NBE Annual Conference
Elevating Care: The Future of Safe Moving & Handling
Welcome to the NBE 2026 Annual Conference - Elevating Care: The Future of Safe Moving & Handling. As the environments we work in continue to evolve, so too must our approaches to mobility, ergonomics, and person-centred support. Over the course of this conference, we will explore emerging research, technologies, and strategies that are reshaping the future of safe moving and handling, empowering us to deliver care that is not only effective but compassionate, dignified, and sustainable.
Registration
Registration for 2026 is opening soon! We have a number of rates available from all inclusive rates which include accommodation and dinner tickets to one day conference attendance so you can book what works for you. We want conference to be accessible to everyone and aim to offer as much flexibility as possible. To help save on costs we'll be running an earlybird offer and a discount to NBE members. Not yet a member? Join up HERE
Who should attend?
The NBE Annual Conference is designed for anyone involved in, responsible for, or passionate about safe moving and handling in health and social care settings. This includes:
Moving & Handling Practitioners and Specialists
Nurses, Allied Health Professionals, and Rehabilitation Staff
Health & Social Care Managers and Workforce Leads
Care Home Providers and Domiciliary Care Teams
Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists
Manual Handling Trainers and Educators
Equipment and Technology Suppliers, Designers, and Innovators
Policy Makers, Commissioners, and Quality Improvement Leads
Health & Safety Professionals and Risk Assessors
Support with Funding
We know how hard it is to get funding in place for conferences, to help with this we have collated a resource document which provides information and links on various funding routes available to those working in health and social care. We've also created a template funding application letter which can be used to give to your line manager or as part of an external funding application.
DOWNLOAD - FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
DOWNLOAD - FUNDING APPLICATION TEMPLATE
We are working hard to curate an exciting, innovative programme which will cover all aspects of Moving and Handling across all disciplines. The programme will cover acute and community care with workshops on bariatric, general and paediatric care plus lots more! You can expect over 30 high quality workshops to choose from.
More information on the conference programme including speaker announcements will be available soon!
Workshop Submission - opening soon!
Submit a paper for this years conference and help us shape the programme! We're looking for submissions from all areas of Moving & Handling including acute, community, paediatric, bariatric, general interest and more. We have both theory and practical based workshops which provide you with the opportunity to share best practice, innovative techniques and vital knowledge with the delegation. Selected workshops will be provided with a one hour slot on the conference programme.
What is an abstract?
An abstract is a concise summary of your proposed session or poster. It should include:
- What the session will cover
- The key aims and objectives
- The outcomes
Your abstract should not be more than 500 words in total. Deadline for submissions is 31st March 2025
Poster Submission - opening soon!
Posters displays provide an opportunity to show case your work with out needing to present live. These are particularly great for first time presenters who may be unsure about hosting a full workshop or those with more niche content.
DOWNLOAD THE POSTER PACK FOR GUIDANCE AND TIPS ON PREPARING A POSTER
DOWNLOAD THE POSTER TEMPLATES
How to submit an abstract for a workshop or a poster
To submit for a workshop or a poster click the link below (coming soon) and complete the online form. You will be asked to provide details on the audience it is aimed at, the outcomes of the session and an abstract summarizing your session. Once you have submitted your paper it will be reviewed by the Programme Committee, successful papers will be offered a poster display at the conference.
Sponsorship & Exhibition
We're delighted to announce that sales are now open for 2026! If you are interested in securing your sponsorship package or exhibition stand contact sponsorship@nationalbackexchange.org or call 0191 241 4523. Spaces go fast so don't delay and make sure you're products are at the premier Moving & Handling conference in the UK.
All confirmed sponsors and exhibitors will be listed on the sponsorship and exhibition page.
Download the sponsorship prospectus: Sponsorship Prospectus 2026VIEW THE CONFIRMED EXHIBITORS
What are the benefits of attending conference?
- Enhance your portfolio – Conference is CPD accredited.
- Build your professional network - you’ll meet fellow professionals from a wide range of backgrounds.
- Get inspired - you’ll see and hear new things – techniques, equipment, latest research, case studies and much more.
- Learn - from industry experts and thought leaders. Remain at the cutting-edge of your profession.
- Get ‘hands on’ – there is plenty of opportunity, between the exhibition and programme to try out equipment and techniques.
- Tour the trade exhibition – check out the latest technology, watch the equipment demonstrations, chat to the trade and make new contacts.
- Get involved – why not present yourself? There are opportunities for everyone to contribute. Share your research, your projects, your ideas…. Just as you’ll love to hear our presentations, we’d love to hear yours.
- Have fun - Conference is a friendly and relaxed event. You’ll meet new friends, eat good food and enjoy the surroundings and facilities of the hotel.
- Get a discount – although Conference is open to everyone, NBE members benefit from a discounted rate.
Why should you attend?
There are lots of moving & handling conferences out there - so why NBE? Here's a few reasons why we think you won't want to miss out...
- Community - unlike other conferences and large exhibitions we work with moving & handling professionals all year round through our membership base. We're not just a conference we're a community and an association that's built around supporting you! This is the number one reason people attend our conference - for its sense of community and supportive environment
- Professional Development: The conference provides an opportunity to enhance your professional knowledge and skills. Attendees can learn about the latest advancements, research, and best practices in back care and ergonomics.
- Networking Opportunities: Conferences bring together professionals from various backgrounds and expertise levels. Networking with peers, experts, and industry leaders can open doors for collaboration, partnerships, and career opportunities.
- Exposure to New Technologies: The event showcases the latest technologies, products, and services in the field of back care and ergonomics. This exposure can be valuable for staying updated on industry trends and incorporating innovative solutions into your practice or organisation.
- Sharing of Best Practices: The conference provides a platform for professionals to share their experiences, case studies, and best practices. Learning from the successes and challenges of others can inform and improve your own approaches to moving & handling.
- Inspiration and Motivation: Being part of a conference can be inspiring and motivating. Engaging with like-minded individuals, listening to success stories, and participating in discussions can rekindle your passion for your work and drive positive change.
Conference Venue
This year's conference is taking place at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole, centrally located and easily accessible by train or car. Full details below:
Hilton Birmingham Metropole
National Exhibition Centre
Pendigo Way
Marston Green
Birmingham
B40 1PP
Parking is available at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole. Conference delegates receive a discounted parking rate of £10 per day. Parking code and instructions coming soon.
Accommodation
We have a large number of rooms allocated to the conference at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole. These rooms can be booked as part of your conference ticket. If you decide to book your accommodation separately you can do this directly through the hotel, alternatively there are a number of other hotels located in the vicinity at various price points.
Got a question?
Our friendly events team are here to help you, drop us an email at events@nationalbackexchange.org or if you prefer to chat you can call us on 0191 244 2839.
We're looking forward to hearing from you and welcoming you to NBE Conference 2026!
