Convention takes place on Tuesday 1 and Wednesday 2 December 2026 in Leicester at Leicester Tigers Rugby Club, including the Locality Awards '26 on Tuesday 1 December.
We're now creating the Convention '26 programme in partnership with community organisations and front-line experts.
“The networking is absolutely massive. It’s the learning about funding, about the future, common denominators in terms of issues, concerns, what’s coming up, what’s expected, what’s on the horizon. Absolutely wonderful experience” Tonia Flannagan, St Albans Community Association
Explore the programme from Convention '25 to see what to expect this year.
Opening plenary: Building thriving neighbourhoods
We have long believed that, in a world of economic insecurity, rising division and seismic technological change, the future will be shaped at the neighbourhood level.
Increasingly, policymakers agree. Neighbourhoods are back, with real possibilities for community power.
Our opening plenary will bring our movement together to take stock and make sure this emerging neighbourhoods moment is truly community-powered.
Day One Afternoon plenary: Anchors of the future
The community organisations in Locality’s network come in all shapes and sizes. The most well-established community organisations are community anchor organisations. They tend to be the strongest and most successful, employing staff, providing services and owning or managing community spaces. The community anchor model is central to our theory of change on how we create thriving communities and a fairer society.
This interactive session will discuss what is possible when a community organisation has the space, the support and the conditions to fully develop, and what’s needed for more organisations to grow along the community anchor pathway.
Closing plenary: Building connection - ideas to unleash the power of your community
Combine all the learning, energy, and connections from two days of Convention with inspiring speakers who are bringing communities together and building connections across difference. Walk away ready to take it back to your own community!
These speakers will share experiences and thought-provoking ideas on how we connect people and create places where everyone belongs. Expect to be challenged, inspired and re-energised for the year ahead.
What an inspiring event. To see all the amazing projects across the country and to be a part of Convention has broadened my horizons and made our vision more tangible. Thank you! - Alix Digby-West, The Power House