This year’s ABPCO Festival of Learning, held on 29–30 April at Nottingham Venues, brought together association professionals, event organisers, and industry suppliers for two days of connection, collaboration, and sector‑leading insight. Sheer Edge was proud to support the delivery of this flagship event, and we’re delighted to share some of the standout successes from an inspiring and energising two days.
From the outset, the event delivered strongly on its purpose: “bringing members and the wider industry together for learning, networking and collaboration”. With over 200 attendees, exceptionally high engagement, and overwhelmingly positive feedback, the Festival once again demonstrated why it remains a key date in the association’s events calendar.
A Highly Engaged Delegate Community
Attendance and engagement were exceptional, with 208 delegates participating and app usage far exceeding industry benchmarks. The event achieved an impressive 82% login rate, demonstrating strong digital engagement and a real appetite for interaction and connection throughout the programme.
Delegates responded particularly positively to the programme’s balance of learning, interaction, and practical takeaways. Workshops were repeatedly highlighted as a standout feature, with feedback noting that “delegates loved the choices” and that sessions generated “lots of positive chatter” across both days.
A Warm Welcome and Exceptional Experience
One of the clearest themes from the event was the strong sense of community and hospitality. Delegates overwhelmingly felt welcomed, with 75.7% strongly agreeing with this sentiment, a testament to the collaborative effort between ABPCO, Nottingham Venues, and the Sheer Edge team.
The venue itself received excellent feedback, described internally as “AMAZING” and “more than accommodating”. Catering, accessibility, and sustainability credentials were also praised, with dietary inclusivity noted as a particular strength.
The AV and technical delivery were another highlight, with the team receiving “nothing but the highest praise” for their responsiveness and ability to support last‑minute requirements smoothly and professionally.
Collaboration at its Best
For Sheer Edge, one of the greatest successes of this year’s Festival was the seamless collaboration between all partners involved. Clear roles, strong communication, and a shared commitment to excellence ensured a smooth delivery across both days. As noted in the debrief, “the collaborative approach between teams contributed significantly to seamless delivery and a strong on-site experience.
We worked closely with ABPCO throughout the entire journey, from preregistration and speaker/exhibitor briefing calls to site visits and ongoing venue and end‑client communications. Our team also managed the full build, setup, and delivery of the event app on ABPCO’s behalf, ensuring every delegate had a seamless digital experience.
In the spirit of ABPCO and Sheer Edge’s shared ethos of giving back, we invited students from Nottingham and Birmingham University College to join us on site. Offering them hands-on experience at an event of this scale was a privilege, and their enthusiasm added real value to the event delivery.
Looking Ahead
The ABPCO Festival of Learning 2026 not only celebrated the strength of the association events community but also highlighted the power of thoughtful planning, meaningful content, and exceptional partnership. We were thrilled to play a part in its success and look forward to supporting future ABPCO events as the sector continues to evolve and innovate.
If you’re planning an event and want expert support that blends creativity, operational excellence, and genuine partnership, the Sheer Edge team is here to help.
If you would like some guidance on how the Sheer Edge team could support you with your events, reach out to the team today: hello@sheeredge.co.uk or call us: 0330 223 3176
