BCO ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2026 |
PLENARY PROGRAMME

Please note that the conference programme is subject to change

Date: Wednesday, 17 June
Time: 09:30 - 10:30
Plenary 1 - Opportunities for cities in 2026

Economy is about community, and communities are the foundations of prosperity. Thriving communities attract people to places and to places of work. But what choice should people have about where and how they work, and how do their decisions impact on the health, prosperity and viability of our cities and citizens?

Cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow differ from each other and from the 40 miles of towns and villages between them. Geography, history, culture, politics, density, complexity, connectivity, wealth and attractiveness determine the different types and scales of experience these two cities offer compared with each other and with cities across the UK.

The cost of participation in cities for workers, businesses, investors and developers is considerable. For some, the additional cost of building and being part of a workplace community is a worthwhile overhead, for others it drives alternative ways of working.

This session aims to show us how offices might return to their roots and create places of work that build communities that can enrich and sustain our cities.

Plenary 1 speakers
Chair Professor Janice Kirkpatrick OBE, director & co-founder, Graven
Panellists
Sir John Curtice, professor of politics, University of Strathclyde; senior research fellow, National Centre for Social Research
Paul Lawrence, chief executive officer, City of Edinburgh Council
Gillian Docherty CBE, chief commercial officer, University of Strathclyde; president, Glasgow Chamber of Commerce
Professor Sir Jim McDonald, chair, Scottish Enterprise; principal and vice-chancellor, University of Strathclyde 2009-2025; president, Royal Academy of Engineers 2019-2024

Date: Wednesday, 17 June
Time: 11:15 - 12:15
Plenary 2 - Navigating office development in UK regional cities

Join us for a critical examination of the challenges facing office development across the key UK regional markets. This debate will tackle the perfect storm of factors undermining project viability: soaring construction costs, elevated borrowing rates and uncertain occupier demand.

Our expert panel will consider how hybrid working patterns have fundamentally altered space requirements and how ESG compliance adds significant cost pressures. We’ll also explore the widening gap between development costs and achievable rents and yields, highlighting case studies where projects have stalled and exploring what is needed to reactivate them.

This session will dig into emerging strategies for unlocking viable development, from innovative financing models to alternative use concepts. Whether you’re a developer, investor, occupier or adviser, this session offers essential insights for navigating today’s challenging market and positioning for tomorrow’s opportunities in regional office development.

Plenary 2 speakers
Chair Cameron Stott, head of Scotland, JLL
Panellists
Paul Curran, chief executive officer, Qmile Group; trustee, Spifox
Helen Hare, director of project, GPE; president, British Council for Offices (BCO)
Dr Ken Shuttleworth, founder, Make Architects

Date: Thursday 18 June
Time: 13:45 - 15:00
Plenary Workshop 1 - Operational excellence: customer experience best practice

What does great customer experience look like in hospitality, retail and visitor experience?

Outstanding customer experience starts with a people-first mindset, prioritising responsiveness to create engaging and productive environments. Best practice across the hospitality, visitor experience and retail sectors often means delivering an exceptional, often invisible, support model that customers and end users never see. Data and technology both play a vital role, from research and design to operations, but the human touch remains essential.

This session will explore how leading organisations from these sectors are redefining customer experience and will also showcase the BCO’s 2025 Customer Experience Award winners, sharing real-world case studies, insights and proven models of excellence.

Plenary Workshop 1 speakers
Chair Gillian Stewart, director, MLA
Panellists
Nicola Jones, customer experience general manager, GPE
Ian Stirling, co-owner and founder, Port of Leith Distillery
Gillian Duthie, director of facilities management & workplace experience, BlackRock
Chris Moriarty, co-founder & director, Audiem

Date: Thursday 18 June
Time: 15:45 - 16:45
Plenary Workshop 2 - The generational impact

Over the next decade, the emerging generations (Millennials, Gen Z, and soon Gen Alpha) will put their own mark on the workplace, driving a profound transformation in workplace design and culture.

