Together for Greater Impact – ADCH Conference 2026
Over two inspiring days, more than 600 people came together for a sold‑out ADCH Conference at the Telford International Centre, united by a shared commitment to improving the lives of animals and the people who care for them.
The past year has been challenging for many across the animal welfare sector. Ongoing cost of living pressures are affecting not only the people working and volunteering within our organisations, but also stretching resources and increasing demand. Against this backdrop, the opportunity to come together, share openly and learn from one another felt more important than ever.
This year’s theme, Together for Greater Impact, was woven throughout the conference. In her opening address, Rebecca Cooper, Executive Director of ADCH, reflected on the strength of collaboration at a time when the world can feel increasingly divided.
“The world is feeling more divided than ever before, and in times like this, what brings people together really matters. What we have here across ADCH is something quite different. It’s people working together, not just in theory, but in practice. People sharing knowledge, supporting each other, and solving problems that would be much harder to tackle alone.
Those connections don’t just happen once. They last, they grow, and they change what this sector is capable of. Because when working together, support is shared, and that’s what ‘Together for Greater Impact’ really means.”
With an expanded programme offering more sessions than ever before, delegates explored a wide range of topics, from evidence‑based rehoming and preventative welfare, to emotional wellbeing in rescue, fundraising innovation and future legislation. Across the programme, one message came through clearly: we are stronger when we work together.
A highlight of the event was this year’s Petplan & Animal Charity Awards, which celebrated the dedication and impact of individuals and teams across the sector. Congratulations to this year’s winners:
Click here to learn more about this year’s winners and finalists.
Thank you to Petplan for hosting a fantastic evening and for their continued support of the sector. With great food, brilliant entertainment and celebrity host Pete Wicks, it was a memorable night and a celebration of the incredible work happening across our community.
Further thanks go to this year’s speakers, panellists, volunteers, staff, committee members and trustees, whose commitment and work behind the scenes helped make the event such a success and ensured a welcoming and memorable experience for all who attended.
We are also deeply grateful to our sponsors and exhibitors, whose support helps keep the conference accessible to organisations of all sizes. With special thanks to:
Click here to view the full list of this year’s event supporters.
A special mention also goes to our Solidarity Members, whose early commitment and ongoing contributions have been instrumental in bringing the ADCH Conference to fruition.
As we close this year’s conference, we do so with renewed energy, fresh ideas and stronger connections. ADCH Conference 2026 was a powerful reminder of what is possible when we come together with shared purpose.
We look forward to doing it all again next year.
If you would like to receive updates about the ADCH Conference 2027, including opportunities for sponsorship, exhibiting or attending as a delegate, please register your interest here.
