A security pass is required at all times to attend events in either of the secure Conference venues, Birmingham ICC or Hyatt Regency Birmingham.

05/10/2026

13.00  Social Market Foundation and Google

Hyatt Regency Birmingham : Fortissimo 

Bridging the UK’s AI skills gap

AI adoption at work has doubled in the last year, yet only 15% use it in advanced ways, highlighting a skills and training challenge that could be a barrier to workplace progression. Women feel less confident in using AI tools and are less likely to take part in training to develop AI skills. Join us to explore how we widen access to AI skills, training and workplace progression, while boosting productivity and growth.

13.00  Conservative Middle East Council

Hyatt Regency Birmingham : Concerto  

Iran's hold on Hormuz: What are the implications for the UK, the MENA region, and the world?

The US's launch of "Operation Epic Fury" in February 2026 has resulted (at time of print), not in the toppling of the Iranian Regime, but Iran's strangle-hold over the Strait of Hormuz, and the world economy. What are the implications for the UK's security and economy? And why should foreign policy even matter to our domestically-focussed UK political system?

06/10/2026

16.00  The Conservative Middle East Council

Hyatt Regency Birmingham : Drawing Room  

Making Peace Impossible? The West Bank E1 Development and its implications for regional peace

The E1 development, deemed illegal under international law, effectively makes a two state solution in Israel-Palestine impossible. What are the implications of this for regional peace, and the security of both Palestinian and Israeli people? What will the elections in Israel hold for Netanyahu, and will this change the trajectory of an ever-more territorially ambitious Israel?