CONNECT CONFERENCE 2026

About the North West Skills Development Network

An innovative learning and development network, offering development opportunities from apprentice through to director level.

About the conference

The North West Connect Conference is an annual event for NHS Senior Digital Leaders and Chief Clinical Information Officers (CCIO).

The Conference attracts 150 to 200 senior digital leaders and CCIO colleagues from across the North West and is an integral part of how the Network builds stronger partner relationships.

The NW annual Conference is being held on the 14th and 15th May 2026 at the Mercure Dunkenhalgh Hotel, Blackburn Road, Clayton-le-Moors, Blackburn, Lancashire BB5 5JP.

Why should you get involved?

Key opportunity to engage with and showcase products and services to senior digital leaders and Chief Clinical Information Officers in the NHS
Opportunity to strengthen your relationship with current customers/clients
Provides an opportunity to increase your profile within the health sector
Exhibitor profiles will be included on the Skills Development Network app
Our fees are competitive so as to attract a wide range of exhibitors
Your support is important to us and contributes to the success of the event

Package information

All the following sponsorship packages include:

Branding and company profile included on Skills Development Network app
Two full conference delegate passes. Full conference includes Thursday day, Thursday dinner, Thursday accommodation and Friday day.

Exhibition space packages

Each Exhibitor package includes the following:

3m x 2m for exhibition space
1 x 1.8m table covered, plus 2 chairs, if required
Access to electric sockets
Wi-fi access via venue

Sponsorship Policy

Click here to view a copy of our sponsorship policy

Due to Connect Conference being held at a smaller venue for 2026, due to space limitations, we are limiting each sponsor to the following:

1 package only (Packages A-H, each package includes 2 delegate places)
1 additional delegate place only; the additional delegate place would need to source their own accommodation and would not be able to attend the conference dinner.

Exhibition Stand Package	Details	Price
PACKAGE A – Standard Exhibition Stand Space - (Towneley Suite)	Opportunity to showcase your product/services to NHS senior digital leaders and Chief Clinical Information Officers from across the North West.	£6000
PACKAGE B – Standard Exhibition Stand Space – (Towneley Bar)	Opportunity to showcase your product/services to NHS senior digital leaders and Chief Clinical Information Officers from across the North West.	£5000
PACKAGE C – Standard Exhibition Stand Space – (Towneley Suite) - Plus table at conference dinner	Opportunity to showcase your product/services to NHS senior digital leaders and Chief Clinical Information Officers from across the North West. Company branding prominent on dinner table, option to invite up to 8 conference delegates to sit at the table (We will endeavour to accommodate requested delegates at your table wherever possible).	£8000
PACKAGE D – Standard Exhibition Stand Space – (Towneley Bar) - Plus table at conference dinner	Opportunity to showcase your product/services to NHS senior digital leaders and Chief Clinical Information Officers from across the North West. Company branding prominent on dinner table, option to invite up to 8 conference delegates to sit at the table (We will endeavour to accommodate requested delegates at your table wherever possible).	£7000

Other Sponsorship Packages	Details	Price
PACKAGE E – Registration Desk & Name Badges	Company branding on registration signage and name badges, increased visibility with delegates as they arrive, area for company literature to be displayed	£4000
PACKAGE F – Drinks on Tables (Conference Dinner)	Company branding displayed on tables at dinner	£3000
PACKAGE G – Pre-dinner Drinks Reception	Company branding displayed prominently throughout the evening.	£2000
PACKAGE H – Table at Conference Dinner	Company branding prominent on dinner table, option to invite up to 8 conference delegates to sit at the table (We will endeavour to accommodate requested delegates at your table wherever possible).	£2000

Additional Sponsors Attendance Rates (per person)	Price
Additional Conference Attendance (incl. Thursday Day and Friday Day) This DOES NOT include accommodation or the Conference dinner. If accommodation is required, sponsors would need to source this themselves at a nearby venue.	£200

NEXT STEPS

To select a sponsorship package click on the ‘Book a Sponsor Package’ link to go to the Connect on-line booking.
Enter your details, including your invoice address, and then click submit to go through to selecting the package(s) you would like to sponsor.
Select the sponsorship packages required and click continue.
Enter Delegate information including any special requirements and click 'Submit delegate information'.
You will then be asked to enter a PO number, if you require one, and your details to authorise the booking. If you are raising a purchase order, the address to send it to is:
Warrington & Halton Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
RWW Receivables B209
PO BOX 312
Leeds
LS11 1HP
Once completed please check your order and click 'Place order'.
A confirmation of your booking will be sent to you.
Full conference details will follow in due course.

If you have any queries, please contact Carolyn.harding@nhs.net

CONNECT CONFERENCE 2026

Exhibition space packages

PACKAGE A – Standard Exhibition Stand Space - (Towneley Suite)

PACKAGE B – Standard Exhibition Stand Space – (Towneley Bar)

PACKAGE C – Standard Exhibition Stand Space – (Towneley Suite) - Plus table at conference dinner

PACKAGE D – Standard Exhibition Stand Space – (Towneley Bar) - Plus table at conference dinner

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