Thursday 4 – Friday 5 June 2026
The Manchester Deansgate Hotel
Dear Colleagues,
I hope you are keeping well, and I am very much looking forward to welcoming you to The Manchester Deansgate Hotel on 4–5 June for LDC Conference 2026.
Since you very kindly voted me LDC Conference Chair, you may have noticed a change in direction for this year’s event. One of the most visible changes is the decision not to hold the conference at Silverstone. While it is a fantastic venue, the costs associated with attending there, and elsewhere in the Midlands, were difficult to justify, particularly when reflecting on feedback from previous delegates.
This year’s conference carries a new title, “Subject to Change” which reflects the uncertainty and pace of change currently facing our profession. That said, I remain convinced that the original theme of “Collaboration” is more relevant than ever, as we navigate these challenges together as colleagues.
We have an excellent programme planned, with high-quality knowledgeable speakers and, importantly, dedicated time for discussion and for addressing the questions that matter most to you.
As we look ahead, my hope is that we do so united rather than divided.
MOTIONS
The LDC Conference website provides lots of advice on composing motions and how to make an active contribution to this year’s conference. Don’t miss the opportunity to exercise your right to speak out!
We will be continuing with the format used in recent years for submitting motions with a narrative. The intention being to provide delegates with enough information to form a view and be prepared in advance if they wish to speak for or against on the day. As part of the submission process, you’ll need to state the objective to your motion. Is it to re-affirm existing policy, challenge/change current policy or is it a new idea/proposal.
Because motions are intended to give direction for GDPC policy please find here a list of existing GDPC polices. This outlines how GDPC has acted on motions carried at previous conferences and how much they have achieved on our behalf.
The deadline to submit motions is Thursday 2 April.
ELECTIONS
To help ensure a smooth running of the event nominations in advance for the positions outlined below are encouraged, although attendees will also have the opportunity to nominate from the floor.
The deadline to submit nominations in advance is Thursday 2 April.
Elections (where necessary) will take place for the following positions:
- Chair elect of conference (to chair conference in 2028)
- Honorary treasurer
- Two honorary auditors
- One representative to GDPC
- One representative to the board of managers of the British Dental Guild
- One member of Agenda Committee.
Information about what each of the roles entails can be found on the website here.
SPECIAL OBSERVER PLACES – for newcomers to conference
In addition to the normal allocation of conference places each LDC is once again permitted to register one ‘Special LDC Observer’ place this year.
This is an opportunity for newcomers to immerse themselves in dental politics and hopefully launch a career-long interest. These special observer places are reserved for those who are new to dental representation or first-time conference goers.
If an LDC has someone who meets this criterion, they can be registered online selecting ‘Special LDC Observer’ as delegate type.
TIMINGS AND FORMAT
The event provides an opportunity to get reacquainted, welcome newcomers to the LDC community and at the dinner celebrate our Unsung Heroes. Conference will start at 13:00 on the Thursday and conclude at 13:00 on the Friday (with lunch available either side) and the formal dinner in-between.
Please note this year’s event will be delivered in-person only. The costs involved to provide virtual access for a handful of attendees are too prohibitive. Attending in-person will ensure you can network with your counterparts from across the UK, debate and challenge, agree and disagree, and have the voice of the LDC you represent heard.
REGISTRATION, DINNER TICKETS, TRAVEL AND HOTELS
CONFERENCE
As usual the Conference is open to nominated LDC representatives and members of the BDA General Dental Practice Committee. Once LDCs have agreed who will attend to represent them delegates must register in advance for the event.
All conference places, hotel rooms and dinner tickets should be booked online by Thursday 2 April.
Individual email addresses and GDC numbers are required at point of registration for all attendees.
How many people can my LDC send?
If you are unsure how many people your LDC can register for the Conference, you can check the list of permitted attendees for each LDC here.
Where an LDC is entitled to send a sole Representative, they are also permitted to send an accompanying Observer. The conference fees for this permitted Observer will be covered, however the LDC is responsible for funding dinner tickets, travel and accommodation expenses.
Plus, as highlighted above, in addition to the usual allocation of places we have some places reserved for Special LDC Observers – (this special ticket type must be approved by LDC Secretaries and is for those who are first time conference goers). If your LDC wishes to fund the attendance of other (extra) Observers please contact
DINNER
The black-tie dinner will take place on the Thursday evening, also at The Deansgate Hotel Manchester. Dinner tickets are funded for those registering as LDC Representatives and are available for £95 per person for all other attendees. Additional tickets for guests can be booked online using the same general registration link.
Drinks reception from 19:00 with dinner served at 19:45.
HOTEL BOOKINGS
This year we will be using three hotels for accommodation. The INNSiDE and Leonardo hotels are a five-minute walk from The Manchester Deansgate (HQ) Hotel.
Bookings are being managed by our appointed accommodation agent MICE Concierge. We have an allocation of bedrooms available at the hotel and you will be prompted to book accommodation online as part of the event registration process.
Accommodation will be assigned from our rooming blocks on a first-come-first-served basis.
Please note the release date for all un-allocated bedrooms is Thursday 2 April so ensure you reserve your room before this date to guarantee availability and the discounted rates we have agreed with the hotels.
Further information about hotel booking is available here.
TRAVEL AND EXPENSE CLAIMING
Information about travel arrangements and expense claiming can be also found on the website.
FURTHER ASSISTANCE OR QUESTIONS
If you have a question regarding your motion submission or nomination please contact Alexandra Cenic
If you require assistance regarding your registration and the logistical arrangements for the event please contact Fiona Feltham (Events Manager)
I very much look forward to seeing you all in June!
Best wishes
Sarah