West Midlands Heritage Futures Event 2026

Inspire the Next Generation of Heritage Professionals Wednesday 21 October 202610am – 3pm at Worcester Cathedral

The West Midlands Heritage Futures Event returns in 2026, bringing together organisations, professionals and students from across the region for a day dedicated to exploring the exciting and diverse futures emerging for the heritage sector.
Organised by West Midlands Heritage in partnership with Heritage Network, SPAB and Historic England, the event provides a unique opportunity for heritage organisations to network, collaborate and be inspired, whilst engaging directly with students considering careers in museums, archives, conservation, archaeology, historic buildings, architecture, education, digital innovation and many other specialist areas.

Whether you’re looking to inspire future professionals, promote career pathways or build new partnerships within the sector, we’d love your organisation to be involved.

Questions? Contact us for more information.
Gold Sponsor

Marrons is a national multi-disciplinary consultancy, combining local insight with national capability to support complex projects across a wide range of sectors. Founded in the Midlands, we now operate from 10 offices across the UK.

Our Archaeology and Heritage team specialise in heritage impact assessments and archaeology. From private developments to major regeneration projects, we bring planning insight, technical expertise and commercial understanding to deliver viable schemes in sensitive environments.

Visit marrons.co.uk
Silver Sponsors
IHBC logo

The professional body for building conservation practitioners and historic environment experts working in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

Keymer Tiles logo

Founded in 1588, Keymer Tiles is one of the oldest established roofing brands in the UK and have become synonymous with quality, expert craftsmanship and creativity.

Bronze Sponsors
Squeaky Pedal
IWSA Chartered Surveyors
Why Take Part?

The heritage sector relies on attracting talented, passionate people with a wide range of skills. The West Midlands Heritage Futures Event helps showcase the breadth of opportunities available while creating valuable connections between education and industry.

By taking part, your organisation can:

  • Inspire the next generation of heritage professionals.
  • Promote career opportunities, apprenticeships, volunteering and work experience.
  • Raise awareness of your organisation and the work you do.
  • Connect with students exploring future careers.
  • Network with like-minded organisations from across the West Midlands heritage sector.
Opportunities to Get Involved

Exhibit

Host an exhibition stand where students and other professionals can meet your team, learn about your organisation and discover the many routes into heritage careers.

Speak

Share your career journey, showcase a project or contribute to a panel discussion exploring careers and opportunities within the sector.

Demonstrate

Bring heritage to life through interactive demonstrations, practical activities or traditional craft and conservation skills that inspire curiosity and engagement.

Sponsorship Opportunities

We are also offering a range of sponsorship packages for organisations wishing to play an even greater role in supporting the event.

Sponsoring the West Midlands Heritage Futures Event enables your organisation to:

  • Connect directly with future heritage professionals.
  • Demonstrate your commitment to education, skills and workforce development.
  • Align your organisation with culture, opportunity and community engagement.
  • Increase your visibility across the regional heritage sector.
  • Build meaningful relationships with educators, heritage organisations and industry leaders.

Your support helps ensure this important regional event continues to inspire, inform and empower the heritage professionals of tomorrow.

Who Should Attend?

The event welcomes organisations from across the heritage and cultural sectors, including:

Museums Historic houses and visitor attractions Archives and libraries Archaeology organisations Conservation specialists Historic building professionals Architects Local authorities Universities and colleges Heritage charities Digital heritage organisations Arts and cultural organisations
Event Details

Join Us in Worcester

Date Wednesday 21 October 2026
Venue Worcester Cathedral
Organised by West Midlands Heritage with Heritage Network, SPAB and Historic England
Supported by Heritage Network, Worcester Cathedral and The National Lottery Heritage Fund

Register Your Interest

Want to exhibit, deliver a talk, run a demonstration, or explore sponsorship? Get in touch for further information, the Sponsorship Pack, or a chat about how your organisation can be part of this regional event.

Get In Touch