Expectations will intensify, with the new generations demanding a greater focus on flexibility, inclusivity and purpose, reshaping offices into adaptive, tech-enabled environments that support hybrid working, wellbeing and collaboration.

In parallel with generational change, we are seeing the emergence of new technologies such as AI, augmented reality, IoT and immersive collaboration
platforms. How will these redefine how work is experienced? And how will offices evolve into smart ecosystems, blending physical and virtual spaces, enabling seamless transitions between remote and in-person work?

Plenary Workshop 2 speakers
Chair Samantha McClary, chief executive officer, BCO
Panellists
Rebecca Robins, global chief learning and culture officer, Interbrand

BCO ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2026 | EDINBURGH TOURS

TE1 – West Edinburgh & business park evolution

Wednesday 17 June PM
Thursday 18 June AM & PM

An exploration of West Edinburgh’s transformation, focusing on innovative placemaking that is reshaping Scotland’s capital and serves as a case study for successfully regenerating UK business parks.

The tour, featuring a 2024 BCO National Award-winning office development, will showcase strategic masterplans that exemplify excellence in placemaking and community-centred design.

TE2 – Haymarket Square & Port Hamilton

Wednesday 17 June PM
Thursday 18 June AM & PM

A vibrant urban quarter in Edinburgh’s popular West End, Haymarket Square is a major new development designed by Foster + Partners for QMile Group.

Featuring offices, hotels, shops, student accommodation and public space, this is an impressive mixed-use area. Next, you’ll visit Port Hamilton, the largest Cat A refurbishment project in Scotland, demonstrating a best-practice approach to sustainable design and energy efficiency. An active site, due for completion in December 2027, this significant upgrade of Lloyds’ HQ is more than half complete.

TE3 – The city centre: Charlotte Square Collection, St Andrew Square, Waverley Gate

Wednesday 17 June PM
Thursday 18 June AM & PM

Located in Edinburgh’s New Town UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Charlotte Square Collection showcases a full-scale redevelopment of 22 Category A-listed buildings.

At Glenmorangie’s new offices in the striking modern development in St Andrew Square, we’ll explore how this iconic Scottish brand is leveraging innovative workplace design to enrich the experience of both employees and clients.

At Waverley Gate we’ll focus on how amenity, accessibility, design and user experience converge to create a compelling proposition for Royal London and other occupiers.

TE4 – Edinburgh Futures Institute & Quartermile

Wednesday 17 June PM
Thursday 18 June AM & PM

This tour offers delegates an exploration of innovation, heritage and placemaking in the heart of Scotland’s capital. The 2025 BCO National Award-winning Edinburgh Futures Institute brings new life to the former Royal Infirmary after years of dereliction.

The Category A-listed Victorian hospital was in poor condition when the University of Edinburgh bought it in 2015. The project removed unsympathetic extensions, repaired extensive dry rot, restored key elements to their former glory and stitched together new accommodation alongside the existing hospital wards and corridors to create a building that is now a world-class workplace and hub for data-driven collaboration, sustainability and public engagement.

TE5 - Bayes Centre & Cirrus Logic

Wednesday 17 June PM
Thursday 18 June AM & PM

The Bayes Centre
The Bayes Centre is the University of Edinburgh’s flagship innovation hub for data science and artificial intelligence. It is the final phase of the BCO National Award-winning Potterrow development, following the completion of the much lauded Informatics Forum and Dugald Stewart Building.

Cirrus Logic
Cirrus Logic is a unique urban laboratory and workspace in Edinburgh’s popular Quartermile development. The lab is successfully integrated with flexible office space for both collaborative and focus work and includes ‘jam rooms’ to encourage employee creativity.

TE6 – Leith mixology: the blended office experience

Wednesday 17 June PM
Thursday 18 June AM & PM

The perfect office is a bit like the perfect cocktail – it’s all about balance, story and craft.

This unique tour explores how the principles of hospitality and mixology can shape the modern workplace, creating spaces that are both functional and full of character.

