Where to Meet the UK Public Sector: Top Events & Opportunities in 2026
Where to meet the public sector in 2026 can feel overwhelming. With so many departments, councils, and agencies, it’s hard to know where to focus your time and resources. Yet in a world dominated by remote communication, nothing replaces the depth of real‑world engagement. UK public sector budgets, procurement activity, and reform agendas mean that events remain a critical place to:
Stay ahead of policy drivers and government priorities.
Network with civil servants and decision-makers.
Demonstrate solutions and build credibility face-to-face.
That’s where GovNet comes in. For over a decade, we’ve been connecting suppliers, partners and public sector leaders through high-quality events, conferences and networking opportunities.
Our mission is simple: to bring the right people together in the right environment, helping both public sector teams and private sector suppliers share insight, build relationships, and drive real impact.
This guide highlights the top public sector events where you can meet face-to-face with the public sector in 2026.
Central Government, Local Government and Justice Events
DigiGov Expo
23-24th September 2026 | Excel London
Helping technology suppliers engage with public sector teams shaping digital, data, and technology strategy across government.
The Counter Fraud Conference
26th February 2026 | QEII Centre London
Bringing fraud prevention and detection suppliers together with public sector teams tackling fraud, risk, and financial crime across the country.
The Modernising Criminal Justice Conference
9th June 2026 | QEII Centre London
Enabling suppliers to engage with justice and policing leaders shaping the future of the criminal justice system.
Healthcare Events
HETT Show
29-30th September 2026 | Excel London
Enabling healthtech suppliers to connect with NHS and healthcare leaders driving technology-led transformation.
HETT Leaders’ Summit
12th February 2026 | Royal Armouries, Leeds
A focused gathering uniting healthtech suppliers with senior NHS leaders from the North of England.
Education Events
The Schools & Academies Show
7th May 2026 | Excel London
18-19th November 2026 | NEC Birmingham
Bringing suppliers together with school, academy and MAT leaders focused on operational and system-wide improvement.
HE Marketing Conference
2nd July 2026 | Convene 155 Bishopgate, London
Uniting suppliers with marketing decision-makers across higher education to unleash innovation in student recruitment marketing
HE Transformation Conference
22nd October 2026 | QEII Centre, London
Connecting suppliers with university leaders focused on long-term operational, digital, and organisational transformation.
Making the Most of 2026
While digital channels are useful for updates and introductions, nothing can replace the impact of face-to-face interaction. Meeting public sector leaders in person allows you to build trust, showcase solutions, and foster relationships that can’t be replicated online.
Attending, speaking, or exhibiting at these events ensures your organisation is visible where decisions are being made, keeps you informed on emerging policy and procurement trends, and helps you turn connections into meaningful outcomes.
In a sector defined by collaboration and long-term partnerships, being present, engaging, and proactive at the right events is more important than ever. Explore our public sector events and discover more about where to meet the public sector in 2026.