Friday, February 6

Day Nursery Owners Conference 2026

By Day Nursery Owners Conference

Join us for the Exclusive Day Nursery Owners Conference 2026, the UK’s premier event for nursery owners and childcare business leaders.

Date and time

Location

The Mandolay Hotel

36-40 London Road Guildford GU1 2AE United Kingdom

Agenda

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Doors Open- Networking

10:00 AM - 10:15 AM

Welcome From Our Headline Sponsor

10:15 AM - 11:00 AM

1st Session

11:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Break for Refreshments & Networking

11:30 AM - 12:15 PM

2nd Session

12:15 PM - 12:45 PM

3rd Session

12:45 PM - 1:45 PM

Break for Lunch and Networking

1:45 PM - 2:15 PM

Panel Discussion

2:30 PM - 3:30 PM

Supplier Talks

3:30 PM - 4:00 PM

Break for Refreshments & Networking

4:00 PM - 4:45 PM

Final Session

4:45 PM - 5:30 PM

Meet the speakers & Networking

5:30 PM - 5:45 PM

Closing Speech and Thank you

7:45 PM - 9:00 PM

Three Course Black Tie Evening Dinner (Dress to Impress)

9:00 PM - 11:30 PM

Awards & Party

7:00 PM - 7:45 PM

Evening Drinks Reception

Good to know

Highlights

13 hours, 30 minutes
ALL AGES
In person
Paid venue parking
Doors at 9:00 AM

Refund Policy

No Refunds

About this event

Join us for the Day Nursery Owners Conference 2026, the UK’s premier business event for nursery owners and childcare business leaders. Taking place at the cutting‑edge Mandolay Hotel venue in the heart of Guildford, this one-day conference is designed to inspire, inform, and connect those shaping the future of early years education.

With a dynamic line‑up of keynote speakers and panel discussions, you’ll gain actionable insights into growing your nursery business, attracting and retaining staff, boosting occupancy, and navigating the ever‑changing childcare sector. This is your chance to hear from leading voices in business and discover innovative strategies that deliver real results.

Why Attend?

Network with like‑minded day nursery owners and sector experts.
Discover proven marketing, recruitment, and business growth strategies.
Stay ahead of policy changes and industry trends.
Be inspired by success stories from thriving nurseries across the UK.
Connect with suppliers and service providers offering solutions tailored for early years settings.
Pre-Event Party the night before- perfect for networking and meeting other owners!
The National Day Nursery Awards, three-course Black tie dinner and party in the evening.
Lunch, Refreshments and Starbucks Sponsored Coffee Stations!

Whether you run a single nursery or a growing group, the Day Nursery Owners Conference 2026 will equip you with the tools, ideas, and connections you need to take your business to the next level.

Secure your place now for this must‑attend early years business event and join us in Guildford this February for two days of learning, networking, and inspiration.

*This is a business conference, not your standard "childcare conference"!

Frequently asked questions

Is the event recorded?

The Annual Day Nursery Owners is about more than just the content so we will not be live-streaming the conference or recording all of the sessions. So your best to attend to get the most out of the event!

Is there a special rate on the hotel?

Yes - Upon booking you will be sent an email with all of the pre-event offers which will include special hotel room rates... These are LIMITED so book early!

Can anyone attend the pre-event party?

Yes - If you have a daytime conference ticket, you're welcome to attend the night before, it is a fantastic opportunity to meet other owners and network with our fantastic suppliers!

What time are the speakers?

We have, as always, got a JAM-packed day, plan to be at the event from 9 am-5:30 pm as you will certainly not want to miss anything!

Are the awards different from the conference?

If you have a combined ticket, you can attend both and most do! - However, we do give you the flexibility to attend just the day or the evening. But trust us, you will enjoy it all!

I want to bring my senior management team is that ok?

You're welcome to purchase more than one ticket, however, we really push that this is an "Owners" event, so we request you only bring senior leaders/managers (decision makers) as this event isn't suitable for anyone else.

Will the event sell out?

Most likely yes - Last year we were all sold out. This year we have reduced the capacity slightly following feedback, so the chances are we will sell out again.

What is included?

Lunch and refreshments are all included in our daytime ticket. Lunch, refreshments and a three-course evening dinner are all included in our all-day/evening ticket. Plus a few surprises along the way!

Organized by

Day Nursery Owners Conference

This is an experience like no other, where hundreds of likeminded, ambitious Childcare Business Owners get together to discover what's really working right now to grow their business.

You'll spend your time focused entirely on the single most important thing for any business: GROWTH - and you'll leave with the knowledge, skills and ideas that you need to effectively grow your Childcare Business.

The Day Nursery Owners Conference is becoming an 'annual pilgrimage' for Childcare Business owners is quite literally guaranteed to help you to finally move your business to where you want it to be.

15% off applied

From £84.15

Feb 6 · 9:30 AM GMT