IDPE 2026 Annual Conference
Philanthropy in schools is growing; harnessing the support of school communities is helping to strengthen schools and transform educational opportunities for young people.
The IDPE 2026 Annual Conference provides an essential opportunity for the development teams driving this growth and impact to connect, learn, and share from one another. Relevant to both newly established development offices and schools with mature development programmes, the conference supports professionals from across the independent and state sectors.
The two-day programme combines powerful case studies, practical guidance, and sessions that challenge and advance strategic thinking, alongside interactive workshops and delegate forums. Gain support and insights from leading experts and colleagues across the sector to help turn your fundraising and engagement ambitions into actionable strategies, with confidence and assurance.
Building your professional network and support system
Connecting and sharing with colleagues in the sector – finding your people, your support network - is consistently cited by delegates as the most valuable part of attending the IDPE annual conference. With this in mind, we're expanding networking opportunities in the 2026 programme, introducing new speed networking, alongside peer group forums on Monday morning and daily regional networking during lunch breaks.
Plus, the Monday evening conference dinner returns, bringing delegates together for an evening of networking and entertainment, ensuring a relaxed and memorable time to build crucial peer relationships.
"A powerful couple of days not only getting the time to chat with peers from across the sector but being inspired with lots of incredible ideas from the vast range of sessions. Our notebooks came away brimming and I have already discussed some ideas with Senior Leadership."
IDPE Annual Conference delegate
Conference programme: tailored content for development professionals
Created with and for schools' development professionals, the 2026 programme is being curated with sector-specific challenges and opportunities in mind. Topics such as making your budget go further, working smarter with AI, international fundraising, and parent engagement will feature among more than 40 sessions across the two days.
Additionally, senior development professionals are invited to attend a dedicated Sunday Leadership Forum ahead of the main conference. This focused session provides an essential, high-level opportunity to explore current contextual challenges and align expectations with school leaders, ensuring your strategic vision has executive support.
2026 session types
This year's session types provide more opportunities for networking with and learning from other development professionals:
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Horizon
Step outside your comfort zone and explore the emerging trends in the wider school and fundraising sectors.
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Listen, learn and share workshop
Deep-dive into a specific area of development and workshop ideas with peers.
Masterclass
Gain actionable strategies and advanced insights from top industry experts.
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Personal effectiveness
Develop the personal skills you need to be an effective schools' development professional.
Peer group forum
Share experiences and learnings with colleagues in similar schools / roles.
Plenary panel
Join fellow delegates to hear our expert panel discuss prominent issues facing the sector.
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Roundtable discussions
An opportunity to discuss specific topics with our partners.
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Skills lab
Gain technical skills and practical support from IDPE partners.
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Steps for success
Explore successful approaches and step-by-step guidance for realising your development goals.
A more accessible and affordable conference
To ensure the conference is accessible and welcoming to as many delegates as possible, we've introduced a range of measures to make attending easier and more affordable than ever. The total cost for a two-day place, including accommodation at the conference 'home' hotel, is now 10% lower than in 2025, while one-day places remain at last year's rates. Our new, more central venue – Telford International Centre – offers free on-site parking and a choice of hotels within walking distance to suit every budget.
Additionally, the Monday conference programme will start and finish 30 minutes later to accommodate those travelling on the day, making it simpler for you to join and benefit from all the conference has to offer.
Following feedback from members, we will not be offering a formal Sunday evening welcome reception in 2026. However, we know that many delegates will be arriving on the Sunday so the IDPE team will be in the bar at the IDPE 'home' hotel, the Holiday Inn, from 20:30. You do not need to be staying in the Holiday Inn to join us in the bar.
Joining us for the first-time?
We know that coming to conference for the first time and not knowing anyone can be a daunting experience. To support you in making the most of your conference experience and building your networks, you'll be invited to attend our networking session for those new to conference, where you will be introduced to our conference volunteers (committee members, regional vice presidents and trustees), who will be a friendly face to help set you on your own networking path.
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