Preparations are gathering pace for the Bathroom Association’s Annual Connect Conference, which returns to The Grand Hotel, Birmingham, on Thursday 8 October 2026.
Bringing together the entire bathroom industry, the conference will provide a full day of insight, discussion and networking, followed by the Association’s Gala Dinner and the celebration of its Thirty-under-Thirty winners.
The theme for 2026 is ‘Stronger Together’, reflecting the importance of closer collaboration at a time when businesses across the sector are responding to economic uncertainty, changing consumer expectations, skills shortages, regulatory pressures and the need to improve environmental performance.
Rather than viewing these as separate challenges for different parts of the market, the conference will consider how knowledge and experience can be shared more effectively across the bathroom supply chain.
The daytime programme will open with award-winning author, broadcaster and keynote speaker Jez Rose. Drawing on research into nature, behaviour and wellbeing, Rose will examine how small changes can significantly affect performance, resilience and the way teams work together.
Rebecca Larkin, head of construction research at the Construction Products Association, will assess the economic and construction outlook. Her session will help place current market conditions into context and consider the factors likely to shape business confidence and activity.
Dr Vanessa Brady OBE, founder and CEO of the Society of British and International Interior Design, will explore the changing relationship between design, product development and consumer expectations. With more than 30 years of experience across interior design, construction and procurement, Brady will consider the trends influencing bathroom specification and the opportunities created when designers, manufacturers and the wider supply chain work more closely together.
Skills and competence will form another important part of the programme. An industry panel featuring Steve Collinge, Managing Director of Insights Retail Group, will discuss the shortage of skilled installers and plumbers and its wider consequences for capacity, costs, quality, compliance and consumer confidence.
The final main session will come from entrepreneur Rob Law MBE, best known for creating the Trunki ride-on suitcase. Law will draw on his experience of turning an early setback on BBC’s Dragons’ Den into an international product success, sharing lessons around resilience, innovation, manufacturing and understanding the needs of the end user.
Daphne Doody-Green, CEO of the Bathroom Association, said: “The challenges and opportunities facing the bathroom sector are increasingly interconnected. Our annual conference gives us the chance to bring different parts of the industry together, hear perspectives we may not encounter in our everyday roles and have constructive conversations about where we go next.
“The speaker programme will provide plenty to think about, but the value of the day will also come from the conversations around it. Strong professional relationships help businesses share knowledge, find new opportunities and respond more effectively to common challenges.”
Dedicated networking time will allow delegates to continue the discussions prompted by the programme, reconnect with industry colleagues and establish new relationships across the wider sector.
Following the conference, the Bathroom Association’s Gala Dinner will provide a more informal conclusion to the day. The evening will include the Association’s charity raffle in aid of CRASH, and will also provide a platform to recognise its Thirty-under-Thirty winners of 2026.
The awards celebrate younger professionals who are already making a meaningful contribution to their organisations and the wider bathroom industry. Their recognition will place future talent at the heart of an evening celebrating the people, businesses and relationships that support the sector.
Comedian Alun Cochrane will host the evening, co-presenter of The Frank Skinner Show on Absolute Radio, winner of the Chortle Awards for Best Breakthrough Act and Best Compere, and nominee for the Perrier Best Newcomer Award. He has appeared at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival multiple times and appears as a regular panellist on Never Mind the Buzzcocks, Mock the Week, Have I Got News for You, and 8 Out of 10 Cats.
Amy Kirk, marketing and events director at the Bathroom Association, added: “We want the Connect Conference to feel relevant, welcoming and genuinely useful. The programme moves across economic insight, design, people, skills and manufacturing, giving delegates a broad view of the issues shaping the industry.
“The Grand Hotel was extremely well received last year, and we are looking forward to returning. Availability for overnight accommodation at the hotel has now sold out, proving its popularity. However, as we’re in the city centre, there are plenty of alternative options available nearby.”
Further details about the programme and delegate packages are available on the Association’s Connect Conference website.