The tour will trace a narrative of design and experience – from the Foot of the Walk to the Port of Leith Distillery. Stop at inspiring workplaces including Lind & Lime Gin Distillery, Custom Lane and Clockwise. You’ll also visit the renowned whisky bar on the ninth floor of Port of Leith Distillery, where you’ll learn to mix the perfect drink – and blend the same principles to build innovative, spirited workplaces.

TE7 – Engineering Wonders

Wednesday 17 June PM
Thursday 18 June ALL DAY

A tour of European and world firsts where engineering and regeneration meet art and architecture.

Wednesday and Thursday’s tours will visit Lost Shore, the world’s first inland surf resort, and Europe’s largest indoor climbing arena, set in a disused quarry and enclosed by a transparent ETFE roof to let in daylight.

The full-day tour on Thursday will include the two locations from Wednesday and in addition we’ll visit the iconic Kelpies sculpture, the Falkirk Wheel and lunch at the multi-award-winning Rosebank Distillery.

BCO ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2026 | GLASGOW TOURS

TG1 – Barclays & JP Morgan

Thursday 18 June AM & PM

Barclays
Barclays’ Glasgow campus is a mixed-use development that won both the Corporate Workplace and Best of the Best categories at the BCO National Awards in 2023. The 495,000 sq ft campus transformed a brownfield area of redundant buildings and a derelict car park into a new city centre district, including indoor and outdoor spaces for staff and community events.

JP Morgan
JP Morgan’s 270,000 sq ft headquarters, which opened in April 2024, is one of the UK’s most advanced workspaces, embodying a commitment to people, sustainability and the local community in a way that strengthens and supports Glasgow’s future growth.

TG2 – Bothwell Street

Thursday 18 June AM & PM

Office development is rarely straightforward. Balancing design, sustainability and commercial viability is complex, especially amid shifting work patterns and economic pressures.

Yet within these challenges lies opportunity – to reimagine the workplace, set new standards for sustainability and redefine the city’s commercial heart.

Within a few city blocks on Bothwell Street stand three of Glasgow’s finest workspaces, each showing what ambition and innovation can achieve. Their success has attracted leading occupiers such as Virgin Money, Pinsent Masons and PwC, which are using these inspiring spaces to build community, boost collaboration and bring their people back into the workplace.

TG3 – The merchant city

Thursday 18 June AM & PM

The Merchant City neighbourhood emerged when Glasgow became a centre for the European trade in sugar and tobacco in the 18th century.

Initially characterised by the grand homes of the city’s wealthy ‘Tobacco Lords’, as trade flourished the area saw the construction of factories and warehouses. However, by the late 20th century, the markets and factories had moved elsewhere, and the soot-blackened buildings were dismal.

You’ll see the seeds and maturation of the regeneration that followed the post-war decline and how work, education, shops, homes and creativity have combined in a slow evolution that has created a mixed economy of mutual benefits.

BCO ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2026 | WEDNESDAY WORKSHOPS

WORKSHOP 1 - Why is social value so confusing?

Wednesday 17 June
13:45 - 15:00 & 15:45 - 17:00

Bringing together expert panellists from a range of disciplines, including consultancy, design and delivery, this workshop will unpack how social value is interpreted in different contexts, what it takes to align intent with impact and offer practical ways to make it more meaningful and actionable.

Attendees will be encouraged to challenge assumptions, share perspectives and contribute to shaping a more coherent approach.

Workshop 1 speakers
Chair Ruth Oates, director, Buro Four
Panellists 
Simon Bone, principal, Workplace, Perkins&Will
Neda Haghshenas, social value lead - fit out and retrofit, Mace
Sarah Lawson, associate architect, MLA
Angela Lowe, head of office agency, Scotland, CBRE
Neil Onions, founding director, Beyond the Box
Kieran Ronnie, head of social value, Europe, AECOM
Nick Walker, director of built heritage and townscape, Iceni Projects

WORKSHOP 2 - It’s about people not architecture

Wednesday 17 June
13:45 - 15:00 & 15:45 - 17:00

This workshop explores how placing people at the heart of workplace design leads to more engaging, sustainable and future-ready environments. Rather than starting with architecture, we focus on how innovative engineering solutions, such as circadian lighting, circular economy principles and sustainable materials, can enhance colleague wellbeing and performance.

