The ABO's primary event each year is its annual conference, the major gathering of the classical music industry in the UK, with over 300 delegates drawn from orchestras both from within the UK and abroad, plus funding agencies, venues, agents, publishers and suppliers.

Bookings now open for the 2026 ABO Conference hosted by the Southbank Centre!

Early Booking discounts available until 11:59pm Tuesday 16 December 2025

Booking deadline: 12pm Monday 19 January 2026

The full conference schedule for all delegates is being regularly updated so do check in to see the latest version. There will be a rich offer of sessions and networking opportunities, as well as the popular First Night with presentation of the ABO Impact Awards, and performances throughout the conference. There is a range of pricing options, including full delegate places with discounts for multiple bookings, day passes, and discounts for Under 30s, Musicians and Students.

2026 Conference Highlights:

Question Time

A Question Time-style session featuring political guests and industry figures taking questions from the audience on the major issues shaping our sector. Chaired by Jamie Njoku-Goodwin, former Director of Strategy at 10 Downing Street and former Chief Executive of UK Music, the panel includes Dame Caroline Dinenage MP, Chair of the Culture Select Committee; Baroness Barbara Keeley, Co-Chair of the Classical Music APPG; Anna Sabine MP, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Culture; and Elaine Bedell, Chief Executive of the Southbank Centre.

Deep Dives and Topical Sessions

In this year’s evolving conference format, delegates are invited to choose between stand-alone sessions addressing key topics of Creative Health, Education, Politics and Polarisation and Devolution, or a Deep Dive session on artistic decision-making models, how they impact the work we produce and the people we reach.

The ABO Impact Awards

We’ll be announcing the winner of the prestigious ABO Award, and the ABO Impact Awards, hosted by ABO Principal Media Partner Classic FM with Classic FM Presenter Ritula Shah. Make sure to submit your nomination here by 8 December 2026!