CILIP Members' Fest | Call for Meet-Ups

2 - 6 March 2026

  
We’re inviting all of CILIP’s regional and devolved networks to get involved in the Members’ Fest 2026 Agenda!

Whilst we are encouraging all of our communities to submit an online session to feature as part of the festival programme, we have a special ask for our regional and devolved nation networks. And it involves networking!

As most of our thought leadership sessions and workshops will be held online, we're keen to feature some in-person meet-ups as part of the programme. 

So we're inviting our regional networks and devolved nation groups to organise an in-person networking event to feature as part of the festival.

The idea is simple:

• You secure a venue or activity for the evening of Thursday 5 March 2026
• We promote the event far and wide (and take care of the boring YM aspects)
•  You host and enjoy the networking!

We're hoping that all of our in-person meet-ups will take place on the same day, at the same time. So that, no matter where you are based, there is an activity within your area that you can join on the penultimate day of the festival.

Imagine if all of our communities were meeting, UK-wide, all at the same time! That's powerful!

#WeAreCILIP

We know how crucial in-person networking opportunities are for making vital connections and feeling part of a professional community. We also know how powerful photos of our real-life members are in representing our community and our profession.

So we'd love it if you might share any photos captured from these networking meet-ups under the hashtag #WeAreCILIP

Let's show the world the people behind our community and our profession!

A note on pricing

We're keen that our meet-ups are as accessible as possible, so all networking events are ideally free for members to attend.

Please note that in 2024 we offered a £250 kitty to all member networks to help towards any initial event costs, although only a couple of groups drew upon this. We are unable to offer this funding in 2026 but if you need help in accessing your bank accounts, including updating signatories, please email Batul Alsaraji at membernetworks@cilip.org.uk who will help you.

Submit a meet-up

If you’re keen to feature in our programme of in-person events, all you need to do is submit a meet-up overview via the form below by COP Friday 30 September. 

We've put together a handy guidance document which provides all of the info you need to know when planning your meet-up, how it all works, and how it will run from a processes perspective.

Please read through the below before submitting your meet-up idea.

 Download the Guidance Doc