Workshop 2 speakers
Chair Clare Ashmore, chief operating officer, Parkeray Ltd
Panellists
Peter Kerr, director, Cameron Kerr
Andrew Leiper, director, MEP engineering, Max Fordham
David McGowan, director, Corstorphine & Wright

WORKSHOP 3 - Unlikely bedfellows: creative mixed-use development partnerships

Wednesday 17 June
13:45 - 15:00 & 15:45 - 17:00

Conventional development strategies won’t solve the viability crisis. Increasingly, forward-thinking developers are forging innovative partnerships to unlock their workspace schemes. Blending diverse expertise and networks creates unexpected opportunities, from cultural anchors to live-work campuses, and from neighbourhood data centres to embedded universities. In this session we’ll explore the ‘unlikely bedfellows’ phenomenon, helped by some of most interesting operators in the field. We’ll discuss what this might mean for our future workspaces within rich, unconventional mixed-use developments.

Workshop 3 speakers
Chair Nick Gaskell, partner and workplace sector lead, Hawkins\Brown
Panellists
Charlie MacGregor, founder, The Social Hub

WORKSHOP 4 - The BCO’s data revolution

Wednesday 17 June
13:45 - 15:00 & 15:45 - 17:00

Through its market-leading awards, the BCO has a huge and comprehensive source of best-in-class industry insights but, until now, this data has never been harnessed. Help shape the future by influencing our approach to the data lake, defining key data points and setting the agenda for what matters in office excellence.  Whether you’re interested in regional trends or national benchmarks, help prioritise the metrics that matter most to our industry.

Workshop 4 speakers
Chair TBA
Panellists TBA

BCO ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2026 | THURSDAY WORKSHOPS

WORKSHOP 5 - Science and technology: what’s the big idea?!

Thursday 18 June
09:15 - 10:30 & 11:15 - 12:30

The emergence of science and technology real estate as an institutional asset class means increasing numbers of BCO members are engaged in the design, construction and occupation of these highly technical workplaces.

The BCO has formed a specialist technical committee to help inform and represent the membership and to increase the opportunities to participate in some of the most ground-breaking projects in the country. This workshop will look at what is driving occupational and investor demand for innovation real estate, consider the occupier dynamics, construction/operational challenges and the impacts of AI on traditional wet-lab and research operations.

Workshop 5 speakers
Chair Colin Brown, development director, Mission Street
Panellists TBA

WORKSHOP 6 - Wellbeing by design: the focus space revolution

Thursday 18 June
09:15 - 10:30 & 11:15 - 12:30

Workplaces are evolving, designed around people and powered by community, productivity and wellbeing, but are we truly crafting environments that fuel both collaboration and deep focus? Focus is where great work begins, yet everyone finds their flow differently. The spaces we create can either help that focus thrive or quietly chip away at it. This workshop invites you to reimagine what focus feels like, blending science and imagination to craft more inclusive environments where deep-thinking can truly flourish.

Workshop 6 speakers
Chair Chiara Cantilena, senior associate, LOM Architecture & Design
Panellists
Ed Warner, chief executive officer, Motionspot Ltd
Ben Channon, head of inclusive environments, Buro Happold
Sophie Schuller, founder & principal consultant, Common Space Collective
Sarah Thorley, associate director, Social Value, Savills

WORKSHOP 7 - BCO: fit for the future

Thursday 18 June
09:15 - 10:30 & 11:15 - 12:30

This workshop is your chance to get involved and help shape the next chapter of the BCO. This interactive session will focus on opportunities, challenges and membership feedback to influence and shape the BCO’s five-year business plan. You’ll hear from speakers across the presidential team, NextGen and BCO’s regional and expert committees as we shape an engaging workshop where we want to hear your thoughts and ideas.

