We know that turning up to the Housing Community Summit for the first time might seem a little dauting. So, here’s a taster of the welcome you can expect and just some of the many opportunities there are to meet and connect with colleagues from across your sector.

On arrival you’ll be welcomed in person by our registration team. Then head to the informal welcome breakfast at the joint CIH/NHF stand. It’s a chance to meet and chat with our staff team, including Gavin Smart, Chief Executive, Chartered Institute of Housing, and Kate Henderson, Chief Executive, National Housing Federation.

The team can help to familiarise you with the event app, which will be your digital guide over the two days. Type in the subjects that most interests you and design your own personalised program that best suits your learning needs.

There is so much to explore. In addition to the main stage, which is includes very senior government leaders, and Homes England to discuss the latest post spending review announcements, there’s a huge range of smaller session to choose from.

You can get hands on at hackathons or sit and listen at the more intimate “in conversation with” sessions, such as, the role of the church in solving the housing crisis, with Revd Dr Guli Francis-Dehqani, Bishop for Housing and Bishop of Chelmsford, and the complexities of the current economic landscape, with, Prof David Miles. There are interactive training sessions, debates and best practice demonstrations on key issues such as development, Al, devolution, resident engagement, and funding models, to name a few.

You can sign up for trips to a new local housing development and join colleagues at the networking reception to unwind, share your experiences, and make new connections.

You’re free to explore the exhibition and information stands. Or be inspired at this year’s summit Art Gallery displaying photography of local women working with communities and helping those who need it most.

And if at any time your social battery needs a little boost or you just want a little time to yourself, head off to our quiet room or take a stroll along the banks of the Mersey, right outside the venue, for some peaceful reflection.

The programme has been created with care together with a whole team of advisors including leaders and practitioners in the sector and beyond Advisory board | Housing Community Summit. Together they have used their expertise to help us create the best possible event in social housing where everyone can feel welcome.