Digital Excellence 2026 is the UK’s largest digital-focused national conference for the membership and association sector.
Now in its 22nd year, this flagship event brings together around 500 senior membership, digital, data and transformation leaders for a focused, practical day exploring how digital can be used to grow membership and deepen engagement.
2026 Theme: “Digital to Grow Membership & Deepen Engagement“
This year’s programme is firmly centred on the outcomes that matter most to membership organisations right now: attracting the right members, delivering everyday value, strengthening engagement, and building sustainable growth through smart, confident use of digital, data and technology.
Delegates will hear directly from organisations using digital in practical, measurable ways to drive real results across acquisition, retention, participation and the overall member experience.
We provide an overview of this year’s themed seminar streams below:
- DIGITAL EXCELLENCE KEYNOTE STREAM – The keynote stream brings together some of the biggest and most respected names in digital leadership, sharing how they are using digital, data and technology to drive growth, relevance and engagement at scale. Hear from renowned Digital Futurist – Andrew Grill, alongside senior digital leaders from organisations such as The Football Association and Virgin Active, and Which? as they share first-hand insight into the decisions, priorities shaping their digital strategies. These sessions go beyond inspiration, offering clear lessons on leadership, execution and delivering value in complex, high-expectation environments.
- DIGITAL FOR MEMBER ENGAGEMENT AND VALUE STREAM – This stream focuses on how membership organisations are using digital to strengthen engagement, deliver everyday value and build deeper relationships with members. Sessions explore real examples of digital content and storytelling, social media and community building, digital learning at scale, engagement scoring, CRM and data insight, and the use of AI to improve responsiveness and personalisation. You’ll hear how other membership organisations are using digital tools to better understand member behaviour, reach new audiences, re-engage existing members and create more relevant, inclusive experiences that drive participation and loyalty.
- DIGITAL STRATEGY, PLANNING AND DELIVERY STREAM – This stream tackles the practical realities of delivering digital change inside membership organisations. Sessions cover end-to-end transformation programmes, CRM and platform rebuilds, digital maturity and readiness, AI governance and ethics, data and analytics, and how to prioritise investment when budgets and resources are tight. Through honest case studies, delegates will hear what worked, what didn’t, and what organisations would do differently when planning and delivering digital initiatives. The focus is on clear decision-making, leadership, capability building and turning strategy into progress that supports sustainable membership growth.
- INDUSTRY EXPERT INSIGHT STREAMS – Explore the latest digital solutions, platforms and approaches from leading sector suppliers, with a strong focus on real-world application and lessons learned from working with membership organisations.
No matter your organisation’s size, sector, budget or level of digital maturity, you’ll hear from a wide range of associations and charities sharing honest experiences, practical ideas and clear takeaways you can apply straight away.
We recommend booking your delegate place(s) early. You will also be able to take advantage of some great booking offers and promotions that enable up to 40% off the standard ticket price.
Our conference features 35+ LIVE sessions facilitated by 35+ membership expert speakers conducting senior digital and member-focused management, leadership and CEO roles. Meet our speakers…
Find out what makes our conference and exhibition different below….
What makes our conference different?
Friendly & Approachable Network – Our thriving community is not only unique but also the friendliest you’ll encounter. Owned and run entirely by practicing membership/association professionals, our network guarantees that every event is approachable and conducive to genuine interactions.
Real-World Case Studies from Peers – Our conference prioritises authentic, association-driven case study presentations, where delegates hear directly from peers navigating similar challenges. These sessions highlight practical insights, real outcomes, and lessons learned from professionals doing exceptional work, without any big sales pitches or polished corporate agendas—just honest, relatable experiences.
High Quality Educational Content Delivery – Each and every session in our comprehensive program features at least 3 educational learning objectives and this provides significant value to delegates. All conferences are formally accredited by the CPD Standards Office.
A Great All-Round Delegate Experience – We work hard to exceed delegate expectations and thanks to strong partner working with leading sector suppliers we subsidise the cost of attending from as little as £165 (excluding VAT) per person.
A Rich and Targeted Format – We deliver 5 separate targeted 30-minute educational seminar streams that enables delegates to explore content no matter what their job role, whether member facing or behind the scenes.
DIGITAL EXCELLENCE KEYNOTE STREAM – Hear from influential digital leaders, including senior figures from major membership organisations and well-known brands such as The Football Association, Which? and Virgin Active. These sessions focus on digital and data transformation, leadership decisions, and using technology and AI to drive growth and engagement.
DIGITAL FOR MEMBER ENGAGEMENT AND VALUE STREAM – A practical stream exploring how membership organisations are using digital to deepen and strengthen member relationships. Topics include digital content, social media and communities, engagement scoring, CRM and data insight, digital learning, and personalisation.
DIGITAL STRATEGY, DATA & GROWTH STREAM – Sessions focused on how to deliver digital change in the real world. Case studies cover transformation programmes, CRM and platform rebuilds, digital maturity, governance, data and analytics, and making progress with limited budgets and resources.
INDUSTRY EXPERT INSIGHT SESSIONS – Explore the latest digital-focused solutions LIVE from the sector’s leading suppliers.
Membership & Association Speakers:
Association for Project Management (APM)
Association of Professional Injury Lawyers (APIL)
Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH)
Chartered Management Institute (CMI)
CISI
European Haematology Association (EHA)
Football Association (The FA)
Girlguiding UK
Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)
Law Society
National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA)
Quality Assurance Agency (QAA)
Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS)
Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA)
Virgin Active
Which?
World Commerce & Contracting
YHA (England & Wales)
1) You will gain unique and unparalleled insight/knowledge from fellow association and membership professionals
2) Meet and build relationships with professionals with a similar interest in membership and digital
3) Our themed seminar tracks provide you with targeted, rich and relevant educational content
4) You will almost certainly return to the office with practical digital focused ideas and solutions
5) You will gain a better understand sector-wide goals and challenges
6) Engage with experts who are delivering ‘great things’ for membership bodies
7) Meet the leading solution providers of digital in the membership/association sector
8) Understand what tomorrow’s digital landscape will look like
9) Be a part of our growing professional membership-focused community/movement
10) It’s important to take ‘time out of the office’ and consider ‘what could be’!