OFFSHORE WIND CONNECTIONS 2026
Offshore Wind Connections Conference 2026
Presented by Humber Marine and Renewables
Offshore Wind Connections is back for 2026 at The Doubletree by Hilton, Hull, an ideal venue with excellent facilities and a central location.
The conference and exhibition is now in its thirteenth year and has grown in stature to become one of the leading and best known UK offshore wind events.
The two-day event commences on the evening of Wednesday, 29 April with opening speeches and the customary and convivial networking event. Thursday, 30 April, will be a packed day of speakers, exhibiting and networking. As each speaker is announced, the online programme will be updated.
The conference will close on the evening of Thursday 30 April, when we will be holding the Humber Renewables Awards and Gala Dinner in the same venue. To enter for the Awards and to purchase tickets for this prestigious evening please visit the new website www.humber-renewables.com
For further information, please contact Isobel Reade, Event Manager at Iconic Media Group, who is organising this event on behalf of Humber Marine & Renewables, on 0161 686 2422 or email [email protected]
Why get involved?
Humber Marine & Renewables is at the heart of marine, offshore renewables and net-zero sector growth in the Humber and surrounding area. OWC2026 will see many of the key players and supply chain companies coming together to discuss how to achieve greater and sustained market share for the region with topics covering net zero, devolution, freeports, skills and general advancements in the offshore wind sector.
It attracts hundreds of regional, national and international delegates, and provides invaluable information and contacts for companies that are well-established in the sector and for those looking to enter or diversify into the market. It is supported by a stellar cast of businesses.
Experts and industry figures including OEMs, government organisations, manufacturers, port operators, vessel owners and operations and maintenance service providers, will speak about the latest developments and provide updates on key projects. Full details will be released over the coming weeks, so please check the website from time to time for updates.
Please join us for another outstanding year in the world of offshore wind at OWC2026!
OWC2026 EVENT PROGRAMME
Event Overview
As one of the UK’s premier offshore wind events, OWC2026 attracts hundreds of regional, national, and international participants. Supported by a prestigious line-up of industry leaders, it is an essential event for anyone wanting to connect with key players and stay informed about the dynamic growth in this vibrant industry.
With significant offshore wind developments in the Humber region in recent years, OWC2026 is the event to attend if you want to make meaningful connections and stay ahead of industry trends.
The two-day event starts on the evening of 29 April with the ever-popular RenewableUK Connect networking event and the exhibition hall will be open. Day 2 continues with presentations, expert discussions, and invaluable networking opportunities.
The theme for this year’s conference can be revealed, Offshore Wind and Beyond: New Markets, New Funding, New Partnerships.
Offshore Wind Connections 2026 is firmly anchored in offshore wind, while showcasing the expanding opportunities emerging across adjacent and enabling sectors. As offshore wind assets, infrastructure and operations become increasingly critical to national energy security, they are converging with defence, security, cyber resilience, digital and dual-use technologies.
This convergence, driven by government priorities around national resilience, secure energy systems, maritime capability and innovation-led growth, creates a timely and practical opportunity for Humber-based businesses across offshore wind, ports, maritime, subsea, digital and engineering to:
– Expand within offshore wind.
– Access new and expanded funding streams.
– Diversify into adjacent markets.
– Strengthen supply chain assurance, cyber readiness and data resilience.
– Collaborate with Tier 1 developers, primes, innovators and public-sector partners.
Taking place at The Doubletree by Hilton in Hull, OWC 2026 will celebrate the region’s achievements, while bringing key organisations together to highlight opportunities, showcase developments and optimise collaboration.
Event date: Wednesday 29 April – Thursday 30 April 2026
All speakers will be added to the OWC website but not necessarily in order of appearance at the event.
Following on from the conference on the evening of 30 April, the Humber Renewables Awards and Gala Dinner will take place. The evening will be a celebration of the region’s highest achievers in the renewables sector. Please visit the new website www.humber-renewables.com
If you need further information, please contact Isobel Reade at Iconic Media, who is delivering this event on behalf of Humber Marine and Renewables on +44 (0) 161 686 2422 or email [email protected]
Who's Attending
- To be confirmed
Day 1 : Wednesday 29 April 2026
- Time Details
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16.00 - 17.00
Wednesday 29 April 2026
REGISTRATION AND DRINKS RECEPTION
Registration commences at 16.00 with the event opening at 17.00 with opening speeches at 18.00 from high-profile guest speakers and the hugely popular OWC networking event. The exhibition will also be open, allowing exhibitors, delegates and guests to mix and mingle.
A networking drink will be provided as part of the entrance ticket and the bar(s) will be open, including the Lexington Bar (rooftop bar) for late networking.
Day 2 : Thursday 30 April 2026
- Time Details
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07.30-09.00
Thursday 30 April 2026
REGISTRATION AND NETWORKING
Day two commences with a light breakfast and refreshments. The exhibition will be open and there will be an early opportunity to network with speakers, exhibitors and delegates before the conference begins at 09.00.
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09.00-09:10
Thursday 30 April 2026
WELCOME TO OWC 2026!
