NHS South East SDN Connect Conference




About the South East Digital Skills Development Network

Welcome! The Skills Development Network (SDN) is an innovative learning and development network run by the NHS, providing opportunities from apprentice to director level. Initially established as the Finance Skills Development Network more than 30yrs ago, we now serve NHS staff in Finance, Procurement and Digital, Data and Technology (DDaT) roles, improving skills, raising standards and sharing innovation.

Each NHS region has an SDN team, who work together with steering groups, organisational leads, individual staff members, and external professional bodies to identify learning needs, and develop specific tailored solutions; enabling staff to access the learning and development opportunities they require.

Our South East area covers Kent, Surrey, Sussex, Berkshire, Oxford, Buckinghamshire, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight and a workforce of 5,300 DDaT colleagues.

About the conference

A New Era for South East Connect

South East Connect is an exciting one-day event, bringing together Digital, Data and Technology (DDaT) professionals, senior leaders, speakers and suppliers from the NHS and wider health and care system. Featuring a high-energy programme of inspirational main stage speakers, expert panel discussions, interactive workshops and extensive networking, there will be multiple opportunities for sponsors and exhibitors to engage with delegates throughout the day.

For the first time, in 2027 we are introducing a Gala Awards Dinner, celebrating achievement across the region. For sponsors and exhibitors, this offers longer engagement opportunities and the chance to connect with delegates in a more relaxed setting over drinks, dinner and into the evening.

From the conference floor to the Gala Awards Dinner, South East Connect creates multiple touchpoints for sponsors and exhibitors to strengthen relationships, share expertise and demonstrate their commitment to the NHS community.

Why should you get involved?
  • Engage with a range of NHS Digital Health Professionals
  • Create lasting relationships with NHS clients and partners
  • Increase your profile within the health sector
  • Share your business details via our conference app
  • Maximise your budget with cost-effective sponsorship packages
  • Contribute to the success of our flagship event
Exhibition information

Each Exhibitor booking includes the following:

  • All packages include at least two conference delegate passes
  • SPACE - At least 4m x 2m for Premium Space or 3m x 2m for Standard Space
  • 6ft x 2ft table covered, plus 2 chairs if required. Access to electrical sockets and Wi-fi access via the venue
Sponsorship Policy

Click here to view a copy of our sponsorship policy

Exhibition Stand Opportunities Details Price

PACKAGE A – Headline Sponsor (One available)

  • Premium exhibition stand space (4m x 2m space)
  • In collaboration with a South East NHS organisation, a 15min session at the conference to demonstrate best practice (topic to be approved by the Conference Committee).
  • Main company logo on all conference literature, holding slides, signage, venue screens and the conference app. Main company branding on registration signage - increased visibility with delegates as they arrive.
  • Main company logo on front cover of A5 conference notebook and pen as an arrival gift for delegates (sustainable option)
  • Opportunity to attend the Drinks Reception and Gala Dinner post-conference (4 passes)
  • Permission to provide a leaflet or bag drop to each chair in the main conference room.
  • 30 second advert at the end of a main stage speaker with session recording on the Skills Development Network website. (Speaker session TBC).
  • This package includes up to four main conference delegate passes (day time event only).
£7995.00

PACKAGE B – Premium Sponsor (Two available)

  • Premium exhibition stand space.
  • Main company logo on all conference literature, holding slides, signage, venue screens and the conference app. Main company branding on registration signage - increased visibility with delegates as they arrive.
  • Permission to provide a leaflet or bag drop to each chair in the main conference room.
  • This package includes up to two main conference delegate passes (day time event only).
£3750.00

PACKAGE C – Standard Sponsor

  • Premium exhibition stand space.
  • Main company logo on the Skills Development Network app.
  • This package includes two full conference delegate passes to the main conference (day time event only).
£2000.00
Awards Sponsorship Details Price

This package includes four dinner passes and logo on the award trophy

DDaT Team of the Year

Honouring an outstanding DDaT team that has demonstrated exceptional collaboration, problem-solving, and delivery of high-quality digital solutions.

£2000.00
Rising Star in DDaT

Recognising an emerging talent (e.g., apprentice, graduate, or early-career professional) who has shown exceptional promise, made a significant contribution, and is set for a bright future in NHS DDaT.

Clinical DDaT Champion

Celebrating a clinician (e.g., doctor, nurse, AHP or other) who has actively championed and led the adoption of digital tools and data within their clinical practice, demonstrating tangible benefits for patients and colleagues.

Digital Transformation of the Year

Recognising a significant digital project or programme that has fundamentally improved patient care, staff experience, or operational efficiency across a trust, provider, ICS, or national level

We will also be awarding TEDS accreditation certificates to qualifying organisations

GALA Awards Dinner Details Price
As the exclusive Gala Awards Dinner Sponsor,
your organisation will receive prominent brand exposure throughout the evening and
valuable opportunities to engage with
influential NHS DDaT professionals from
across the South East.
Your sponsorship package includes:
  • Exclusive naming rights: "The South East Connect 2027 Gala Awards Dinner, sponsored by [Company Name]"
  • Company logo on the main stage screens, menus, table plan and selected event signage
  • Recognition across relevant pre-event communications and the conference app
  • Opportunity for a senior representative to deliver a short welcome during the evening
  • A reserved table for up to ten guests at the Gala Awards Dinner
  • Up to four full conference delegate passes (day access but no stand)
  • Opportunity to display appropriate branded materials during the evening
  • Recognition in post-event communications and awards coverage
  • This exclusive opportunity offers high-profile visibility across the gala dinner and evening awards, aligning your brand with innovation, professional excellence and the future of NHS DDaT.

Only one Gala Awards Dinner Sponsor package is available.

Bookings will be offered on a strictly first come, first served basis.

£8500.00
Other Sponsorship Opportunities Details Price
Additional Connect Conference Passes
  • Non-members of the South East Regional Academy
  • Corporate Partners/Non-NHS
  • Delegates out of region
  • Passes are in addition to the sponsorship packages above
£200.00
Additional dinner pass   £50.00

The following additional sponsorship opportunities also include:

  • Branding and company profile included on Skills Development Network App.
  • NB: The below options do not include delegate passes and these will need to be added additionally if you would like to attend the event in person

Name Badges

Company branding printed on name badges

£1500.00
Soft drinks and snacks for refreshment breaks

Signage to say provided by [company name]

£1500.00

Post Card Draw Prize

Donate a prize for the Postcard Draw and have your logo featured in promotional materials to showcase your support and increase brand recognition at the event.

Donations

Shaped Car Air-Fresheners (per 250)

£400.00

Bamboo Folding Fans (per 100)

£400.00
Pens (per 250) £1000.00
Highlighters (TBC) £2000.00

Have another idea for merchandise?

Contact us for a chat

NEXT STEPS

  1. Read through the "Sponsor Policy".
  2. To select a sponsorship package click on the ‘Book a Sponsor Package’
    Deadline Friday 6th February 2026.
  3. Enter your details, including your invoice address, and then click submit to go through to selecting the package(s) you would like to sponsor.
  4. Select the sponsorship packages required and click continue.
  5. Enter Delegate information including any special requirements and click 'Submit delegate information'.
  6. 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:
    Kent and Medway NHS & SCPT
    RXY Payables A165,
    Phoenix House, Topcliffe Lane,
    Tingley, Wakefield, West Yorkshire WF3 1WE
  7. Once completed please check your order and click 'Place order'.
  8. A confirmation of your booking will be sent to you.
  9. Full conference details will follow in due course.

If you have any queries, please contact Lois.Cavallaro1@nhs.net