The GCA’s annual event, organised by Chairman Elect, Ben Harrison Operations Director for Haskins Garden Centres, will be held at Carden Park Chester from January 25 until 28, 2026.

Ben, who is helping organise the conference alongside the body’s CEO, Peter Burks, explains: “Hot on the heels of our highly successful and much praised 2025 conference, we’re delighted to reveal that our next conference will take place at Carden Park Chester in January 2026.

“Our recent conference was very well attended with more than 400 members there across the two main days and we’ve had some wonderful feedback from delegates on the quality of the speakers, the ambience and the opportunities available to network and socialise. It was a great experience and one that we hope has helped inspire and energise our members to kick off 2025 with revitalised positivity.

“We’re currently working hard to make sure that our 2026 conference is even bigger and better than before, with a line-up of top speakers and plenty of chances to catch up with friends, colleagues and associates from the industry.

“It promises to be an upbeat celebration of what’s best about our sector, as well as offering some insightful information from our inspectors’ presentations and those of key business experts including those with knowledge of the economy, HR and marketing and sales.

“We’re also planning on ensuring that bookings for our 2026 event go live much sooner this year and they should be available via our website from this summer.”

The GCA was formed in 1966 and celebrates its 59th anniversary this year.

Peter Burks, GCA CEO, says: “During the 2026 conference, we’ll be officially welcoming Ben as our new Chairman. He will be taking over from Will Blake, Managing Director of St Peters Garden Centre, who has been absolutely brilliant. Although Ben is helping lead on the 2026 conference organisation, Will continues in his chairmanship throughout 2025.

“We’ll be keeping our members updated throughout the year when we unveil details of our 2026 line-up of speakers and when booking goes live. In the meantime, please keep an eye on our website and social media pages for all our latest news and follow #gcaconf2026.”

The GCA represents more than 200 garden centres nationwide.

Through sharing information and its inspection programme the GCA helps members to achieve high standards in customer service, plant quality and reliability.

For further information, please visit www.gca.org.uk.