Local Resilience Forum Conference

Strengthening National and Local Resilience across the Disaster Risk Cycle

Engaging and Supporting the Voluntary, Faith and Community Sectors in Preparedness, Response and Recovery

Delivered in partnership with West Midlands Resilience Forum, this brand-new two-day conference will bring together resilience professionals, voluntary sector leaders, faith organisations, community groups and policy influencers to strengthen collaboration across the disaster risk cycle.

Taking place at the NEC Birmingham from 16-17 September 2026, the conference addresses one of the most pressing questions facing resilience partnerships today: how do we move from consultation to full integration of voluntary, faith and community partners in preparedness, response and recovery?

Day One

Open to all resilience professionals

🕘 09:00 – 17:00
📍 NEC Birmingham
📅 16 September 2026

Day One explores how voluntary, faith and community organisations can be fully integrated across preparedness, response and recovery.

You’ll hear:

  • Real-world case studies, including Grenfell

  • Insight from leading practitioners and academics

  • Panel discussions on preparedness, response and recovery

  • A session exploring AI, financial disruptors and future resilience challenges

  • Closing address from Dr Lucy Easthope

Plus 90 minutes to explore The Emergency Services Show and networking drinks in Hall 5.

If resilience forms part of your remit, this is the national conversation you need to be part of.

Day Two

Invite Only

🕘 09:00 – 15:00
📍 NEC Birmingham
📅 17 September 2026

Day Two is a closed session for strategic leaders from Local Resilience Forums, including Category 1 and Category 2 partners, alongside representatives from voluntary, faith and community organisations.

The focus is on embedding voluntary, faith and community organisations within a whole-of-society approach to resilience at the local level.

The day will include:

• A keynote on communications and the common operating picture
• A live disaster simulation exercise
• A structured debrief and roundtable discussion
• A senior-level panel examining next steps for national integration

Invitations will be issued directly.

2026 Content Agenda

Loading
09:50
  1. LRF Conference
    20 mins
    Take a wander through the history of crisis management, as we explore how the voluntary, community and faith sectors have influenced the work of emergency responder organisations
10:10
  1. LRF Conference
    20 mins
    A pilot exploring a whole of society response to extreme weather.
11:15
  1. LRF Conference
    20 mins
    When should the voluntary and faith sector become part of the response?
13:30
  1. LRF Conference
    20 mins
    A personal reflection of over 40 years of planning, response and community resilience.
10:10
  1. LRF Conference
    20 mins
10:30
  1. LRF Conference
    90 mins
12:45
  1. LRF Conference
    90 mins
14:30
  1. LRF Conference
    30 mins

2 EVENTS, 1 PASS

Your ticket gives you access to Emergency Tech Show and Emergency Services Show. Get all the latest event updates and exclusives by registering your pass today.



 

WORLD CLASS BLUE LIGHT SUPPLIERS

No other event brings together over 550 exhibitors under one roof to showcase the latest products and services in the blue light sector.


 

WHAT'S ON

Maximise your time onsite at the Emergency Tech Show. Start planning your visit today to explore all the features, zones, live demos, networking opportunities, and more.