Thank you for your interest in attending the ABO Conference. Please read the following information prior to booking.

Conference Dates

The 2026 Conference will take place from the 4th-6th of February. A full programme is available here. The Wednesday evening includes the Conference First Night, featuring presentation of The ABO Award and ABO Impact Awards. On Thursday evening there will be a performance hosted by the Southbank Centre (programme and booking details coming soon).

Booking Deadline

Early booking rates are available until Tuesday 16 December 2025.

Deadline for bookings is 12pm on Monday 19 January 2026. Requests for tickets after this time will incur a £25 admin fee, and will not guarantee access to pre-performance receptions and the Conference First Night.

ABO Member Discount

ABO members can access exclusive discounted rates by logging in to the ABO Members Area. If you work for a member organisation and can't access/don't have an account, please contact the ABO office on info@abo.org.uk or 020 7759 1060.

Members can login here or on the tickets page to access exclusive rates

Discounts for Musicians

Discounted rates are available for professional musicians booking as an individual or attending on behalf of an ensemble/organisation.

In order to qualify for these reduced rates, after booking you must submit the form below giving details of the orchestra you are associated with. If you are not connected to a specific orchestra you will need to submit membership details of the Musicians' Union, ISM or similar professional body. If valid responses are not submitted the ABO reserves the right to cancel any bookings or send an invoice of the difference for the full delegate rate of the chosen ticket.

Musicians Discount - Application Form

Discounts for Under-30s first-time delegates

The ABO welcomes early-career professionals seeking to advance their careers in the arts and orchestral sector, while connecting and learning within our community. We offer a special discount for ABO Members' staff who are under 30 and attending the conference for the first time, making the event more accessible to organisations and staff starting out in their professional roles.

In order to qualify for these reduced rates, after booking you must submit the form below to upload a valid ID as proof of age. If valid ID is not submitted the ABO reserves the right to cancel any bookings or send an invoice for difference for the full delegate rate of the chosen ticket.

Under 30s Discount - Application Form

Discounts for Students

Discounted rates are available for students wishing to attend and exploring careers and opportunities within the orchestral sector.

In order to qualify for these reduced rates, after booking you must submit the form below to upload a valid student ID. If valid ID/proof is not submitted the ABO reserves the right to cancel any bookings or send an invoice of the difference for the full delegate rate of the chosen ticket.

Student Discount - Application Form

What's included in my ticket?

Full Conference tickets:
Includes: Access all days, refreshments and lunch if provided. Full Delegate* tickets also include a place at the Conference First Night (Wednesday).
Please note: The Thursday evening performance is NOT included in the conference ticket and must be purchased separately (see below).

Day Tickets:
Access on the specified day, refreshments and lunch if provided.

Conference First Night:
Access for the Conference First Night event (Wednesday evening), including presentation of the ABO Award and ABO Impact Awards.
Available only for delegates with a valid ticket, sponsors and invited guests. Full Conference tickets include the First Night within their ticket.*

Concert Tickets - sold separately:
Access to the Thursday evening concert only.
Delegates who book an advance ticket via the ABO will also have access to the pre-performance reception. (Not available directly)
Performance tickets are due to go on sale in Mid-December. Check back or look out for ABO bulletins for when this is available.

*Student/Under-30/Musician tickets do not include access to the First Night or Thursday Performance, but are available to purchase separately.

Additional Requirements / Accessibility

If you have any dietary or accessibility requirements please include this in the Special Requirements field when booking. You can also contact the ABO team via the contact details below if you have any concerns or would like to talk to someone about specific requirements.

For further information about venue access, please click here.

Payment Information

All ticket prices listed are Ex-VAT. Payments are accepted by card (via Stripe) or by invoice to your organisation.

If paying by card you can download the confirmation receipt at the end of the booking process for your records.

Cancellations

In the event of delegate cancellation up to Monday 22 December 2025, the ABO will refund 75% of the ticket price. After this date, refunds will only be considered in exceptional circumstances, at the discretion of the management. A substitute delegate may attend in place of the original booking. All cancellations and amendments to delegates names and details must be made in advance by writing to: info@abo.org.uk.

Contact Information

For support with your booking, please contact info@abo.org.uk or call 020 7759 1060 during working hours.

Terms and Conditions - ABO Conference Bookings

1. Cancellations and Refunds
   In the event of delegate cancellation up to Monday 22 December 2025, the ABO will refund 75% of the ticket price. After this date, refunds will only be considered in exceptional circumstances, at the discretion of the management. A substitute delegate may attend in place of the original booking. All cancellations and amendments to delegates names and details must be made in advance by writing to: info@abo.org.uk.
2. Booking Deadlines and Charges
   Early booking rates are available until Tuesday 16 December 2025. Bookings close on Monday 19 January 2026 at 12pm (midday). Any late booking requests after this time will incur an additional administration charge of £25 + VAT and will only be considered in exceptional circumstances. Late bookings will not guarantee access to any Pre-Concert Receptions or the Conference First Night.
3. Programme Changes
   The ABO reserves the right to make alterations to the programme, speakers, and schedule without prior notice. Such changes will not constitute grounds for a refund.
   
4. Liability
   Neither the ABO nor the hotel or conference venues will accept responsibility beyond that imposed by law for: a) Any loss or damage to personal property; b) Any personal injury suffered by anyone attending or connected with the conference. Delegates are advised to arrange their own insurance coverage for travel, accommodation, and personal belongings.
5. Data Protection
   By booking, delegates consent to their details being used for administrative purposes related to the conference. Contact details will not be shared with third parties except where necessary for event delivery (e.g., venue security, catering).