SPA 114th Conference - Carden Park - Monday 1st February 2027

Event Overview

Paper is at the heart of our industry – and the landscape around it continues to evolve.

Following on from the discussions at SPA Conference in October 2025, SPA 114th Conference will take a closer look at the changing world of paper makers, recycling, speciality papers and the wider paper supply chain.  With new sources of supply emerging, continued pressure on recycled materials, changing customer expectations and growing demand for more sustainable and specialist paper solutions, there is plenty for our industry to consider.  We’ll bring together industry insight, real-world perspectives and opportunities to explore what these changes mean for sheet plants – and how we can adapt, collaborate and take advantage of what lies ahead.

Supplier Showcase returns to SPA 114th Conference

One of the highlights of this Conference will be the opportunity for Sheet Plants to discover the latest innovations from our valued Supplier Members.  A small group of suppliers will be presenting their newest products and services through our popular SPA Supplier Showcase - where delegates can meet exhibitors face-to-face.  Dedicated time is built into the agenda for a Supplier Showcase Walkaround, ensuring members gain maximum benefit from this unique ‘learning and networking’ opportunity.

Networking at Conference

Delegate feedback suggests that the most valuable aspect of SPA Conference is Networking.  The SPA allows plenty of time and opportunity for delegates to Network.  The Carden Park venue is a beautiful hotel that provides excellent Networking facilities so delegates can arrange meetings and manage networking opportunities scheduled around Conference Agenda:

• From 11am meet up in the hotel.
• At the Supplier Showcase from 11:30am - 1:15pm
• In the SPA Conference private bar, from 12:30pm until Conference starts at 1:30pm. 
• Over Lunch - 12:30pm - 1:15pm - seating is unassigned to facilitate your own Networking.
• During refreshments at afternoon break (45 minutes).

Additional for Full Delegates: 

• At the Sponsored bar post Conference, at dinner, seating is again unassigned so delegates choose who they sit with at dinner, after dinner the private bar stays open after midnight enabling further Networking, over breakfast on Tuesday 2nd February and over a round of Golf with your peers (details to follow).

There are valuable opportunities to Network, in a non-competitive environment, for all SPA Conference delegates.  Colleagues who have not attended Conference before can gain significant value from the Networking experience.

Send at Least 1 Member of Your Team

We strongly recommend that Sheet Plant Managers and Owners encourage colleagues from across their business to attend Conference – the agenda will have something relevant for your colleagues in Health & Safety, Production, Design, HR, Sales & R&D departments.  If you are unable to attend the event yourself, send a member of your team in your place and have them report back to the business.

Delegate Costs:

• Day Delegate - £170 + VAT - includes Buffet Lunch, Full access to Conference, Afternoon Refreshments, FREE Wifi and FREE Parking.
• Day Delegate + Dinner - £240 + VAT - as above plus Sponsored Drinks Reception and Evening 3 Course Dinner with coffee and mints.
• Full Delegate - £350 + VAT - as above plus Overnight Single Rate Room and Breakfast following day.  
• Dietary / Accessibility requirements should be added to detail at time of booking.
• Delegate fees must be cleared in full prior to attendance.  
• Cancellation policy from the venue means that Delegate charges are partially refundable within 60 days of the event, and non-refundable within 45 days of the event - with no exceptions.

Try Before You Buy: Non-Member UK Sheet Plants!

Non-member UK Sheet Plants are invited to experience the benefits of SPA membership through our "Try Before You Buy" scheme.  This initiative allows eligible companies to attend one SPA Conference prior to joining, offering insight into how SPA membership can enhance your organisation.  Availability is limited, so we encourage interested parties to request a spot promptly - please email the SPA Office for details

Agenda

• Conference will be held in the Carden Suite at Carden Park Hotel, Chester  CH3 9DQ
• All first-time attendees and new SPA members are invited to attend an informal Welcome by the SPA Committee at 12:15 in the Carden Suite bar area
• Buffet lunch will be served at 12:30pm in Redmond’s Brasserie
• Conference agenda commences at 1:30pm and is due to finish by 6:00pm.
• A sponsored bar will be open immediately following Conference.

Delegate Lists

Attendees can review the delegate list in advance of Conference and arrange relevant meetings through the Member email facility on the SPA website.  The SPA does not print a delegate list which saves on 400–500 pages of printing and ensures we adhere to GDPR policies.  The delegate list is shared with all delegates via email a few days before Conference as a downloadable and printable attachment.

Housekeeping

• Check-in for Full Delegates will take place from afternoon coffee break.
• Delegates will need to register a credit card at main reception to enable drinks at dinner to be charged to their rooms.
• Dietary / Accessibility requirements - Must be added to Additional Information AT TIME OF BOOKING.  Otherwise, requirements cannot be guaranteed.
• This event will be filmed and photographed by the Sheet Plant Association for use on SPA website, in Social Media and SPA Marketing.

Anti-Competiton Law

The Sheet Plant Association reminds all delegates that SPA Conferences and events are conducted in full compliance with UK and EU competition laws, and all participants are expected to comply at all times.