The 2026 Freelancers' Awayday Programme
WEDNESDAY – 23.09.26
1–2pm (UK time) – Pre-Awayday Online Networking
An online meet-up for Awayday delegates. Put faces to names, arrange meetings and start making connections before you arrive in Oxford.
Included within main-day ticket. Register via the Awayday Hub.
Back to Delegates' Hub
Back to Delegates' Hub
THURSDAY – 01.10.26
At the voco® Oxford Spires Hotel
5pm – Walk & Talk networking (free, booking required)
Freelancers and Publishers are warmly invited to join us for a relaxed social walk by the River Thames. Mingling is encouraged. The walk will go ahead in all weathers, so please bring appropriate clothing.
Meet outside the hotel foyer. Free, but ticket required.
6pm – Social drink (free, no booking required)
Everyone is welcome to join us in the hotel bar for a relaxed chat. If this is your first Awayday, we'd particularly love to see you there. – we'll be looking out for you and gently connecting you with like-minded colleagues.
Purchase drinks from the bar. No ticket necessary.
7–10pm – Pre-conference dinner (booking required)
This social dinner is a great opportunity for Freelancers and Publishers/Suppliers to mingle and meet before the conference. The evening includes a two-course meal (dietary requirements catered for), plenty of opportunities for networking and, after dinner, a quiz or other entertainment – watch this space for more information!
With thanks to Digital Learning Associated (DLA) for sponsoring and leading the Walk & Talk networking event.
At the voco® Oxford Spires Hotel
Tap the links to see detailed speaker biographies and session abstracts.
9am – Registration, refreshments, networking, exhibition stands
9.30am – Welcome and introduction
9.45am – The Lifecycle of Learning
Opening plenary by Samantha Richter of Newgen KnowledgeWorks, the main sponsor of the 2026 Freelancers' Awayday.
10.10am – Better by Design
A workshop by Georgia Styring (Richmond Publishing) and Topsy Fletcher (Freelance).
11am – How to Bump into the Right People by Helen Holwill (Freelance Publishing Professionals).
11.15am – Refreshments, networking, exhibition stands
11.45am – Lightning talks
1 – Running on Empty? Recognising Burnout and Recharging by Rhiannon Santos (Silva Education)
2 – Marketing Mindset: 5 Ways to Improve Collaboration with Marketing by Laura Hewitt (Freelance)
3 – Why Connecting Personally Matters Professionally by Naomi Moir (Freelance)
12.50pm – Hot & cold buffet lunch (Restaurant & Cardinal Suite)
2pm – Lightning talks
4 – Is the Employability Crisis Going to Eat ELT? by Stephen Haggard (Digital Learning Associates)
5 – The Future of Freelancing: Jill of All Trades, Master of None? by Michelle Worgan (Freelance)
2.30pm – Finding and Fixing What's Holding You Back: Three Ways to Improve Your Workflows
A workshop by Vicki Donald (Vanitas Consulting).
3.20pm – Refreshments, networking, exhibition stands
4pm – Panel discussion:
Changing Learner Needs: What Does It Mean for ELT and Educational Publishing?
5pm – End of day
Join us for a relaxed drink in the hotel bar before heading home!
With thanks to Troika for sponsoring this workshop .
With thanks to Richmond Publishing for sponsoring this workshop.
With thanks to OUP for sponsoring the Lightning Talks.