Independence Group UK Conference 2026
As a valued member of our consortium, we look forward to welcoming you to the stunning Carden Park Hotel – a luxury country hotel in the heart of the Cheshire countryside – for the Hays Travel Independence Group UK Conference 2026, taking place on Monday 20 April – Tuesday 21 April.
We are planning a packed agenda! This year's conference theme is 'Leading Change'. The inspirational and informative speakers we have lined up are set to share practical tools to support you and your business. We are also delighted that our Headline Partner Jet2holidays, and our Gold Sponsors Celebrity Cruises, Oceania Cruises, and Titan Travel will join us on stage.
With a supplier showcase, gala dinner, and plenty of opportunities for networking with fellow members of our Hays Travel Independence Group, we are sure you will agree that there is much to look forward to.
Scroll down to see the agenda!
Travel to the hotel
Address:
Carden Park Hotel, Broxton Rd, Chester CH3 9DQ
Travelling by Car:
Sat nav postcode: SY14 7HZ
Carden Park offers free on-site car parking and electric charging points are available.
Travelling by Rail:
Crewe Station is only 30 minutes away by taxi; Chester Station is around 25 minutes by car from Carden Park.
Arrival Time
Monday 20 April
11am Arrival and check-in
11.30am Informal buffet lunch
12.30pm Conference sessions open
Dress Code
Conference sessions: Business wear
Gala dinner: Glitz & Glam
Trade Exhibition appointments
We know that networking with fellow Independence Group members and supplier partners is an important part of your Conference experience.
Booking a slot with suppliers attending our trade exhibition will guarantee that you will meet everyone you need to. Bookings are live now.
Agenda
Monday 20 April
Daytime
12.30pm-12.35pm Welcome and Open (open)
12.35pm-12.50pm Direction of Travel (open)
12.50pm-1.10pm Changes to Legislation (open)
Suppliers exit Carden Suite
1.15pm-1.45pm Jet2holidays (closed)
1.45pm-2.05pm Business Update (closed)
2.05pm-2.20pm Results (closed)
2.20pm-2.40pm Tea/Coffee Break
2.40pm-3pm Titan (closed)
3pm-3.15pm Commercial Update (closed)
3.15pm-3.35pm Celebrity Cruises (closed)
3.35pm-3.50pm Cruise (closed)
3.50pm-4.10pm Oceania Cruises (closed)
Suppliers re-enter the Carden Suite
4.15pm-4.20pm River Cruise Growth Introduction (open)
4.20pm-4.35pm River Cruise Growth (open)
4.35pm-4.55pm IG Member Panel (open)
4.55pm-5pm Summary and Close (open)
Evening
7.15pm-7.45pm Pre-dinner Drinks in Goldies Lounge
7.45pm-8pm Awards in Carden Suite
8pm-10pm Gala Dinner in Carden Suite
10pm-Midnight Evening Entertainment
Tuesday 21 April
Daytime
9am-12.30pm Trade Exhibition in Carden Suite
Gala dinner table plan
In partnership with...
Thanks to our Gold Sponsors...
Thanks to our supplier partners...
If you have any questions, please email events@hays-travel.co.uk or call Steph Cope, Head of Events, on 07464 548 093 or Harriet Thompson, Head of Independence Group, on 07885 897 275.
We look forward to welcoming you at Carden Park Hotel.