Welcome from conference host
Andrew Oliver, chair of Humber Marine and Renewables will officially open the conference and introduce the opening keynote address. -
09.10-10.10
Thursday 30 April 2026
SESSION 1: UK offshore wind – national pipeline and market direction
Offshore wind at scale: where the market is going, and what buyers will expect next
This session will hear from the developers who shine a spotlight on current UK offshore wind operations, future pipelines and long term O&M strategies. We’ll then hear about national investment priorities and what this means for ports, infrastructure and supply chains. There will be discussion around AR7 outcomes and leasing and seabed strategy, as well as the market outlook. From a global accounting perspective, the session will also cover the state of the UK offshore wind market, barriers, enablers and international competitiveness. -
10.10.11.00
Thursday 30 April 2026
SESSION 2: From national headlines to Humber opportunity
From policy to pipeline: what does offshore wind growth really mean for the Humber supply chain?
Panel discussion focusing on supply chain for the Humber, CAPEX and OPEX demand, port and infrastructure readiness, skills alignment, exportable capability and turning national ambition into regional delivery. - 11.00-11.20 Thursday 30 April 2026 NETWORKING AND REFRESHMENT BREAK
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11.20–12.10
Thursday 30 April 2026
SESSION 3: Ports, infrastructure and place-based delivery
Offshore wind is built on land first: ports, power and place.
This session will feature a keynote covering current and future port capability, offshore wind and O&M requirements, grid capacity and real estate availability. Our speakers will also discuss clean maritime funding, infrastructure upgrades, site readiness, Freeport land availability and inward investment. - 12.10-13.10 Thursday 30 April 2026 LUNCH, EXHIBITION AND NETWORKING
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13.10-14.10
Thursday 30 April 2026
SESSION 4: Why Security, Resilience, Innovation & Digitisation now matter to the offshore wind supply chain
This session will hear from TICQ who will discuss how security and resilience is becoming a commercial necessity rather than a matter of compliance, the Global Underwater Hub will show how innovation that survives the seabed survives the market, Prof James Gilbert takes offshore wind research to deployable solutions for the industry. The session will also debate the risk of not taking action on it now.
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14.10-15.10
Thursday 30 April 2026
SESSION 5: Funding the Transition: How are SMEs using Innovation, Security & Resilience Support?
The audience will hear real SME examples of how to turn the context into practical routes of action and how to demystify funding. Our panel will debate:
1. What capabilities will offshore wind buyers expect next, not just now?
2. How should SMEs prioritise between cyber, innovation, skills, collaboration?
3. Where does funding genuinely accelerate delivery — and where doesn’t it?
4. What should an SME do in the next 90 days? - 4.15-4.30 Thursday 30 April 2026 CLOSING REMARKS
OWC 2026 SPEAKERS
Speakers to be announced shortly.
BOOK TICKETS
SPONSORSHIP AND EXHIBITION OPPORTUNITIES
There are a limited number of Sponsorship and Exhibition opportunities available at OWC2026
- Raise awareness of your company
- High calibre products and services
- Informed and well-connected audience of offshore wind industry professionals.
There are sponsorship packages to suit all budgets, including Keynote Sponsor and Branding Partner
For an informal conversation and to find more information about what is on offer with Sponsorship, Exhibition and Advertising Opportunities, please contact Events Manager at Iconic Media Group, Isobel Reade on +44 (0) 161 686 2422
How to find the Doubletree by Hilton, Hull
Doubletree by Hilton Hull is easily accessible by both road and rail, with Hull railway station and a host of city centre car parks all within 10 minutes walk from the venue.
Directions by road:
From South or West: Take M1 then M62 then A63 and follow signs for Hull City Centre. Take A1079 onto Ferensway, pass St Stephen’s Shopping centre and the hotel is on the left down Portland Place.
From North: Take A1 then M62 then A63 and follow signs for Hull City Centre. Take A1079 onto Ferensway, pass St Stephen’s Shopping centre and the hotel is on the left down Portland Place.
From the train station:
The train station is very centrally placed and the Doubletree by Hilton is a 5 minute walk. Exit the station on the left next to the ticket purchasing office. Head past the St Stephen’s Shopping centre and Hull Truck Theatre and the hotel is on your left.
CONTACT US
Iconic Media Group are delivering the event on behalf of Humber Marine and Renewables.
+44 (0) 161 686 2422
https://www.humber-marine-renewables.co.uk
Humber Marine and Renewables,
Ergo, Bridgehead Business Park,
Meadow Road, Boothferry Road,
Hessle HU13 0GD
Humber Marine and Renewables
Humber Marine and Renewables is a driving force in the Humber region’s growth as an offshore wind player. Its influence extends to central government and world-leading OEMs, and it has formed partnerships with areas that are in the earlier development stages of the offshore renewables market – in particular, East Coast USA.
Humber Marine and Renewables works in support of this vast array of skills and expertise, promoting it regionally, nationally and globally and generating major opportunities and business for members. It provides expert advice, brings companies together to collaborate on joint ventures and supply chain opportunities, lobbies the government and represents members at key UK and European conference and exhibitions. It also hosts and organises overseas trade missions and numerous events, including its flagship annual Offshore Wind Connections conference.
To find out more about Humber Marine and Renewables, click here
KEY FACTS
Humber Marine and Renewables
200+ member companies
17,000+ member employees
Became Humber Marine and Renewables in 2022 following the merger with Team Humber Marine Alliance and Grimsby Renewables Partnership
