BGA Sporting Conference 2026
Join us at the BGA Sporting Conference and Exhibition 2026!
When?
Saturday 28th February 2026
Where?
We are returning to the Holywell Park Conference Centre, Loughborough University followed by the Annual Awards Dinner at Burleigh Court Hotel, Loughborough University.
We would be delighted to welcome you back to these popular venues either alone or with a group of likeminded friends to make an awesome day of it!
The venues are a short walk or a 2-minute drive apart on the Loughborough University Campus.
Sporting Conference and exhibition https://www.holywell-park.co.uk/
Annual Awards Dinner https://www.burleigh-court.co.uk/
What?
The daytime conference:
The conference day is FREE to attend.
View the full keepsake programme here
The programme of presentations for the day conference are;
Early morning forums (9am – 10am):
- Thermal forecasting – Daniel Moser, XC Therm
- Glider aerobatics – Neil Oakley/Ian Gallacher
- How electronic record keeping can help your club – Chris Booker
- Guidance on the use of parachute equipment following bail-out- Chris Goodwin
Presentations:
- Nigel Mallender – ‘Why on earth would you want to do that in one of those??!!’
- Mark James – ‘Going solo with one hand’
- Pete ‘Willy’ Hackett – ‘All out – how gliding launched my career in aviation’ (Pete is an RAF fast jet test pilot and glider pilot)
Spend time catching up with fellow glider pilots whilst perusing the latest technology, ideas, and news that our exhibitors* have to offer.
View the latest exhibitor list here
Part66L and Pilot/Owner maintenance basics seminar
We will be hosting a seminar describing Part 66L & Pilot Owner Maintenance basics aimed at anyone interested in sailplane maintenance. Starting time is 1030.
The evening awards & dinner
Everyone is welcome to attend the dinner and awards ceremony in the evening, which is a very popular event with a formal dress code and a very informal atmosphere! This is a ‘ticket only’ event and booking has closed.
Accommodation
For accommodation at the hotel for the Friday and Saturday night please call the hotel reservations team on 01509 633033 quoting ‘BGA26′ to book your rooms. You will receive a 15% discount on the advertised price of the room.
The code will also work online and will immediately provide you with the 15% off.
Alternative accommodation in area:
The Link Hotel https://www.linkhotelloughborough.co.uk/