Tickets
Book Tickets for the ABO 2026 Conference at Southbank Centre in London.
ABO Conference
Conference Performance - Tickets now available for the performance and reception on Thursday 5th Feb
Please note: We are aware of some suspicious emails reaching our members pretending to offer delegate and sponsor registration for the conference. These are not associated with the ABO and should not be trusted. All details regarding the conference will be shared directly by the ABO via our usual communications, our website, or our trusted digital partners. If you are in doubt, please check our website directly (https://www.abo.org.uk) or contact us on info@abo.org.uk.
The ABO's primary event each year is its annual conference, the major gathering of the classical music industry in the UK, with over 300 delegates drawn from orchestras both from within the UK and abroad, plus funding agencies, venues, agents, publishers and suppliers.
Bookings now open for the 2026 ABO Conference hosted by the Southbank Centre!
Booking deadline: 12pm Monday 19 January 2026
The full conference schedule for all delegates is being regularly updated so do check in to see the latest version. There will be a rich offer of sessions and networking opportunities, as well as the popular First Night with presentation of the ABO Impact Awards, and performances throughout the conference. There is a range of pricing options, including full delegate places with discounts for multiple bookings, day passes, and discounts for Under 30s, Musicians and Students.
2026 Conference Highlights:
Question Time
A Question Time–style session featuring political guests and industry figures taking questions from the audience on the major issues shaping our sector. Chaired by Jamie Njoku-Goodwin, former Director of Strategy at 10 Downing Street and former Chief Executive of UK Music, the panel includes Dame Caroline Dinenage MP, Chair of the Culture Select Committee; Baroness Barbara Keeley, Co-Chair of the Classical Music APPG; Anna Sabine MP, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Culture; Dame Kathryn McDowell, Managing Director of London Symphony Orchestra; and Elaine Bedell, Chief Executive of the Southbank Centre.Deep Dives and Topical Sessions
In this year’s evolving conference format, delegates are invited to choose between stand-alone sessions addressing key topics of Creative Health, Education, Politics and Polarisation and Devolution, or a Deep Dive session on artistic decision-making models, how they impact the work we produce and the people we reach.
The ABO Impact Awards
We’ll be announcing the winner of the prestigious ABO Award, and the ABO Impact Awards, hosted by ABO Principal Media Partner Classic FM with Classic FM Presenter Ritula Shah.
