BALI National Landscape Conference 2027

The UK’s landscaping sector is operating in an increasingly complex and rapidly changing environment. Economic uncertainty, rising business costs and evolving market conditions are creating new challenges for businesses across the industry. At the same time, climate pressures are intensifying, with drought, flooding, extreme rainfall and unpredictable seasonal conditions placing greater demands on landscapes and the people who manage them.

Alongside these challenges, attracting and retaining skilled people, adapting to changing client expectations and delivering sustainable, resilient landscapes are becoming increasingly important to the industry's long-term success.

The BALI National Landscape Conference 2027 brings together senior leaders, practitioners and experts from across the industry to explore the key challenges and opportunities shaping the future of landscaping.

From business and economic pressures to climate and water resilience, developing strong, engaged teams and leading businesses through change, this year's programme is designed to provide fresh thinking, practical insight and inspiration for the future.

Across the day, we’ll explore:

• Business & Economics – what are the key economic challenges and opportunities facing the landscaping sector? Explore the wider business environment, the factors influencing commercial performance and what businesses can do to navigate uncertainty and build for the future.
• Climate, Water & Resilience – how can the landscaping sector respond to increasingly unpredictable weather, from drought and flooding to extreme rainfall? Explore sustainable water management, resilient landscape design, and innovative approaches such as SuDS, alongside the changing expectations of clients and policymakers.
• Building & Retaining Great Teams – how can landscaping businesses attract new talent, develop their people and create workplaces where employees want to stay?
• Leadership, Resilience & Performance – an inspiring closing keynote from renowned speaker Jim Steele, exploring the qualities that enable individuals and organisations to perform, adapt and thrive.

With business performance, climate and water resilience, people and leadership at the heart of the programme, the 2027 BALI National Landscape Conference is an opportunity to step back from the day-to-day, challenge existing thinking and consider how we can build stronger businesses and landscapes that are genuinely prepared for the future.

Mark Gregory – Conference Host

Returning as Conference Host for 2027, Mark Gregory, Vice Chair of the British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI) and Managing Director of Landform Consultants, brings more than three decades of industry leadership and experience to the event.

One of the UK's most recognised figures in landscaping, Mark has built an outstanding reputation through his work delivering award-winning gardens at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, alongside his leadership of one of the UK's leading landscape and construction companies.

Known as "The King of Chelsea", Mark is passionate about sustainability, conservation, biodiversity and the future of the profession. He will once again guide delegates through a day of thought-provoking discussion, expert insight and industry conversation.

Join us on Thursday 18 March 2027 at Manchester City Stadium for the 2027 BALI National Landscape Conference.

Venue & Directions

How to get to the Etihad Stadium:

By Tube: The Etihad Campus features its own onsite Metrolink tram stop. The service runs between Etihad Campus and Manchester City Centre runs every six minutes and guests can reach Manchester Piccadilly Station in under 10 minutes. 
By Car: There is plenty of onsite parking for delegates. Please head to Gate 11 and the Yellow Car Park – the postcode is M11 3FF. On arrival at the gate, say you are attending the BALI Conference and they will point you in the direction of the yellow car park.

Hotel Information: 
The Medlock Hotel is the onsite hotel. Please check back soon for information regarding rates. 

Agenda

Thursday 18 March 2027, Manchester City Stadium

09.30am – 10.00am | Arrival & Refreshments
Arrive at Manchester City Stadium, enjoy refreshments and connect with fellow landscape professionals ahead of a full day of insight, discussion and inspiration.

10.00am – 10.05am | Welcome Speech
A warm welcome to the 2027 BALI National Landscape Conference, setting the scene for the day and introducing the key themes that will shape the programme.

10.05am – 10.40am | Keynote 1 – Business & Economics
Explore the economic landscape facing the landscaping sector and the challenges and opportunities influencing businesses across the industry. This session will consider the wider business environment and what it means for organisations looking to navigate uncertainty, strengthen performance and plan for the future.

Keynote speaker to be announced.

10.40am – 11.15am | Keynote 2 – Building & Retaining Great Teams
People are at the heart of every successful landscaping business. This session will explore how businesses can attract new talent, develop their teams, create positive workplace cultures and retain the people they need to thrive.

11.15am – 11.50am | Refreshment Break
Take a break, enjoy refreshments and continue conversations with fellow delegates.

11.50am – 12.50pm | Breakout Round 1
Choose from a selection of focused breakout sessions designed to explore key industry challenges and opportunities in greater depth. Hear from industry experts, share experiences and take away practical ideas for your own business or projects.

Session 1: Designing for a Changing Climate

How can we design landscapes that are resilient to increasingly unpredictable weather and changing growing conditions?

A practical session exploring drought, flooding, extreme weather, planting choices, biodiversity, SuDS and approaches to creating landscapes that can thrive in a changing climate.

