#TDS26: The Marketplace – What’s on show!

#TDS26 is set to be our biggest, boldest and busiest Summit in its history.

Here’s a quick event update, four months out from our 15th birthday edition Design & Development Summit:

Headline Partners

We are grateful for the continued support of our key headline partners over many years including:

• BDP Pattern – a leading, global, multidisciplinary design practice united by a shared purpose: to design a world that’s built for good. For more than 60 years, it’s been solving problems, creating innovative spaces, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible;
• Buro Happold – a global practice of engineers, designers and advisors committed to delivering elegant, sustainable solutions that positively impact communities and the environment;
• ES Global – a lead contractor for major events and projects around the world, designing and delivering relocatable architecture and structures;
• Populous – the global architecture and design practice that designs the places “where people love to be together”. Over 40-plus years, the practice has designed more than 3,500 projects worth US$60 billion across emerging and established markets.
• Signify – a world leader in lighting, providing energy-efficient LED lamps, professional lighting systems, and smart connected lighting for venues, destinations, and entire cities.

Joining our key partners for 2026 we welcome:

• Dawnvale – with over 35 years of experience, Dawnvale specialises in high-quality fit-outs for the hospitality, leisure, and commercial sectors across the UK.
• ARX/Kinetic Systems Group – stands at the forefront of world-leading kinetic stadium engineering, delivering some of the most recognisable moving structures in modern sports and venue design, transforming static venues into responsive environments.

From masterplanning and structural engineering to sustainable construction, digital infrastructure, and premium hospitality design, the #TDS26 programme and networking will focus on practical ways to ensure major capital investments are delivered on time, in budget, and beyond expectations.

The Marketplace – SOLD OUT

From smart stadium tech and sustainable materials to advanced AV, concourse architecture, and interior design, The Marketplace mini-expo showcases the tools, partners, and ‘building blocks’ required for a successful venue project.

Located adjacent to our conference stages and hosting all lunch and coffee breaks, The Marketplace is THE best B2B networking environment for our sector.

This year’s exhibitors include: Architen Landrell; Brett Martin; Brook Green Supply; Cast Connex; CrowdStor – Vpod Smart Solutions; d&b audiotechnik; Daktronics; Daplast; GSM Sella GmbH; Harman International Industries; JDE Peet’s; KSS; L-Acoustics; Layrd Design; Merson Digital; Pfeifer Structures GmbH; Pixmob; Portview Fit-Out; Pure Vista; Q-Railing; Serge Ferrari Group; Sika; Solotech; The Sports Consultancy; Thorn Lighting [Zumtobel Group]; Unibox; Walker Morris LLP; and WSDG.

Update: The #TDS26 Marketplace is now fully allocated. A limited number of other sponsorship opportunities are available. Email Angelina Tennino, our Conference Director for more information on how to showcase your products and services at the Summit.

Growing Attendance

Over 300 delegates and 120+ organisations are already confirmed, representing >50 specific stadium and arena projects from across the globe. Here’s a sampling from recent registrations:

• CEO, Royal Highland Centre
• CFO, FC Nuremberg
• Chief Executive, Emirates Old Trafford
• Chief Strategy Officer, Wrexham AFC
• Communications Director, Irish FA
• COO, Southampton FC
• Associate Vice President, Venue Logistics & Execution Lead, NBA – National Basketball Association
• Director of Facilities and Acting Director of Projects, Bahrain General Sports Authority
• Director of Operations, Yorkshire County Cricket Club
• Executive Manager – Strategy and Insights, Melbourne Cricket Club
• General Manager, Flint Town United
• Lead Consultant – Venues, Live Nation Middle East
• Operations Director, Aviva Arena (Bristol)
• … and many, many more (with four months still to go!)

Discounts & Hotels

Register before the Super Earlybird deadline on Friday 28 August to save £200 on the full delegate rate.

The on-site Hilton Garden Inn provides the best access to the Summit and maximises networking time and connection opportunities – but it will sell-out well in advance. The hotel booking link will be sent with your registration confirmation.

Your ‘all-in’ #TDS26 delegate pass provides:

• Access to all conference sessions and breakouts (1-2 December);
• Access to The Marketplace mini-expo and the Networking lounge on both days;
• All breaks and lunches on both days;
• Printed Programme (including attendee list);
• A ticket to the Welcome Reception – sponsored by Portview (evening 30 November);
• A ticket to the Design & Development Awards 2026 Winners’ Party (evening Tuesday 1 December);
• Priority,discounted hotel rates at the HQ, on-site Hilton;
• Post-event presentation/video downloads;
• Privileged access to online information and discussions pre- and post-event;
• (Plus/optional) Discounted add-on rate for Expert Venue Tours* (30 Nov).

Super Earlybird £795 rate per person (*ex VAT) when booked before 28 August – save £200.

[BUY YOUR #TDS26 DELEGATE PASS HERE!]

#TDS26 – Stadiums. Arenas. Destinations.
30 November – 2 December 2026 | Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester

*Tours subject to availability/confirmation.