The programme for the annual Visitor Attractions Conference (VAC) 2026 has been launched, marking a return for one of the industry's premier networking and learning events.
Celebrating its 22nd anniversary, the 2026 conference will take place on Friday 9 October at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre in Westminster, London.
Since its inception at the QEII Centre in 2004, VAC has welcomed more than 5,000 attraction owners, managers, and officers. Organised for the industry, by the industry, the event caters broadly to theme parks, museums, galleries, historic sites, zoos, parks, gardens, and science centres.
The newly live 2026 programme is designed to equip delegates with vital market research, national success stories, and analytical commentary, to ensure businesses remain resilient through 2026 and beyond.
Event Essentials
- Date: Friday 9 October 2026
- Venue: Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre, Westminster, London
- Programme: Available now on the VAC website
Ten Reasons to Attend VAC 2026
For visitor attraction professionals navigating a complex commercial landscape, organisers have outlined ten key reasons for participating in this autumn's conference:
- Discover Advanced Management Practices: Gain insights into modern attractions management and marketing, with specific focus on navigating sustainability targets and the ongoing staffing crisis.
- Elevate Customer Service Standards: Learn contemporary techniques to deliver exceptional visitor experiences despite current macroeconomic challenges.
- Grow Industry Relationships: Cultivate stronger professional connections with sector colleagues and prominent industry speakers.
- Gain Strategic Inspiration: Benchmark your operations against motivational presentations delivered by award-winning attractions throughout the day.
- Connect Face-to-Face with Suppliers: Meet directly with key sector providers to discover new commercial products and tailored deals for UK attractions.
- Master Digital Adaptation: Keep pace with rapid evolutions across technology, social media platforms, and digital marketing best practice.
- Expand Commercial Creativity: Step away from daily desk operations to spark creative operational strategies through high-level presentations.
- Engage in Peer-to-Peer Problem Solving: Access collaborative Q&A sessions and dedicated networking windows over lunch and refreshment breaks.
- Facilitate Team Strategy: Bring along corporate colleagues to maximise networking coverage and drive internal brainstorming sessions during the event.
- Build Long-Term Market Resilience: Following three years of severe market testing, the programme provides the tools necessary to make businesses fit for future market shifts and capture a greater market share.
Theme Park Network will be reporting live from the event on Friday 9 October 2026.
