Targeted call for NHS ConfedExpo 2026 submissions

We are inviting submissions from across NHS Confederation and NHS England to deliver interactive, networking and private sessions at NHS ConfedExpo 2026.

We are running this separately to the open submission process for panel sessions to ensure that these sessions are developed by colleagues committed to delivering the required format effectively. These sessions should be designed to actively engage specific audiences to create meaningful connections and tailored discussions. They should align strategically across NHS Confed, NHS Providers and NHS England and be delivered in partnership where appropriate.

There are a limited number of sessions available. Please make your application clear, highlighting what makes your session unique and  the value it will bring to our delegates. You also need to clearly outline how the session will be structured and facilitated so we can be confident that your session design will align with the format specification.


Please note:

  • The NHS ConfedExpo team hold final editorial control on all sessions, including the ability to add or request changes to speakers.
  • 40-minute informative sessions are being commissioned via an open submission process, which is also open until 23 January. If your session is better suited to a panel format, more information to apply via this route can be found here: Open submissions - NHS ConfedExpo 2025.
  • We are looking for tangible examples of real people improving the NHS and wider health sector. Feel free to use AI software to refine your application, but bear in mind that if your submission appears to be entirely written by AI, this will be considered in the review process.

Checklist before submitting your proposal

  1. Have you collaborated with relevant teams across NHS Confederation, NHS Providers and NHS England when developing your proposal?
  2. For interactive and private sessions, have you contacted the Confed policy lead for the priority/enabler that aligns with your proposal to sense check your plans and avoid any duplication?
  3. For networking sessions, have you contacted relevant Confed colleagues that hold the relationship with the group you are proposing to engage?
  4. Have you clearly defined the session structure and facilitation style, so it is clear how the session delivery aligns with the session format?
  5. Have you clearly defined how delegates will benefit from your session?
  6. Have you confirmed that your proposed session lead, facilitators and/or speakers would be available on 10 and 11 June 2026 and able to travel to Manchester?
  7. Have you ensured these stakeholders would represent diverse perspectives and backgrounds, in terms of protected characteristics as well as organisation/role types?
  8. Have you checked that your team has the capacity to deliver to the timelines outlined in this guidance document?

What we’re looking for

The targeted call for submissions is specifically for interactive, networking and private sessions at NHS ConfedExpo 2026. Each session should be aligned with one of the following conference themes:

  • Neighbourhood health 
  • Population health and prevention 
  • Technology and innovation 
  • Finance and productivity 
  • Health and prosperity 
  • Workforce and leadership 
  • Operating model 
  • Quality and improvement 

These session types are intended to actively engage delegates in discussion and problem-solving. Some examples of session structures are included below for inspiration.


Interactive sessions

There are nine sessions available across the two-day agenda. The final agenda will include at least one session on each of the conference themes.

  • 60-minute sessions
  • Circular tables
  • A non-negotiable is no panels and a minimal number of speakers
  • A focus on actively engaging delegates and finding solutions to key issues​ (e.g. workshops, hackathons, invite-only roundtables)
  • The session structure and facilitation style should be dynamic and engaging
  • 6 sessions will be held in a breakout room with a 72-delegate capacity, cabaret style with circular tables
  • 3 sessions will be held in a breakout room with a 24-28 delegate capacity, boardroom-style (ideal for a focussed roundtable discussion)

Networking sessions

There are 14 sessions available across the two-day agenda.

  • 60-minute sessions
  • No specific room layout
  • A non-negotiable is no panels and a minimal number of speakers
  • A focus on convening groups of interest around a topic, role type or protected characteristic​
  • These sessions could range from structured formats (eg speed networking) to entirely informal networking
  • Held in breakout rooms (80 delegate capacity theatre style or 24 in cabaret style)

Private sessions

There are 7 sessions available across the two-day agenda. This is the first time these sessions will be hosted on the public agenda, with the aim to showcase the leadership benefits of attending NHS ConfedExpo to a wider audience.

  • 40-minute sessions
  • No specific room layout
  • A non-negotiable is no panels and a minimal number of speakers
  • Provide a safe space for leaders to discuss sensitive topics (e.g. closed sessions exploring  leadership, improvement or crisis support​)
  • Entry to the sessions is invite only and there need to be two people to monitor admissions
  • Held in breakout rooms (100 delegate capacity theatre style or 36 in cabaret style)
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