UKSPA Autumn Conference 2026

UKSPA is bringing its Autumn Conference to the University of Nottingham Innovation Park on Thursday 19 and Friday 20 November 2026. It's a two-day gathering for the UK's science park and innovation community: professionals from science parks, innovation districts, research campuses and technology clusters, alongside UKSPA Business Affiliates and other stakeholders. Over the two days, the group shares best practice and debates the regional and national trends shaping the sector.

The programme runs across both days, with a keynote from Cogent Skills CEO Justine Fosh. That's backed up by interactive panel sessions, fireside chats and an exhibition. On the first night, there's a conference dinner and drinks reception, so if you're staying over, that's where the networking really kicks in.

The venue itself is part of the story. The University of Nottingham Innovation Park is an innovation campus anchored by a Russell Group research powerhouse, geared towards engineering and technology. It draws in sectors like aerospace, zero-carbon propulsion, fusion, defence, digital and advanced manufacturing. It's the result of brownfield regeneration, built with sustainable, low-energy architecture and natural materials, with man-made lakes that double as a wildlife habitat. The businesses based there have secured around £8 million in Innovate UK funding and attracted some £14 million in private investment.

So, if you work in a science park, an innovation district or a research campus, this is where you'll find your peers. It runs Thursday 19 and Friday 20 November 2026 at the University of Nottingham Innovation Park, Jubilee Hotel & Conference Centre, Jubilee Campus, Triumph Road, Lenton, Nottingham NG7 2TU.