Visit York is pleased to confirm that the Visit York Tourism Conference 2026, sponsored by LNER, will take place on 13 January 2026 at York St John University. The annual event will bring members together to explore York’s tourism priorities for the year ahead, hear the latest insights from sector leaders and receive an overview of Make It York’s plans for 2026.

Free to attend for Visit York members, the conference will be hosted by Dr Brendan Paddison of York St John University. This year’s programme features a strong line-up of speakers, including Sarah Loftus, Managing Director at Make It York; Katerina Rysova, Senior Insights Manager at VisitBritain; and Tom Riordan CBE, the government’s Envoy for the Northern Growth Corridor, who will deliver the keynote address.

The morning sessions will cover Make It York’s review of 2025 and priorities for 2026, national tourism insights from VisitBritain, and a live presentation of the York Business Barometer from Nick How. After a mid-morning networking break, the conference will continue with the keynote address and a panel discussion chaired by Dr Paddison, followed by closing remarks.

A networking lunch, sponsored by York St John University, will take place from 12:45 to 14:00 (pre-booking required). Attendees can then join one of several optional afternoon workshops, including VisitBritain’s Taking England to the World travel trade training, a Visit York Membership Support Session, or an introduction to York Business Clinic and York St John Law Clinic.

Conference Schedule

08:45 – Registration, refreshments and networking
09:30 – Conference opens, hosted by Dr Brendan Paddison

Part One – 09:30 to 10:45
• Sarah Loftus, Make It York – 2025 in review and looking ahead to 2026
• Katerina Rysova, VisitBritain – Data and Insights
• Nick How, QaResearch – York Business Barometer (live)

10:45–11:30 – Refreshments and networking

Part Two – 11:30 to 12:45
• Keynote: Tom Riordan CBE
• Panel discussion chaired by Dr Brendan Paddison
• Closing remarks

12:45–14:00 – Networking lunch (pre-booking required)

Afternoon Workshops – 14:00 to 16:00
• 14:00–14:45: Taking England to the World with VisitBritain (pre-booking required)
• 14:00–16:00: Visit York Membership Support Session (drop-in)
• 15:00–15:45: Introduction to York Business Clinic and Law Clinic (pre-booking required)

Visit York looks forward to welcoming members in January for a day of insight, collaboration and shared focus on the opportunities ahead for York’s visitor economy.

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