Workshop 7 speakers
Chair TBA 
Panellists TBA

WORKSHOP 8 - The opportunity across UKNZCBS and NABERS

Thursday 18 June
09:15 - 10:30 & 11:15 - 12:30

This workshop aims to lift the lid on two of the most significant sustainable building standards driving the built environment sector towards a net-zero-carbon future. The UK Net Zero Carbon Building Standard provides a unified approach to carbon emissions, treating embodied and operational carbon as inseparable components. NABERS has two product offerings available in the UK for office buildings: Design for Performance to drive energy-efficient new buildings, and the NABERS UK Energy for Offices ratings to measure how energy-efficient new and existing buildings are in operation. The workshop will inform you of the very latest status of the UKNZCBS and the NABERS UK rating scheme, discuss their impact on the specification and procurement of office space, as well as allow for a healthy discussion on the challenges and opportunities they provide for the workplace and office sector.

Workshop 8 speakers
Chair Neil Pennell, head of design innovation & property solutions, Landsec
Panellists
Ellen Salazar, head of building services engineering, CIBSE
Robert Cohen, technical director, Verco
Eszter Gulacsy, technical director, sustainability & ESG, Mott MacDonald
David Healy, head of UK building services, WSP

BCO ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2026 | 
NEXTGEN ACTIVITIES

The 2026 conference puts NextGen right at the heart of the discussion, where we’ll continue to question and provoke industry norms.

With NextGen membership growing in both numbers and influence, the conference programme has expanded significantly. It now features dedicated NextGen only events and activities, while NextGen voice are embedded across workshops, seminars and tours, ensuring our perspectives are heard and contribute to every discussion.

NextGen Social
Wednesday 17 June 20:00
Venue: Lane7, St James Quarter, Edinburgh EH1 3AD

Compete with your peers at bowling, darts, pool, mini golf and more at the NextGen social! Enjoy pizza, hot dogs and the full bar whilst networking and connecting with the NextGen cohort. We'll then be opening the doors to all conference delegates later in the evening.

NextGen Mentoring

The hugely successful NextGen Mentoring programme is now in its seventh year and has supported more than 100 mentors and 60 mentees from across the UK.

In Edinburgh we’re going to celebrate the NextGen mentoring programme by welcoming mentors, mentees and those curious to learn more about this brilliant BCO initiative.

The events offer a chance to connect, celebrate and explore mentoring’s many benefits, as we share and highlight the positive impact NextGen mentoring has had on both the mentors and the mentees.

Attendees will gain insights into how to get involved, what the mentoring engagement looks like and how to prepare for a rewarding experience.

The informal and engaging coffee gatherings are taking place on both Wednesday and Thursday morning at the EICC and will fit seamlessly into the busy conference schedule.

BCO ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2026 | 
Annual Cycle Challenge

The 2026 Annual Cycle Challenge

Saturday 13 June - Tuesday 16 June

The 2026 Annual Cycle Challenge will take place from Saturday 13 June to Tuesday 16 June and takes the riders on an exciting and scenic journey across Scotland, arriving in time for the start of the BCO conference in Edinburgh. Riders will arrive in the Scottish highland capital of Inverness before being transported to Aviemore in time for welcome drinks, rider briefing and dinner.

Rolling out from Aviemore on 14 June, riders will head south from the Cairngorms National Park over the Drumochter Pass, before descending towards Pitlochry to finish day one. A stunning route truly immersed within the Scottish Highlands.

The route on day two navigates around several Scottish lochs and includes a climb from the Etape Caledonia, before finishing the day in the historic market town of Crieff at Crieff Hydro.

Refreshed from the healing waters at Crieff Hydro, the final day takes the riders from the highlands of the Grampians into the lowlands. A final couple of climbs and a ride across the Forth Road Bridge, the route passes country estates before winding its way into the heart of Edinburgh.