Chris Churchman has been involved with the Landscape Industry  for nearly 50 years.  Initially  working  in the  commercial sector for  John Waterer Crisp and Son he then graduated as a Landscape Architect becoming a Fellow in 1993 when he also established his own practice. In 2023 after 30 years leading a design studio delivering many award winning schemes he then moved into the environmental sector, establishing cquester, a not for profit, seeking to raise awareness of climate change and the value of nature  in offsetting it. 

Session 2: AI In Landscaping: From Hype to Practical Use

How can landscaping businesses use AI to save time, improve efficiency and work smarter?

A practical look at how AI can be used across marketing, administration, customer communication, planning, estimating and day-to-day business operations, with real-world examples of where it can add value.

Session 3: The Economics of Landscaping

How can landscaping businesses protect profitability in an increasingly challenging economic environment?

Exploring rising costs, pricing, margins, productivity, cash flow and financial decision-making, with practical approaches to running a more profitable and resilient business.

12.50pm – 1.50pm | Lunch
Enjoy lunch and take the opportunity to network with fellow delegates, speakers and industry colleagues.

1.50pm – 2.50pm | Breakout Round 2
A second opportunity to choose from focused sessions covering a range of relevant topics, providing practical insight, new perspectives and ideas to take back into your organisation.

Session 1: The Future of Landscaping: Are we ready for what’s coming?

How can landscaping businesses protect profitability in an increasingly challenging economic environment?

Exploring rising costs, pricing, margins, productivity, cash flow and financial decision-making, with practical approaches to running a more profitable and resilient business.

Session 2: From Good Business to Great Business

What separates a good landscaping business from a truly successful, sustainable and high-performing one?

A practical session exploring the foundations of a great business, from strong leadership and financial management to customer experience, people, processes, culture and knowing when and how to grow.

Chantall Ridd-Jones is Joint Founder and Managing Director of Harrowden Turf, one of the UK’s leading turf suppliers. Born and raised in Northamptonshire, Chantall grew up on the family farm established by her grandfather. She graduated from the University of Warwick in 1995 with a BSc (Hons) in Mathematics. After a gap year teaching In Jamaica, Chantall moved to London and qualified as a Chartered Accountant with EY London and during a successful ten-year career with EY, she specialised in the insurance sector.

In 2006, Chantall returned to Northamptonshire to raise a family and in the same year, she acquired Q Lawns, marking the beginning of a significant entrepreneurial venture. This was followed by the acquisitions of Turfland, Stewarts Turf and Spearhead Turf. These businesses were subsequently brought together as Harrowden Turf, creating what is now the largest turf grower in the UK. Despite its scale, Harrowden has retained all the characteristics of a true family business.

Session 3: Water, Sustainability & Future Opportunities

How can landscaping businesses respond to growing environmental expectations and turn sustainability challenges into new opportunities?

Exploring water management, drought and flooding, biodiversity, sustainable materials and practices, changing client expectations, legislation and the potential for new services and markets.

2.50pm – 3.25pm | Refreshment Break
Take some time to refuel, connect with other delegates and continue the day's conversations.

3.25pm – 4.00pm | Keynote 3 – Jim Steele
Closing the conference, renowned speaker Jim Steele will explore the connection between wellbeing, performance and resilience, drawing on over three decades of experience working with business leaders and high-potential teams.

4.00pm – 4.05pm | Closing Speech
A final reflection on the day's discussions and key takeaways, bringing the formal conference programme to a close.

4.05pm – 6.00pm | Networking Drinks & Manchester City Stadium Grounds Tour
Round off the day with networking drinks and a guided tour of Manchester City Stadium. Delegates can choose to enjoy the drinks, join the tour, or do both.

Keynote speakers

Jim Steele

Jim Steele is the founder of Holistic Performance Lab and a renowned catalyst in the field of transformational behavioural change. For over three decades, he has been sought after by organisations globally for his expertise in integrating wellbeing with performance, particularly for business leaders and high-potential teams.

Through engaging events and strategic workshops, Jim advocates for making wellbeing a core priority, fostering resilient workforces that drive exceptional results. At Holistic Performance Lab, he spearheads research and experimentation in performance psychology and neuroscience, crafting tailored services to meet the evolving challenges of modern business.

A regular speaker at London Business School and collaborator with the University of British Columbia, Jim is also a recognised thought leader, featured in publications including Forbes, The Association of MBAs, Elite Business Magazine and The Huffington Post, and frequently shares insights on industry blogs and podcasts.

Ticket information

All prices are inclusive of VAT

Early bird: September 28th – 8th November 

Standard: 9th November – Early March (or until sold out)

Sponsorship

Position your brand at the centre of sector leadership

For Sponsorship Enquiries Contact Joanna Pieprzak:

Joanna.Pieprzak@bali.org.uk, +44(0)24 7518 5614