BALI National Landscape Conference 2027

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 water resilience and climate-ready landscapes, to 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:

• 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 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 landscapes and organisations 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.

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 – Climate, Water & Resilience
How can the landscaping sector respond to increasingly unpredictable weather and changing environmental expectations? Explore the challenges and opportunities around climate resilience, water management and creating landscapes that are fit for the future.

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.

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.

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