230-1330 |
Exhibition, Networking & Refreshments |
| 1330-1415 |
Plenary Session |
| 1415-1445 |
Exhibition & Networking |
| 1445-1545 |
Closing Plenary: ESN Update |
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.