Connected Britain 2026: Unlocking Public Sector Potential and Driving Digital Transformation

As the UK’s premier digital economy event, Connected Britain returns to ExCeL London on 9–10 September 2026. Bringing together decision-makers from across the entire technology and telecommunications ecosystem, the gathering provides an essential platform for public sector leaders, council officers, and digital strategists looking to leverage digital infrastructure as a core enabler of local growth, social inclusion, and public service reform.

While Connected Britain addresses the full landscape of national connectivity—from full-fibre and 5G to AI infrastructure and commercial deployment—its dedicated public sector offering has become a major draw for local and central government representatives. Local authorities are no longer passive recipients of infrastructure rollouts; they are central drivers of local digital strategies, smart region initiatives, and digital inclusion models. Connected Britain 2026 delivers a tailored, high-impact environment where public sector teams can align policy with execution, explore practical case studies, and form the commercial and strategic partnerships necessary to deliver modern public services.

Direct Insights from Government Ministers and Policy Leaders

Government strategy and regulatory frameworks sit at the very heart of Britain’s digital journey. Attendees at Connected Britain 2026 will hear directly from key Government Ministers and policy leaders as they deliver the latest updates on national policy, employment initiatives, and digital strategy.

• Department for Work & Pensions: Andrew Western MP, Minister of State for Employment, will deliver a government address on Day 1.
• Department for Culture, Media and Sport: The Rt Hon. Ian Murray MP, Minister of State, will present a government address on Day 1.
• Regulatory Updates: Key regulators, including Natalie Black, Group Director for Infrastructure & Connectivity at Ofcom, will outline evolving regulatory frameworks supporting market competition and investment.
   

These keynotes offer public sector delegates an unmissable, direct line to national policy updates, helping local authorities and regional bodies align their local digital roadmaps with central government priorities.

Dedicated Public Sector Content:

At the core of Connected Britain’s public sector programme are two dedicated content streams running across the two-day conference: the Local Authority Stage and the Connected Society stream. These stages are designed specifically to address the operational, technical, and strategic challenges faced by local government, housing associations, and public service providers.

The Local Authority Stage

The Local Authority Stage hosts practical panel discussions, interactive case studies, and workshops focused on turning digital policy into frontline delivery. Key sessions on the agenda include:

• Connected Authorities: Evaluating the impact of regional investment models, service delivery, and what genuine success looks like for local residents and businesses.
• Devolution, Reform, and Digital Readiness: Exploring how digital infrastructure aligns with broader local government reform, housing, transport, and economic development strategies.
• AI and Data in Public Services: Practical sessions exploring how local authorities can move from isolated AI pilots to scalable, frontline public service delivery, featuring insights from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) and pioneering combined authorities.
• Place Leadership: Strategies for local leaders to align regional digital objectives with national goals while building the necessary skills and governance within council teams.
   

The Connected Society Stage

The Connected Society Stage dives into the human impact of connectivity, focusing heavily on digital inclusion, accessibility, and place-based regeneration:

• Tackling the Digital Divide: Industry experts, charities, and local authority leads gather to examine social tariffs, device reuse schemes, and strategies for closing the digital poverty gap.
• Digital Dignity and Temporary Accommodation: Focused discussions on addressing connectivity barriers in social housing and temporary placements to ensure vulnerable populations remain connected to essential services.
• Healthcare Transformation: Panel sessions examining how unified data, AI diagnostics, and high-speed connectivity are modernising health and social care delivery across regions.
   

Unrivalled Networking: Dedicated Local Authority Networking Zone

Beyond the main conference, Connected Britain offers a vibrant networking environment highlighted by the Dedicated Local Authority Networking Zone. This exhibition floor hub allows council officers, digital leads, and public sector strategists to connect with peers, share best practices, and engage directly with infrastructure providers and technology vendors on planning, wayleaves, and asset usage.

Coupled with interactive workshops and evening events like Connected After Hours, it provides public sector delegates with endless opportunities to explore joint funding models and build meaningful, long-term cross-sector partnerships.

Why the Public Sector Attends

For local authorities, combined authorities, and public sector agencies, attending Connected Britain is a strategic investment in their region's future. Delegates attend year after year to discover actionable frameworks for overcoming planning barriers, managing street assets, and accelerating gigabit rollouts.

The event equips leaders to attract inward investment through 5G innovation zones and smart place initiatives, tackle local digital poverty, and work directly alongside central government ministers and regulators to ensure commercial investments meet community needs.

Ultimately, it is the definitive platform to refine regional strategies and shape a connected, inclusive digital nation. Plus tickets are completely free for public officials.