The AFN Network+’s third ‘Big Tent’ Event takes place in Manchester on March 11th and 12th. The ‘Big Tent’ is the annual meeting of the Network and an opportunity for participants to hear from, and engage with, researchers, business leaders, policy-makers and voluntary organisations working for change in the agri-food system to meet the UK’s net zero 2050 goal. The programme is designed around inclusivity and involvement, maximising the opportunities for networking between participants, with a mix of keynote talks, panel sessions and breakout discussions. The event will also offer delegates the chance to engage and contribute to the AFN Network's roadmap, a set of proposed pathways being developed for how UK agri-food could be transformed for a net zero UK. The work builds on the future scenarios developed in 2023.

The AFN Network+ has almost 2,500 members and is in its third year of funding. The focus of the Network is to support the transition of the UK agri-food system to a net zero UK by 2050, especially by engaging across scientific disciplines and with stakeholder communities across the agri-food system. The Manchester Big Tent event will have three objectives:

To engage with the AFN’s roadmap work, which is exploring the different pathways for how the UK can reach net zero through agri-food;
To work with our Champions to inform their work supporting change in the agri-food system;
To network among a broad cross-section of researchers and stakeholders

Attendance at the Big Tent (including catering and an evening meal on 11th March) is free. Delegates must have an interest in the AFN Network+ and experience in the agri-food sector. We have some funding available to support your travel and accommodation if your organisation is unable to provide this for you. Early Career Researchers are eligible for 100% funding, anyone else is supported at 80%. If you would like to request this please provide explanatory details when you register and specify whether or not you are an ECR.

Read more about the development of the AFN Network+'s roadmap.

Accommodation

If you require accommodation for the event, there are a number of options:

Midland Hotel

You can stay at the venue itself. Booking information. Rooms are currently approx £180/night.

Other hotels nearby

Premier Inn Manchester Central, approx £99/night, 2 minute walk

Holiday Inn Express Manchester CC - Oxford Road, approx £91/night, 8 minute walk

ibis Manchester Centre 96 Portland Street, approx £93/night, 6 minute walk

Motel One Manchester, St Peter's Square, approx £80/night, 3 minute walk

Premier Inn Manchester City Centre (Portland Street), approx £83/night, 4 minute walk

Roomzzz Aparthotel Manchester City, approx £102/night, 6 minute walk

Draft Agenda

Day 1: Tuesday 11th March

10:00 Arrivals and registration

10:30 Introduction and welcome: Aims of Conference

10:45 Keynote speech 1 & Q&A

11:30 Plenary: Introducing the Roadmap

12:00 Break out: Engaging with the Roadmap I: Exploring the model

13:00 AFN Network+ Funded Projects: Quickfire Introduction and Showcase

13:15 Lunch

14:15 Break out: Engaging with the Roadmap II: Scenarios, Interventions and Trade-Offs

15:30 Tea and coffee break

16:00 Panel & Discussion: Social Justice within the food and farming sector

17:20 Conclusions for Day one

18:00 Drinks reception

19:00 Dinner

Day 2: Wednesday 12th March

09:00 Arrivals and registration

09:15 Welcome to day two; Conclusions from Day One, Aims of Day Two

09:30 Panel & Discussion: Food security

10:45 Coffee break

11:15 Roadmap – final tuning + discussion

12:00 TBC

12:30 Keynote speech 2 & Q&A

13:00 Lunch

14:00 Unconference

16:00 Event close

AFN Network+ Big Tent Event 2025