NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2026
The Crowne Plaza Stratford-upon-Avon
Thursday 18th June 2026
JOIN THE BLOC COMMUNITY FOR A
Defining Industry Event
The BLOC National Conference brings together members, partners, and industry leaders for a day of forward-thinking discussion, insight and connections.
Keep scrolling to discover the full lineup and start planning your day…
KEYNOTE SESSIONS
Welcome &
Introduction
Aidan McDonough
Chairman, BLOC Group
Opening the first-ever BLOC National Conference, Aidan will set the tone for the day and outline the vision behind building a stronger, more connected BLOC community.
BLOC - SHAPING
THE FUTURE
Jeanette Caswell
Managing Director, BLOC Group
Jeanette will provide an update on BLOC’s direction, growth and community focus. Learn how enhanced collaboration, partner engagement and shared opportunity are helping members navigate a challenging and evolving market.
FUTURE FOCUSED
HIGH PERFORMANCE
Damian Hughes
Guest Speaker
Author and professor of organisational behaviour, will distil lessons from elite performers across sport and business, revealing the mindset and behaviours that underpin success.
Shaping Our Partnership
Adrian Butler
Managing Director, VOW Wholesale
(Business Owners & Key Directors)
This session will allow business owners and key directors to meet with the VOW team, hear their plans for the future and how our partnership is developing in 2026 and beyond.
MEET THE PANELLISTS FOR tHE 'Shaping THE FUTURE' PANEL
Hosted by Steve Hilleard CEO at OPI and Publisher of Workplace360
From attending the panel, you will gain valuable insight into the UK and global market, exploring emerging trends, and tackle key challenges shaping the industry today.
VIEW PANELLISTS
Andrew Stacey
Consultant, Staceway Ltd.
Andrew is a highly experienced procurement leader with over 36 years in the UK office products sector, having held senior roles at Spicers, Commercial Group, and EVO Group.
Topic: The future of workplace reseller supply chain and the role of multi-channel suppliers.
Chris Sellars
Director & Head of Corporate Finance
Chris leads the Corporate Finance Team at Henton’s, specialising in mergers and acquisitions and financial diligence, with extensive experience supporting successful transactions.
Topic: Maximising value through m&a and exit strategy: planning for growth, sale, or succession in today’s market.
Elizabeth Stevenson
Strategic Director, ACS Group Ltd.
Elizabeth is a senior marketing and brand leader with over 20 years’ experience across B2B and B2C, currently leading the growth and development of ACS.
Topic: Beyond the Brand Customers Know: communicating business evolution and strategically positioning your brand to reflect an expanding service mix.
Patrick Donnelly
CEO, Donnelly Dynamics and Host of The Roundtable Rethink Podcast
Paddy is an AI and business strategist, and founder of Evolution, who advises leaders on using AI to drive competitive advantage across operations, product, and go-to-market strategy.
Topic: AI & eCommerce: driving growth and efficiency.
Rebecca Gurley
Head of Quality and Performance,
BPIF Training
Rebecca is Head of Quality and Performance at BPIF Training, specialising in quality strategy, curriculum development, and improving apprenticeship delivery and learner outcomes.
Topic: Building the workforce of the future: attracting talent, developing people, and sustaining business growth.
BUSINESS & BREAKOUT SESSIONS
The Future of Sourcing
& Buying for Success
Simon McLoughlin
B2B Product Consultancy
(Buyers/Purchasing)
Simon will draw on extensive B2B procurement experience to examine emerging trends, supplier partnerships, category development and pricing strategy.
This session will demonstrate how purchasing teams can make a measurable impact on margin, competitiveness and long-term growth.
Ignite Your Sales
Gary Naphtali
Managing Director, Sales Perfect
(Sales/Account Management)
Gary will focus on driving revenue growth in an evolving market.
As progressive dealers expand into broader portfolios, this session will explore how to navigate commercial complexity, engage modern buyers more effectively and leverage technology to accelerate performance.
Set for Marketing Success
Alicia Torres
Senior Marketing Leader, Force24
(Marketing/Communication)
Alicia will address the reality of longer buying cycles and increasingly selective customer engagement. She will demonstrate how automation strategies must evolve, how to identify buying intent and how to convert engagement into a measurable opportunity.
‘Shaping the Future’ Supplier Exhibition
Featuring 70+ key BLOC partners
At the heart of our conference will be our supplier exhibition, bringing together over 70 key BLOC partners under one roof. This is where conversations turn into new opportunities.
Discover innovative workplace solutions, explore new product categories and engage directly with the brands shaping the future of our industry. From sustainability-led initiatives and technology platforms to category expansion and commercial support, the exhibition is designed to give you practical solutions you can implement immediately.
Full exhibitor details coming soon!
View EXHIBITORS
Bloc Hub Member zone
Come and meet the BLOC team and find out how to maximise your membership at our BLOCHUB member zone. Talk to us about your challenges and how we can help! Explore solutions available to support your business such as our Weaver Sustainability programme, Pioneer and Sales Perfect Training opportunities, and Kascaid marketing services. The team will also be on hand to give a guided tour of your NEW BLOCHUB membership portal with a chance to win some prizes on the day!
Networking Opportunities
The conference experience extends beyond the meeting rooms. In the afternoon, delegates are invited to enjoy boat trips along the River Avon, offering a relaxed and informal setting to build relationships and continue conversations in a unique environment.
Arriving the Night Before?
Join us in the evening to enjoy an informal BBQ followed by the football, perfect for those travelling the day before and wanting to get an early opportunity to connect with peers.
BLOC Celebration Dinner
The day concludes with a Celebration Dinner, marking the official launch of BLOC in style. Guests will enjoy pre-dinner drinks followed by a three-course dining experience and live entertainment in an atmosphere designed for both celebration and connection. DRESS CODE: SMART or PARTYWEAR.
HEADLINE SPONSORS
