Ben Stokes will close The BIBA Conference 2026 in Manchester, bringing the two-day insurance broking event to an end with a keynote address on May 14.
The England cricket captain is scheduled to speak on the final afternoon of the conference, where he will reflect on his progression from emerging talent to national captain. He is expected to outline the mindset and leadership principles that have shaped his career, including his approach to high-pressure, match-defining moments and the lessons he has drawn from them on and off the field.
The conference itself will run from May 13-14 at Manchester Central under the theme “Time:To”. According to the British Insurance Brokers’ Association (BIBA), the theme is intended to focus attention on immediate priorities for the sector, including collaboration, customer support and responding to developing risks.
Organisers have described the event as one of the largest annual gatherings for UK insurance brokers, with close to 10,000 delegates and more than 220 exhibitors expected to attend.
An official launch event will take place on May 12 from 3pm-7pm allowing registered delegates to begin networking ahead of the main programme. The conference will open at 8:00 a.m. on May 13 and conclude at 4pm. on May 14.
The agenda includes keynote sessions and seminars covering areas such as cyber insurance, artificial intelligence in broking businesses, emerging risk trends and developments in claims and underwriting. Seminar sessions will contribute towards Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements.
Broadcaster Kay Burley is due to host the conference, with television presenter Davina McCall MBE also scheduled to appear on the Keynote Stage during the first day.
Registration remains open. Attendance is free for staff of BIBA member broking firms, and entry to the exhibition and Fringe programme is available at no cost to FCA-registered brokers.
