2027 NFAN Conference, Trade Show and Awards Delegate Tickets

Events Detail

The NFAN Conference & Trade Show is the UK's leading event for the farm attraction industry, bringing together owners, managers, suppliers and industry experts for learning, networking and inspiration.

Join us from the Welcome Networking Evening on Tuesday 26th through to Thursday 28th January at Doncaster Racecourse for a packed programme of keynote speakers, practical workshops, real-life case studies and invaluable networking opportunities. It's your chance to enjoy the space to breathe, time to think and a place to grow alongside like-minded people from across the industry.

Whether you're a long-standing member or attending for the first time, you'll receive a warm NFAN welcome. Share ideas with fellow operators, discover the latest products and services in the NFAN Trade Show, and leave with practical ideas to help your business grow.

On Wednesday evening, celebrate the very best of the industry at the NFAN Awards Gala Dinner, hosted by Derek Thompson- racing commentator legend, recognising the outstanding people and businesses that make our sector so special.

Event Overview

Tuesday 26th January 2027

10.00am – 4.00pm: Pre-Conference Visits

7.00pm – 11.00pm: Welcome Evening at the Hilton Garden Inn Doncaster Racecourse

Wednesday 27th January 2027

9.00am – 4.30pm: Conference & Trade Show – Day One

4.30pm – 5.00pm: NFAN AGM (Open to all members)

7.00pm – Midnight: NFAN Awards Gala Dinner at the Hilton Garden Inn Doncaster Racecourse

Thursday 28th January 2027

9.00am – 3.00pm: Conference & Trade Show – Day Two

Please note: The timetable is subject to change.

Speaker Line-up

Get ready for a speaker programme packed with expert insight, practical ideas and inspiring stories. We've brought together some of the industry's leading voices to help you navigate change, uncover new opportunities and take away strategies you can put into action straight away.

Here's a taste of what's in store:

David Smith, Economics Editor of The Sunday Times presents Where's the Economy Heading and how can Farm Parks Prepare?
Gain invaluable insight into the UK's economic outlook and what it could mean for your business, helping you plan ahead with greater confidence.

Alex Atherton – Recruiting and Retaining Gen Z
Discover what today's younger workforce is really looking for, and learn practical ways to attract, engage and retain the next generation of talent.

From Family Farm to Farming Phenomenon: The Cannon Hall Story- Discover the remarkable journey behind Cannon Hall Farm, from its traditional farming roots to becoming one of the UK's best-loved farm attractions. Hear firsthand how innovation, determination and a passion for farming have shaped the business into the success it is today. This inspiring talk will focus on their social media successes and look at the exciting plans for the future; revealing what's next for Cannon Hall Farm as it continues to grow, evolve, and inspire generations to come.

Castle Howard – I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day
Go behind the scenes of one of the UK's most successful festive visitor experiences and hear how they create a magical Christmas that keeps guests coming back year after year. Learn how to maximise your festive campaigns with ideas, inspiration and marketing strategies designed to drive bookings and boost visitor numbers.

Bernard Donoghue OBE, CEO of Association of Leading Visitor Attractions – Insights into the Visitor Economy
Hear the latest trends, opportunities and challenges shaping the visitor attraction sector from one of the industry's most influential voices.

Julie Holmes returns by popular demand with Thinking with AI
One of last year's standout speakers is back to explore how AI continues to transform the way we work, think and grow our businesses, with practical insights you can use immediately.

Chris Cartledge of Insight6 – Retail Detail
Discover how small changes can make a big difference to retail performance, customer experience and profitability.

Dr John Blakey – The Trusted Executive. Nine Leadership Habits that inspire Results, Relationships and Reputation
Be inspired by powerful leadership principles that will help you build trust, strengthen your team and achieve lasting success.

Anita Waddell & Liz Dimes (Agility Marketing) and Ray Hole (Ray Hole Architects) - Rethinking how attractions respond to the weather - Unfortunately we cannot control the weather. Discover how attractions are turning every weather condition into commercial opportunities. Take away strategic insights and practical ideas you can implement straight away.

And we're not finished yet... More exciting speakers will be announced soon, making this an event you won't want to miss.

Pre- Conference Visits

Before the conference officially begins, take the opportunity to visit two of Yorkshire's leading attractions.

Tropical Butterfly House and Cannon Hall Farm have kindly opened their doors to NFAN members, giving delegates the chance to explore the attractions, gather new ideas and catch up with fellow members before the conference gets underway.

At 1:00pm, Tropical Butterfly House will host a guided talk and tour, offering an insight into the park's history, its incredible collection of animals and its ongoing conservation work.

To help us plan numbers with our hosts and reserve your place on the visits and the guided talk at Tropical Butterfly House, please book your pre-conference visits below.

Book your Pre-Conference Visits > https://nfanuk.com/event/pre-conference-visits-2027  

Welcome Evening

Start your NFAN Conference experience with a relaxed and enjoyable evening at the Hilton Garden Inn Doncaster Racecourse. It's the perfect opportunity to catch up with familiar faces, make new connections and settle into the conference before the main programme begins.

Enjoy great food, a drink or two and a fun selection of interactive games and activities designed to get everyone talking, laughing and networking in true NFAN style.

NFAN Awards Gala Dinner

The NFAN Awards Gala Dinner hosted by Derek Thompson- racing commentator legend is the highlight of the conference, celebrating the outstanding people, businesses and achievements across the farm attraction industry.

Join us for an evening of great food, entertainment and celebration as we recognise this year's award winners. Whether you're shortlisted for an award or simply joining in the celebrations, it's a fantastic evening.

Accommodation

The Hilton Garden Inn Doncaster Racecourse is the official hotel for the 2027 NFAN Conference & Trade Show and is located just a minutes walk from the conference venue.

The hotel will host both the Welcome Evening on Tuesday and the NFAN Awards Gala Dinner on Wednesday, making it the ideal place to stay throughout the event.

Please visit the link below to book your stay using the exclusive NFAN accommodation rate:

https://www.hilton.com/en/attend-my-event/nfanconferenceandtradeshow2027/

We recommend booking early as as there aren't many other hotel options in Doncaster.

Parking & Travel

Free parking is available at Doncaster Racecourse for all conference delegates and exhibitors.

The venue is conveniently located close to from the A1(M), M18 and M62 motorway network, making it easily accessible from across the UK.

Doncaster Railway Station is approximately 10 minutes from the racecourse by taxi, with regular direct services from London, Leeds, York, Sheffield, Newcastle and Edinburgh.

Full travel and arrival information will be sent to all delegates before the event.

Why Attend?

• Hear from leading industry experts and inspiring keynote speakers.
• Discover the latest products and services from over 90 leading suppliers.
• Share ideas and learn from fellow farm attraction operators.
• Network with hundreds of owners, managers and industry professionals.
• Celebrate the very best of the industry at the NFAN Awards Gala Dinner.
• Leave with practical ideas and inspiration to help your business thrive in 2027.

We look forward to welcoming you to Doncaster for what promises to be our biggest and best NFAN Conference & Trade Show yet.