Southampton will host a national gathering of civic leaders, universities, policymakers, businesses and cultural organisations from 20–22 October, as i-PLACE 26 brings together research, policy and practical innovation from across the country.

The three-day event is organised by the Key Cities Innovation Network (KCIN), which brings universities together with the national Key Cities network to develop new approaches to the challenges and opportunities facing towns and cities. Hosted in partnership with the University of Southampton and Southampton City Council, i-PLACE 26 has Arts Council England and The National Lottery Heritage Fund as strategic partners.

The programme brings together an influential line-up of civic, cultural and academic leaders from across the UK, including:

• Baroness Jo Valentine, Co-Director of Place at Business in the Community
• Ben Derbyshire, former President of RIBA and Chair of HTA Design
• Darren Henley CBE, Chief Executive of Arts Council England
• Taryn Nixon OBE, National Lottery Heritage Fund Trustee & Chair for England, London & South
• James Ömer Bridge, Secretary-General and CEO of UNESCO UK
• Cllr Matthew Brown, Leader of Preston City Council
• Alison Gwynn, Chief Executive of North East Screen
• Prof. Charlie Jeffery CBE, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Southampton
• Jillian Kay, Chief Executive of Southampton City Council
• Rt Hon. Prof. John Denham, Director of the Centre for English Identity and Politics at the University of Southampton and former Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government
• Cllr Vince Maple, Chair of Key Cities and Leader of Medway Council

Under the theme Liveable (and lovable) places, the programme explores how cities, towns and neighbourhoods can deliver not only economic growth and better public services, but also the culture, identity, belonging and resilience that help communities thrive.

The conference comes at a time when place is becoming increasingly central to national policy, with growing emphasis on devolution, neighbourhood empowerment and the role of local partnerships in driving growth and opportunity.

Across three days, i-PLACE 26 will examine the contribution of culture and heritage to successful places; the role of citizens in shaping their neighbourhoods; and practical innovations emerging from collaborations between cities, universities and other partners.

The programme culminates on Thursday 22 October with the first Key Cities Symposium, chaired by Cllr Vince Maple, Leader of Medway Council and Chair of Key Cities. Focusing on Resilient Places, the Symposium will explore how cities and their partners can respond to the challenges of climate adaptation and the resilience of culture and heritage.

Professor Jane Falkingham CBE, Vice-President (International and Global Engagement) at the University of Southampton and Vice-Chair of the Key Cities Innovation Network, said: “Place is where national ambitions ultimately have to work — in our cities, neighbourhoods and communities. i-PLACE brings universities together with local government, national partners, business and communities to connect research with practical experience.

“Our ambition is to build a national platform through which places can learn from one another, develop new approaches and turn innovation into better outcomes for the people who live there.”

Cllr Vince Maple, Leader of Medway Council and Chair of Key Cities, said:

“One of Key Cities’ greatest strengths is bringing together civic leaders, universities, businesses and communities to share experiences and learn from one another. Across our network, we see innovative solutions to many of the same challenges. And events such as i-PLACE, developed by Key Cities Innovation Network and hosted by our member Southampton this year, provide an important opportunity to turn those ideas into practical action.

“At a time of significant change for local government, it is more important than ever that we focus on outcomes for our places, residents and communities. If we want to drive economic growth, tackle inequalities and create opportunities for future generations, we have to start with strong local places. That means creating places that are liveable and lovable, giving people the confidence and opportunity to thrive.”

Developed by KCIN, i-PLACE is a growing national platform for place-based innovation, connecting academic research, civic leadership, industry expertise and practical experience to address shared challenges and develop new solutions.

i-PLACE 26 takes place in Southampton from 20–22 October 2026.