From Lecture Hall to Lock Gate to:
Navigate the Future of Inland Boating!
The inland waterways sector will come together this autumn for one of its flagship annual events as the British Marine Inland Conference 2026 returns with a packed programme of industry insight, networking and celebration.
Event details
When: Thursday 12 November 2026
Time: 09.00 - 23.00
Where: Cranfield University, Bedfordshire
Price: Members - £115 / Non-members - £185
Join us for an unmissable day dedicated to innovation, collaboration, and industry updates at the British Marine Inland Conference 2026.
Why Attend
- Stay ahead of industry trends and regulatory updates
- Build lasting connections and collaborations
- Contribute to the conversation shaping the inland marine sector
- Enjoy a welcoming, social atmosphere in a unique setting
Whether you're here to learn, share, or simply enjoy the company of like-minded professionals, this conference promises to deliver valuable insight and great memories.
Event Highlights
- Inspiring Speaker Sessions - Hear from key industry figures and marine professionals on the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities.
- Authoritative Industry Updates - Gain valuable insight from navigation authorities shaping the future of the sector.
- Networking Opportunities - Connect with peers from across the inland marine community and share ideas, experiences, and solutions.
- Hospitality Throughout the Day - Enjoy refreshments and a networking lunch provided for all delegates.
This year’s event brings together leading voices, navigation authorities, and marine experts for a dynamic programme of talks, discussions, and networking.
On the Agenda*
9.00 - Arrival and Registration
9.30 – British Marine Inland AGM - Ed Helps - Association Chair
9.45 – British Marine Midlands AGM - Catherine Armstrong - Association Chair
10.00 – Welcome - Ed Helps
10.05 - Introduction & Plans for 2027 - Earle Stanner - British Marine CEO
10.20 - The Next Wave: Talent, Diversity & The Future of Marine - Kacey Anderson - Haven Knox-Johnston
10.35 - Interactive AI Session - Adrien Burnand - British Marine Marketing Director/Special Projects
10.55 - Morning Break
11.15 - The Yacht Harbour Association Update - Jonathan White - Association Manager
11.30 - Navigation Authority Update: Canal & River Trust - Gareth Stephens & Matthew Symonds
11.45 - Navigation Authority Update: Broads Authority - Sarah Cowley CEO
12.00 - Navigation Authority Update: Scottish Canals - Richard Millar
12.10 - Navigation Authority Update: Environment Agency - Bill Jephson
12.30 - 14.00 - Food & Refreshments available
13.15 - 14.00 - Drop-in Surgeries
- Ed Tuite - British Marine Technical Director - RCD & RCR
- Joanna Richardson - External Relations Manager - Public Affairs & Industry Asks
14.00 – Business Rates Relief - Kit Rabette - Rabbette Ltd
14.25 - Technical Update - Ed Tuite - British Marine Technical Director
14.45 - Afternoon Break
14.55 - Valuations, Planning, EV Charging & Future Sales - Kay Griffiths & Amanda Blythe-Smith - Savills (UK) Ltd
15.20 - Training Academy - Adrien Burnand - British Marine Marketing Director/Special Projects
15.40 - State of the Industry 2026 - Nigel Richards - Waterways Holidays
15.55 Inland Sector Awards 2026 / 2027 Presentations - Sustainability, Product or Service of the Year & Business of the Year award winners
16.15 - 17.30 - Networking Drinks
19.00 - Late - Gala Dinner & Entertainment
*Programme subject to change
Evening Reception & Entertainment
The day doesn’t end when the talks finish!
Join us for a relaxed post-conference drinks reception, followed by an evening of fun and entertainment.
We’ll round things off with a 3 course Gala Dinner and evening entertainment.
Don’t Miss Out
Be part of a day that celebrates the people, innovation, and future of the inland marine industry.
Tickets are now on sale - click the link below to register and secure your place to this truly unmissable event!
Inland Conference 2026 Tickets & Registration
Staying over?
Discounted 3* rooms available at Mitchell Hall and 4* rooms at Cranfield Management Development Centre for £92 and £113 respectively on a bed and breakfast basis, including free parking.
To secure your room at the preferential rate, you can either email venuecranfield@cranfield.ac.uk or call 01234 754341, quoting ref. 480324.
Bookings are on a first-come, first-served basis and have a 2 week cancellation policy.
Please specify your desired room type when booking and all reservations will need to be paid for upon booking.
Proudly Sponsored By
Headline Sponsor: Haven Knox-Johnston
Supporting Sponsors: EP Barrus Ltd, Leesanitation Ltd, Lalizas UK Ltd & Waterways Holidays
Exhibition Space Sponsor: Metpow
Sponsorship Opportunities
Enquire Today
Achieving a conference rating of 4.4 out of 5, last year's event welcomed 121 British Marine Members from across the inland sector.
This is about the fourth time I’ve been to this event, and it gets bigger and better, and more informative every year
Phil James, EP BarrusToday has been really informative, as these networking events are and if you weren’t here, you should have been!
Justin Green, J G MarineIt was a great chance to reflect on the past year, discuss key events and engage in thoughtful debates
Carl Onens, Managing Director ABC Leisure GroupI found the speakers very interesting and informative. I am looking forward to next year’s already!
Rev Chris Upton, Waterways ChaplaincyWe can’t wait to see you there!
For more information, reach out to Lisa Jupp at ljupp@britishmarine.co.uk or call 07860 848835.