The riders will arrive on Tuesday afternoon having covered a distance of approximately 300km and 3,000m of ascent over three days. The ride is varied in terrain and accessible to a wide-ranging ability of riders.

The ride is fully supported. We ride as a single group or peloton of a maximum 60 riders, with the emphasis being on completing the challenge. All riders will be cycling to raise funds for Spifox, the 2026 BCO Conference charity.

The Route
Cycling approx. 300km over three days, from Aviemore to Edinburgh. Final route planning is still ongoing. Rider jerseys, bike and luggage labels will be provided when you check in at the start.

Finish
On Tuesday 16 June the ride will arrive in Edinburgh at approx. 15:00 to a welcome reception. Bikes will be packed and driven back to London for collection on Monday 22 June. Riders’ luggage will also be stored in Edinburgh prior to the ride arriving.

Support
The ride is fully supported with a lead motorbike, medical support, mechanical support (you pay for spare parts), physiotherapist, luggage transfers while on the event, hotel check-in and catering/ride snacks available at each stop.

Costs & Fundraising
The cost of the Cycle Challenge for 2026 will be £1,650 and we encourage all riders to raise £500 sponsorship for the conference charity, Spifox.

Donations should be made to conference charity Spifox via the BCO’s JustGiving page.

What’s included
The cycling fee includes the following;
- Lead motorbike
- Medical support
- Mechanical support (but not parts)
- Sports physiotherapists
- Luggage transfers each day
- Hotels (Sat, Sun & Mon night)
- Meals for the duration of the ride (Saturday evening meal, through until and including lunch on Tuesday)
- Refreshments and snacks whilst riding
- Ride jersey
- Medal
- Bike transfer from London to Aviemore and Edinburgh to London

What’s NOT Included
- Travel to and from the Start/Finish
- Travel insurance
- Any spares required for your bike (inner tubes etc)
- Alcoholic refreshments
- Bike hire (if required)

The cycling is non-refundable, delegate substitutes will be accepted at any time.

Sponsored by:

BCO ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2026 | 
BCO Golf Cup | TUESDAY 16 JUNE

Golf has been played over the links at Gullane since the 1700s and today Gullane Golf Club is one of Scotland’s most prestigious members’ clubs.

The Champion’s Links
The 6,600 yard par 71 links course Gullane No.2 was designed in 1898 by Willie Park Jnr who was Open Champion in 1885 and 1887 and a renowned golf architect, designing other high-profile courses such as Sunningdale Old and Olympia Fields.

Named because it was the second course to be created at Gullane, No.2 is also a championship links, having hosted national amateur championships and The Open Final Qualifying.

From Babe Zacharias to Peter Thomson, many great champions have competed and won on No.2 and it is regarded by many members as their favourite course.

Gullane No.2 is a major challenge for golfers of all levels and abilities. Each nine can play easy or hard depending on the wind direction and the views are simply stunning.

The par 4 4th hole is one of the best holes at Gullane and not only for its view down over the courses to the Firth of Forth. A challenging downhill drive sets up a medium-to long-iron approach over five cross bunkers to a generous green with a deep swale on the right. Par here is always a good score!

Itinerary
07:15 Coach from EICC to Gullane Golf Club
08:00 Arrive Gullane Golf Club - Welcome briefing and breakfast
08:45 Opportunity to warm up on driving range and putting green
09:28 First tee-off from the 1st tee with a rolling start
15:30 Lunch in the Club House
17:00 Coach return to EICC

Buggies, trolleys and club hire, if required, can be booked directly with Gullane.

Format
Full handicap stableford for individual prizes BCO Cup, 2nd and 3rd.

Team Prize stableford, best two scores out of four on each hole.

Nearest the pin, longest and straightest drive competitions.

The Golf Cup is non-refundable, delegate substitutes will be accepted at any time.

