Education Estates® will take place on 20–21 October 2026 at Manchester Central, comprising a multi-stream conference, an exhibition showcasing innovative solutions and an awards ceremony celebrating excellence in the sector. The event focuses on educational infrastructure: the funding, design, build, maintenance and management of schools, colleges and universities.

Education Estates® is the UK’s leading event for the education infrastructure. Delivered in partnership with the Department for Education, it brings together the organisations shaping and delivering learning environments across the UK.

The event continues to grow and is on track for a third consecutive record-breaking edition in 2026. With over 70% of delegates holding decision-making or influencing roles, it connects the sector with the people driving estates strategy and capital investment.

Due to record demand and strong interest in both the event and the education estates sector, exhibition space is filling quickly. Award entries are now open and attendee registration will open shortly.

Key dates and future announcements can be viewed in the timeline below. Register your interest today to exhibit, sponsor, speak or attend:

Register your interest

Exhibition

Conference

Awards

7 Stages and 172 Speakers

6 Stages and 170+ Speakers

196 Exhibitors

220+ Exhibitors

4303 Attendance

5000+ Attendees

650 Awards Guests

Stay up to date!

A delightful event of knowledge sharing, with fantastic talks balanced by a good selection of product & services exhibits, all expertly brought together by the excellent STEP CONNECT2 team in the amazing Manchester conference venue.

Mark Pratt
Design Adviser, Department for Education
Education Estates® is my top choice of any educational event. As an Estates & Facilities Manager working in the Education Sector, it is solely focused on the requirements of my specific role. The organised sessions are plentiful and relevant and the speakers are all highly knowledgeable and have demonstrable experience in their respective fields. I always come away having gained invaluable knowledge and plenty of new contacts - would highly recommend this event.

Jeremy Kenyon
Jeremy Kenyon, Facilities & Estates Manager, Tonbridge Grammar School
We left with a lot of qualified leads and immediate meetings in the diary. In the last day alone, new connections have already turned into real opportunities to expand our reach. We are now lining up trials with national installers and presenting to a major academy trust about detection and air quality.

Simon Hassett
Founder, Vape Guardian
It was an inspiring few days connecting with educators, designers, and innovators who share our vision for healthier, happier learning environments.

Charlotte Trugden
Design Director, acou.space
Education Estates®, is always a brilliant opportunity to meet new people, reconnect with old friends, and have meaningful conversations about how we continue to improve and invest in the school estate — and do so sustainably. This year was exceptional!

Javid Mahdavi
Managing Director, Nexus Associates
The Education Estates® event in Manchester was a real information overload, in the best way! It was fantastic to connect with fellow estates professionals and hear directly from DfE officials on the hot topics shaping our sector.

Fiona Conlen
Health & Safety Manager, Elevate Multi Academy Trust

Join the national conversation around the education estate!

Schools | Colleges | Universities

Education Estates® Homepage Video

2026 Predicted Statistics

6 Stages and 170+ Speakers

220+ Exhibitors

5000+ Attendees

650 Awards Guests

Stay up to date!

Event Partner

Sponsor Partners

Event Supporters

Awards Charity