Mental Health and Learning Disabilities Annual Conference and Exhibition 2026
Our 2026 Mental Health and Learning Disabilities Annual Conference and Exhibition will bring together over 200 senior leaders from NHS, VCSE and independent organisations for lively discussions on the future of services, to share good practice, horizon scan, network with peers and influence the national policy direction.
In an evolving health and care landscape, with increased demand and pressure across all systems, meeting rising mental health need is crucial not only to the sustainability of healthcare services but to economic growth. Organisations are innovating at every level – from defining models of care, exploring the potential of digital technology, committing to new partnerships and working across boundaries. The conference gives senior leaders the opportunity to come together to focus on these areas, discover ideas and to re-energise themselves as leaders delivering high quality organisations and services.
The conference programme will feature the key national figures whose influence and decision-making determines the future of mental health, learning disability and neurodiversity services. Further details about the programme and speakers will be announced soon. Key themes of the conference will include:
- What the rapidly moving landscape of the NHS at neighbourhood, system, provider and regional level means for the provision of mental health and learning disability services
- The drivers behind growing economic inactivity and the role of the NHS in reducing it
- The primary and secondary care interface
- Improving productivity within services
- Supporting children and young people with complex needs
- How innovative uses of data underpin good quality strategic commissioning
- Reducing health inequalities for people with mental illness
- The role of digital innovations in new approaches to care and improving productivity
Ticket information
Our conference was fully booked the past three years and while we have expanded the number of places available this year, spots are still limited, so we recommend reserving early to secure your place.
To reflect the challenging financial landscape, we have refreshed and reduced our ticket pricing to provide continued value for money to members and partners.
- Mental Health Network Member - £149 + VAT
- NHS Confederation Member - £149 + VAT
- NHS Organisation, Not for Profit, Charity - £295 + VAT
- Associate Member - £450 + VAT
- Commercial Organisation - £650 + VAT
Please click here to book your place using a payment card, or email our events team for an invoice.
In addition to the conference itself, we will also be hosting a complimentary dinner the night before the conference which is exclusively for Mental Health Network members. Up to two places are available per member organisation for the dinner.
Partnership opportunities
We have partnership, sponsorship and exhibition opportunities available for the Mental Health and Learning Disabilities Annual Conference and Exhibition 2026.
To find out more about the benefits of being part of this exciting event, please email ross.edwards@nhsconfed.org.
