Building the Best Start Together | 18 November 2026
The Baby Week National Conference 2026
Join professionals, leaders, practitioners, policymakers, academics and community partners from across the UK for the annual Baby Week FREE conference: Building the Best Start Together. Taking place during Baby Week 2026, this year’s theme, Chat, Play, Read with Me: Together We Build the Best Start, explores the everyday interactions that help babies and young children learn, communicate and thrive.
About the event
Baby Week’s national conference returns in Nottingham following the success of last year’s 10th anniversary event in Leeds. Now celebrated across 24 localities nationwide, the conference brings together partners from across the UK to learn, share best practice and hear from national experts. Through a focus on chat, play, reading and everyday interactions, attendees will explore how simple moments can have a lasting impact on children’s development, wellbeing and future outcomes, while showcasing innovative approaches that help give every child the best start in life.
20 Speakers
Bringing together a wealth of experience, knowledge, research and partners working locally and nationally. From engaging discussions, information stalls to panel sessions and talks, the day will bring together partners from all sectors focussed on promoting the best start.
In Person
To mark 10 years of Baby Week since the launch in Leeds, were holding the free national conference here in the heart of the city at the Met Hotel, with planned refreshment breaks, lunch for delegates.
Live Stream
The conference will be available to live stream and join as a hybrid webinar via Teams. Please select this option if you’re unable to make it in person when booking a ticket.
10 information stands
Bringing partners such as BookTrust and OnePlusOne to share key information aimed at professionals.
More details coming soon…
Why attend?
This full-day conference offers an opportunity to:
- Hear from leading national speakers and organisations
- Explore the latest developments in early years, speech, language and communication
- Learn about innovative approaches supporting babies, parents and caregivers
- Discover how play, reading and responsive interactions build strong foundations for lifelong learning
- Share best practice with colleagues from across sectors
- Make new connections and strengthen partnerships
- Visit a range of information, advice and resource stalls
Our Key Partners
