As the flagship event of British APCO, the UK’s professional association for public safety communications led by the emergency services, the Annual Event has become the essential meeting place for emergency services leaders, control room professionals, digital teams and frontline responders. It is a show that stands apart from the traditional technology exhibition model, because it is shaped and led by the people who use these systems every day.
It is a community event. Every feature is designed to support meaningful conversations between users and suppliers, grounded in real-world experience and driven by the people who rely on these technologies under pressure.
That difference is even clearer for 2026. Alongside the wider expertise of British APCO’s membership, a dedicated Advisory Board of emergency services professionals is guiding the development of the event, ensuring the programme, features and themes are built around operational realities.
This means BAPCO is not just an industry event. It is a community event. Every feature is designed to support meaningful conversations between users and suppliers, grounded in real-world experience and driven by the people who rely on these technologies under pressure.
With public safety communications evolving rapidly, and the demands on operational teams continuing to grow, BAPCO arrives at a critical time. From ESN transition and mission-critical broadband, to interoperability, resilience, AI, control room modernisation and workforce wellbeing, the show provides a platform for the emergency services community to explore what’s changing, what’s working and what comes next.
A SHOW FLOOR BUILT AROUND OPERATIONAL REALITY
BAPCO will once again feature a packed exhibition bringing together over 90 suppliers and thousands of solutions supporting emergency services operations.
From radio and network infrastructure to command and control, mapping, body-worn video, AI, analytics and cybersecurity, the show offers a unique opportunity to see the latest technology in one place and to speak directly with those shaping the sector.
The exhibition and feature programme is supported by a strong group of partners helping deliver the visitor experience, including Zebra Technologies (Theatre A Sponsor), IBM (Next Tech Gen Zone Sponsor), Carbyne (VIP Networking Sponsor), Sepura and Motorola Solutions (Demo Area Sponsors), Actica Consulting (Tech Tour Sponsor), and iLockerz (Charging Locker Sponsor).
But what makes BAPCO different is the range of experiences that sit alongside the exhibition. Across the two days, attendees can expect live demonstrations, guided Tech Tours, feature zones and CPD-accredited content, all designed to ensure visitors leave with practical insight and real operational value.
WHAT’S NEW FOR 2026
Following strong feedback from visitors and exhibitors, BAPCO has expanded its feature programme for 2026 with several new additions designed to enhance the show experience and provide even more value for operational teams.
ESN Zone
A major new addition for 2026 is the ESN Zone, bringing together suppliers and user organisations working alongside the Emergency Services Mobile Communications Programme (ESMCP) to deliver the UK’s next-generation critical communications network.
The zone will provide visitors with the opportunity to explore the latest ESN developments, understand operational progress, and engage directly with those involved in delivering the programme.
The zone will provide visitors with the opportunity to explore the latest ESN developments, understand operational progress, and engage directly with those involved in delivering the programme.
With ESN transition continuing to be a key priority across emergency services communications, this area will offer a dedicated space for informed discussion and real-world insight.
AWS & Partners Zone
New for 2026, the AWS & Partners Zone will showcase how cloud platforms and specialist partners are supporting the emergency services through modern infrastructure, improved interoperability, and data-driven transformation. From operational resilience and secure deployment, to real-time intelligence and future-ready architecture, the zone will highlight the role cloud capability is playing across public safety communications.
The zone will feature Amazon Web Services (AWS) alongside a range of key partners including Airbox Systems, PEXIP, Cloudscaler, Black Marble Limited, Cloud Gateway, Inclutech Ltd, Coeus Software Ltd and Geoff Smiths Associates (GSA).
Ordnance Survey GeoZone
Geospatial intelligence is becoming one of the most valuable tools in emergency response, supporting everything from situational awareness and planning to multi-agency coordination and frontline navigation.
The new Ordnance Survey GeoZone will explore how trusted mapping and location data is being used to strengthen operational decision-making, improve response outcomes, and support safer and more effective incident management. The zone will feature a strong group of organisations operating in this space, including Bluesky, Landmark Information Group, Geoxphere, Blue Light Maps, ResilienceDirect, and the Met Office.
Wellness Zone
Created in direct response to visitor and exhibitor feedback, the Wellness Zone is a major new addition to BAPCO Annual Event 2026, reflecting the growing focus on wellbeing across the emergency services.
Recognising the sustained pressures faced by control room teams, frontline responders and operational support staff, this dedicated feature area has been designed to offer practical wellbeing support, movement, relaxation and stress relief.
