UK - The Association of British Theatre Technicians (ABTT) has announced the fourth edition of its proactive annual event the Make A Difference Conference, returning in 2026 with a focus on bridging the gap between formal training and ongoing professional development in the theatre and live performance industry. The day’s theme will be Continuing to Learn Beyond Education.
The 2026 conference will be held on Thursday 16 April 2026 at Bathway Theatre, University of Greenwich.
“This year’s theme will focus on the employment sector as we explore how we can improve learning and development outside our formal higher education training schemes,” say the organisers. “By bringing together both sides of our industry, those that teach and train, together with employers we will break down the discourse between the two sides, and work together to improve the career journey of our future backstage workers.”
The conference is fully participatory. Attendees are not passive listeners - they are active contributors. Delegates are invited to share views, shape strategies, and commit to real actions that help address the challenges discussed.
The day is structured to nurture communication, encourage joined-up thinking, and maintain the vital link between training providers and the workplace - ensuring our industry evolves with the needs of both new entrants and established professionals.
The conference will address five key areas of development:
Rethinking Workplace Inductions – looking beyond health and safety to foster long-term integration.
Supporting Continued Personal Development – helping skills transfer across venues and sectors (e.g. music, live events).
Understanding Generational Dynamics – exploring intergenerational learning challenges and opportunities.
Establishing and Evolving Industry Standards – building shared understanding across employers and educators.
Envisioning Lifelong Learning – redefining training as an ongoing journey, not a destination.
This year’s event is supported by academic staff from Guildford School of Acting (GSA) and the Centre for Creative Futures at University of Greenwich, guiding and facilitating discussions that will lead to practical outcomes for the industry.
Make A Difference founder and senior lecturer at Guildford School of Acting, Mig Walsh commented: “Another great topic being explored at this year’s conference. I can’t wait to host and get stuck into this provocative title. As a teacher it’s my job to train our next generation of backstage workers, but I can’t possibly train the nuances and specifics of your venue, job or role; that’s the job of the employer. Come to this year’s event where we can work together to develop a lifelong approach to training and development.”
Liz Sillett, ABTT chief executive, stated: “It’s fantastic to be presenting the fourth edition of the Make A Difference Conference. I’m grateful to the University of Greenwich for partnering with ABTT and GSA to deliver this event. Past conferences have proven to be truly impactful, and I hope the 2026 event will help even more delegates make meaningful progress in shaping the future of backstage learning.”
David Hockham SFHEA, NTF – associate professor in higher education and scenography at University of Greenwich, added: “I am delighted to be co-hosting this event at the University of Greenwich’s Bathway Theatre, sharing provocations which supports us to rethink continued learning within our industry.”
