The day runs from 09.30- 16.45, followed by an evening social. The programme will combine expert-led sessions with roundtables. Roundtable topics will be voted for by participants on the day, allowing you to choose the conversation that is most useful for you.
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- Wednesday 13 May 2026
Wednesday 13 May 2026
8:45 am
Registration
Foyer & Main Hall
9:30 am
What if there’s an elephant in the room?
MultipleMain Hall
Broken business models, and pointers on how to fix them.
- Eliza Easton, author of the National Theatre’s Scene Change report
- Dr Dawn Langley, author of the Association of Independent Museums Fragile to Flourishing model
- David Reece, Chief Strategy Officer, Baker Richards
10:15 am
Q&A: What if publishing the Hodge Review was just the first step?
Baroness Margaret HodgeMain Hall
To be Announced
Brockway Room
11:00 am
Roundtable 1
Main Hall
Voted for by you. Continue the conversation from the Main Hall, or move to a new topic?
Roundtable 2
Library
Voted for by you. Continue the conversation from the Main Hall, or move to a new topic?
Roundtable 3
Brockway Room
Voted for by you. Continue the conversation from the Main Hall, or move to a new topic?
11:50 am
Morning Break
Foyer & Main Hall
12:05 pm
What if there’s a better structure for the future?
Main Hall
If funding continues to lag behind inflation, while audiences grow increasingly price sensitive and costs rise, we are in a moment where leaders should ask: Is our current structure fit for the future?
This session explores strategic mergers and acquisitions to shared services and partnerships. Can a leaner, larger organisation thrive where a smaller organisation will struggle? Are charities the best model?
What if Reform win the next general election?
Tarek Iskander & Ruth HogarthBrockway Room
(Un)Common Ground podcast recording.
The polls were right. It’s the week after the 2029 General Election, and at PMQs, Prime Minister Nigel Farage (Reform) faces Zack Polanksi, the leader of the opposition (Green). What does it mean for arts and culture?
12:55 pm
Dragon’s Den
Main Hall
1:10 pm
Lunch
Foyer & Main Hall
1:55 pm
What if we diversify earned income?
Main Hall
To Be Announced
Brockway Room
2:40 pm
Roundtable 1
Main Hall
Voted for by you. Continue the conversation from your previous session, or move to a new topic?
Roundtable 2
Library
Voted for by you. Continue the conversation from your previous session, or move to a new topic?
Roundtable 3
Brockway Room
Voted for by you. Continue the conversation from your previous session, or move to a new topic?
3:30 pm
Afternoon Break
Foyer & Main Hall
3:45 pm
What if AI holds the answer?
Katie MoffatMain Hall
Can AI really help arts and culture organisations to be more efficient?
To Be Announced
Brockway Room
4:35 pm
Arts Professional Awards
Main Hall