Sponsored by:

BCO ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2026 |
FRINGE EVENTS | 16 JUNE

Throughout 16 June several established and some new Fringe events are being planned to help delegates arriving in Edinburgh connect and get themselves set up for the conference kick-off at 09:00 on 17 June.

All fringe events - excluding the cycling and golf - are free to attend but require booking and are subject to a charity donation.

Cycling

The cyclists will be finishing their three-day charity cycle ride having covered 300km and more than 3,000m of ascent as they arrive into Festival Square, Edinburgh in mid-afternoon.

Sponsored by:

5km morning run

Join the group and connect while running across Edinburgh’s ancient cobbled streets and around the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 5km morning run is taking place on 16, 17 & 18 June.

Sponsored by:

Photography Masterclass

When: 14:30 - 16:30
Where: Meeting Point: JLL, 7 Exchange Crescent, Conference Square EH3 8LL

To support the 2026 BCO conference photography competition we're running a workshop & walking tour so you can understand how to get the best out of the amazing camera technology in your mobile phone. The workshop will start by going over key settings on your device to make the most of your mobile camera. We will set off from the financial district onto the historic West Port and the Vennel, where you can capture shots such as the iconic castle framed by the narrow alley and old buildings. You will learn how to use the available light to your advantage and understand how to compose your shots. At the end of the walk, we’ll share photos and discuss editing tips to take your images to the next level.

Sponsored by:

BCO Golf Cup

The BCO Golf Cup is taking place on Scotland’s Golf Coast in Gullane. One of the world’s epicentres for exceptional links golf courses, this is being tee-ed up as an exceptional experience surrounded by history, the sea, the hills and an unbeatable view of the Edinburgh skyline. View BCO Golf Cup event page for details.

Sponsored by:

Padel Competition

When: 14:00 - 17:00
Where: Game4Padel, Edinburgh Park

Join the first BCO conference padel competition! The event will include court hire, racket and balls hire, light snacks and refreshments.

Sponsored by:

NextGen Scavenger Hunt

When: 14:00 - 18:30
Where: Cundall, New Clarendon, 114-116 George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 4LH (and around the city centre!)

An interactive BCO NextGen event hosted by Cundall, bringing together learning, teamwork, networking and a bit of friendly competition. The afternoon will kick off with a short introduction to BCO NextGen Scotland, followed by an insight into Cundall’s office fit out and workplace approach. Attendees will then take part in a fast-paced Scavenger Hunt around the city in small teams, before regrouping at the Cundall office for refreshments and networking.

BCO ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2026 |
PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION

The BCO Conference photography competition returns - inviting delegates to put their creative eye to the test for a chance to win! This year’s photography competition challenges you to capture how light, space, colour and design come together to inspire ideas and connection.

From the play of light across buildings to details that define design excellence, we’re looking for images that embody clarity, creativity and enlightenment.

Open exclusively to conference attendees, with cash prizes up for grabs.

Enter by 24 June 2026. Terms and conditions apply.

Sponsored by:

BCO ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2026 | 
DRINKS RECEPTION | 17 JUNE

Wednesday 17 June 18:30 - 20:00
Venue: Mansfield Traquair, 15 Mansfield Pl, Edinburgh EH3 6BB

On Wednesday evening the drinks reception will be hosted in Edinburgh’s ‘Sistine Chapel’, a simply extraordinary space where you can connect, celebrate and enjoy the conversation.

BCO ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2026 | 
CONFERENCE PARTY | 18 JUNE

Thursday 18 June 19:00 - 23:30
Venue: National Museum of Scotland, Chambers St, Edinburgh EH1 1JF

Closing out the Festival of Enlightenment we’ll gather at the National Museum of Scotland - a celebration of historic and world-class achievements across communications, transport, industry, engineering, energy and medicine.

You’ll join Dolly the sheep, world record breaking bicycles and Watt’s steam engine as we enjoy great company, Scotland’s larder of exceptional food and refreshments and entertainment from a band who have had sold out tours across the UK, USA, Europe, India, Saudi Arabia and Malaysia.