DFN Project SEARCH Conference 2026
We’re delighted to announce the annual DFN Project SEARCH conference will take place at the Eastside Rooms in Birmingham between 21 – 22 April 2026, bringing together those committed to creating employment opportunities for young people with a learning disability, who are autistic, or both.
​
Read below to find out about our conference, the themes and how to book tickets.
What to expect
The conference convenes our network of host businesses, education providers, local authorities, funders, Government partners and supported employment providers who make Supported Internships possible. We’ll also be joined by our newly created Shadow Board comprised of interns and recent graduates, whose personal stories demonstrate what’s possible when we create genuine pathways to employment.
Through keynote speeches from industry leaders, interactive workshops, and networking sessions, those attending will gain practical insights and resources to apply within their organisation, while building vital relationships with partners who share our commitment to inclusive employment.
We will also be holding our Annual Awards Evening, to celebrate the achievements of our programme partners, interns and graduates.
This year’s theme: ‘Building Bridges’
The theme of this year’s conference celebrates the vital connections that help transform lives. Through our Supported Internship programme, we are building bridges between education and employment, creating pathways during crucial transitional moments in young adults’ lives. Every job secured is itself a bridge, opening doors to independence and opportunity.Our conference also looks to build on our campaign to raise awareness of Supported Internships and support 10,000 young adults into the workforce through DFN Project SEARCH Supported Internships by 2030, through over 400 programmes in the public and private sector.
How to attend
You can purchase your ticket(s) via our ticket platform below. Your ticket confirmation number will then be needed to complete the registration form below. Registration closes on 1 April 2026. We would encourage you to book early to secure your place and take advantage of early bird pricing, which provides a 20% discount until 24th February.
Questions
If you have any other questions about tickets, registration, or the conference programme, please don't hesitate to contact conference@dfnprojectsearch.org. Join us in building bridges to a more inclusive workforce.
Conference and Awards Sponsors
This year's DFN Project SEARCH Conference 2026: Building Bridges is supported by:
Thought Leader Partner
​​​​​ISS is the global leader in people-first facilities management and workplace experience. With a presence in more than 30 countries worldwide, and with over 27,000 employees across the UK and Ireland alone, they provide innovative solutions designed around the people who use the workplaces they manage.
Discover more about ISS here.
Founder and Patron Award Sponsor
The DFN Foundation is a grant-making charity that combines funding and strategic support to initiate lasting and positive change. They support four key areas - disability employment, myeloma cancer research and conservation.
Find out more about the DFN Foundation here.
Host Business of the Year award sponsor
Compass Group UK & Ireland is the country’s leading provider of contract catering and support services, operating across England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland. It serves food and managed services to clients in workplaces, schools, hospitals, and sports venues, part of the wider multinational Compass Group PLC.
​
Learn more about Compass Group UK & Ireland here.
Thank you to all of our funders.