Recognising the sustained pressures faced by control room teams, frontline responders and operational support staff, this dedicated feature area has been designed to offer practical wellbeing support, movement, relaxation and stress relief. Visitors can expect interactive experiences including therapy dogs from Paws in Work, alongside health and wellbeing checks delivered by Sisu Health.
Wellbeing will also feature across the wider show floor, with TeamPolice supporting staff wellbeing through sport, exhibiting in conjunction with Tee Shot Golf within the demo area. Across the two days, attendees will be invited to take part in a golf simulator challenge, including Longest Drive and Closest to the Pin, with prizes donated by XMA. Alongside the activity, visitors can also learn more about how TeamPolice supports wellbeing through sport and physical activity across the emergency services community.
West Midlands Fire Service Control Room Tours (New for 2026)
New for 2026, visitors will have the opportunity to take part in an exclusive visit to the West Midlands Fire Service control rooms, with two guided tours taking place on 24 March (the day before the exhibition opens). The tours will offer valuable operational insight into a live control room environment, providing attendees with the chance to see real-world processes, technology and working practices first-hand ahead of the main event.
Live Podcast Recordings
Live podcast recordings will also take place across the two days, with The Critical Communications Today Podcast hosted by Philip Mason, Editor of Critical Communications Today. Featuring in-depth conversations with senior leaders and technical experts, the podcast explores how mission-critical communications is evolving across public safety, emergency services, government and industry. Sessions will be professionally filmed, with full episodes available to watch and listen to on major podcast platforms following the event.
WHAT’S ON AT BAPCO 2026
Alongside the exhibition and feature zones, BAPCO delivers a full programme of learning, live innovation and practical insight across the two days.
CPD Conference Programme
A major highlight of BAPCO is its CPD-accredited conference programme. Across two days and three theatres, the 2026 programme features 60+ sessions, covering major topics such as ESN transition, mission-critical broadband and MCX, control room innovation, cross-agency collaboration, workforce wellbeing, AI developments and emerging technologies.
Key sessions include an unmissable ESN update, “Taking the Next Steps to Deliver ESN”, featuring ESMCP Programme Director John Black, alongside senior representatives from delivery partners. The session promises a clear, no-nonsense view of progress and the next steps ahead.
International learning will also take centre stage, including “Crisis Coordination in Washington D.C.: A Triple-Challenge Case Study”, where the city’s Office of Unified Communications shares real operational lessons from managing three simultaneous crises: a presidential inauguration, a state funeral, and an aviation disaster. The session will be delivered by Heather McGaffin, Director at the Office of Unified Communications, Washington D.C., offering valuable takeaways for emergency services teams working in high-pressure environments.
Tech Tours
Returning for 2026, BAPCO Tech Tours provide guided tours across the show floor, allowing visitors to explore solutions aligned to key operational themes. Each tour is designed to highlight innovation, best practice and real-world applications, with opportunities to engage directly with exhibitors and subject matter experts.
Tech Tour themes for 2026 include:
- Next-gen control rooms and AI-driven operations
- Broadband transition and multi-bearer resilience
- AWS
- ESN
- Connected vehicles and frontline mobility
Live Demonstrations and Vehicle Demo Area
BAPCO 2026 will also feature live demonstrations across the show floor, including a dedicated vehicle demo area showcasing frontline vehicles, equipment and operational technology in action.
Exhibition
At the heart of the event remains the BAPCO exhibition, bringing together a wide range of suppliers supporting emergency services communications and technology.
From critical communications infrastructure to emerging solutions in AI, data, mapping, cyber resilience and mobility, the exhibition provides a unique opportunity to see the sector’s latest developments all in one place.
British APCO Annual Dinner
Taking place on the evening of the first day, the British APCO Annual Dinner promises to be another unmissable occasion for the public safety communications community. The evening will feature guest speaker Professor Sir Jonathan Van-Tam, live music from the British Police Symphony Orchestra (BPSO), and the announcement of the Ian Thompson Bursary winners, recognising individuals supporting development and excellence across public safety communications.
A Must-Attend Event for Emergency Services Communications
BAPCO Annual Event 2026 offers an unrivalled opportunity to engage with the latest developments in communications, technology and operational innovation. Whether your role sits in frontline response, control rooms, ICT, emergency planning, digital transformation or leadership, the event provides the insight and connections needed to stay ahead of the evolving landscape.
Taking place at Coventry Building Society Arena, the BAPCO Annual Event remains free to attend and is expected to welcome thousands of professionals from across the UK and overseas.
Registration is now open, and the full exhibitor list and conference programme are available online.
