The British Ports Association (BPA) has formally opened registrations for its 2026 Conference and Exhibition, which will return to the south coast of England as the Port of Dover prepares to host the prestigious annual event on 21st and 22nd October, 2026.
The two-day conference and exhibition will take place within the port’s impressive Cruise Terminal One. Originally built in 1914 and refurbished three decades ago to service the port’s growing cruise business, the terminal will be transformed into a spectacular conference theatre, exhibition hall and evening event venue for the duration of the event.
Details of the conference programme are yet to be finalised but the BPA anticipates welcoming more than 400 delegates and hosting around 40 exhibitors across the two days. Delegates can register for places online at www.bpa2026.com, where the details of the 2026 Partnership Opportunities can also be found.
In addition to the conference and exhibition, delegates can take advantage of a lively social programme, including a pre-conference Welcome Reception on Tuesday the 20th October and the chance to enjoy some ‘Dover Soul’ at the town’s historic Maison Dieu on Wednesday 21st October. Cruise Terminal One will also be the venue for the 2026 BPA Awards & Gala Dinner on Thursday 22nd October, which will bring the curtain down on this year’s event.
Richard Ballantyne OBE, chief executive of the British Ports Association said; “We are delighted to be working alongside the Port of Dover to stage this year’s conference and exhibition within its magnificent, historic Cruise Terminal One facility. Dover has long played an important role in Britain’s maritime story and continues to be a driving force as a 21st-century hub for freight, ferry and cruise operations and a vital hub for UK logistics, tourism and international trade.
“The 2026 conference promises to be an unmissable experience for everyone involved in the UK ports and harbours sector. For two days in October, Dover will become a focal point for our members and associate members, along with organisations from across government, academia and the wider ports and maritime industry to get together and discuss the challenges and opportunities ahead for the sector at a critical time for both UK and global trade.”
Doug Bannister, CEO of the Port of Dover, said:
“We are delighted to be hosting the BPA Annual Conference here in Dover, Britain’s busiest port for travel and trade, and look forward to exchanging ideas, sharing successes, and shaping the future with great colleagues from around the Port sector. The strength of last year’s conference on the Humber raised the bar, and we are planning for an excellent 2026 Conference.
“2026 is a pivotal year for us as a port and the wider industry, and key events like this bring together the many voices and perspectives of UK ports and harbours towards a unified agenda as we adapt to and future-proof the plethora of issues facing our key sector. I am looking forward to welcoming everyone to Dover this year.”
The Port of Dover is the UK’s busiest international ferry port and a vital gateway for the movement of people and trade. It handles £144 billion of trade per year, 33% of UK trade in goods with the EU and welcomes over 11 million passengers. It is also an award-winning cruise port, delivering world class travel and visitor experiences to over 20 major cruise lines and 200,000 guests per year.
With a diverse cargo business operating from state-of-the-art facilities, a new marina and exciting waterfront re-development, plus opportunities for further expansion, the Port of Dover is combining a proud maritime history with a strong vision for the future.
Organisations interested in finding out more about plans for the 2026 British Ports Association Annual Conference and Exhibition can visit www.bpa2026.com or email the event management team at Freshwater on BPAconference@freshwater.co.uk