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General itinerary outline | Sunday, 8 June | Monday, 9 June (Daytime) | Monday 9 June (Evening) | Tuesday, 10 June | Wednesday, 11 June | Thursday, 12 June
Hello and welcome to the UK!
We’re delighted to host you at this year’s Socitm President’s Conference as we go beyond borders in 2025.
We are bringing together leaders, experts, and partners from across the world, to share insights, explore new opportunities, and strengthen global connections in public service delivery.
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning, we hope you enjoy both the conference and your time in the UK. We’re here to ensure you have a welcoming and enriching experience.
We can’t wait to meet you!
General itinerary outline
Sunday, 8 June
- LOLA guests arrival day
- Dinner at Dishoom
Monday, 9 June
- Planned excursion day at Stratford Upon Avon, with lunch
- Dinner hosted by Netcall at Skybar in Resorts World
Tuesday, 10 June (Day 1 of President’s Conference)
- Gala Dinner & awards
- Partner daytime activities
Wednesday, 11 June (Day 2 of President’s Conference)
- Partner daytime activities
- Dinner location to be confirmed
Thursday, 12 June
- LOLA guests departure day
Sunday, 8 June
Arrivals and welcome dinner
Did you know Birmingham is the birthplace of the famous Balti curry? It was created in the 70’s by a Pakistani Birmingham restaurant owner and curries are now one of the most popular dishes in the UK! So we are taking you to the city’s top curry house Dishoom where you can enjoy a modern twist on this classic and many more.
Monday, 9 June (Daytime)
Discover Stratford-upon-Avon & Birmingham – A cultural experience
Join us for a day of exploration starting in Stratford-upon-Avon, the historic birthplace of William Shakespeare. Walk in the footsteps of the world’s most famous playwright, soak in the charm of this picturesque town, and enjoy a traditional pub lunch.
In the afternoon, return to Birmingham and spend a few hours discovering its rich history and culture through its world-class museums.
A perfect blend of heritage, literature, and city exploration – we look forward to sharing this experience with you!
Monday, 9 June (Evening)
Join us for an evening of great conversation and networking, at our dinner hosted by our partner Netcall at the stunning Skybar. This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow attendees, including colleagues from our Socitm Nations and Regions Forum and the Socitm President’s team, in a relaxed setting.
Tuesday, 10 June
Day 1 of the conference and partner activities
View the conference agenda for Day 1
Welcome to Birmingham! To make the most of your time here, we’ve put together some suggestions for daytime activities to explore the city’s history, culture, and local flavours.
- Birmingham Jewellery Quarter – Take a stroll through this historic area, home to more than 100 jewellers offering everything from timeless classics to contemporary designs. It’s not just about jewellery—there are plenty of independent shops, restaurants, and bars to enjoy too!
- Black Country Living Museum – Step back in time and experience life in the ‘Black Country’ as it was over 250 years ago. This immersive, open-air museum brings history to life with costumed characters, historic buildings, and even traditional fish and chips cooked the old-fashioned way. A short taxi ride will take you straight there!
- Birmingham Botanical Gardens – Escape the hustle and bustle and explore 15 acres of stunning gardens, featuring over 10,000 plant species from tropical rainforests to arid deserts. A perfect spot for a relaxing wander or a moment of tranquility in a Grade II-listed landscape.
- Brewery Tour – Birmingham is home to a thriving craft beer scene. Join a local brewery tour to sample award-winning, locally brewed beers and learn about the brewing process from the experts. Cheers to that!
Wednesday, 11 June
Day 2 of the conference and partner activities
We’re excited for Day 2 of the conference! Below, you’ll find details on the agenda, along with some suggested daytime activities to explore during your time in Birmingham.
View the conference agenda for Day 2
Explore Birmingham
If you have some free time, here are a few recommendations to make the most of your visit:
- Thinktank Science Museum – One of the UK’s largest science museums, featuring four floors of interactive exhibits, over 200 high-tech displays, and historical collections. A must-visit for those interested in innovation and discovery.
- Bullring Shopping Centre – Birmingham’s largest shopping destination, home to hundreds of stores and a diverse range of restaurants to suit all tastes.
- Winterbourne House and Garden – A hidden Edwardian gem just minutes from the city centre, showcasing beautiful antiques and a botanical collection of over 6,000 plant species.
We look forward to another fantastic day of learning, collaboration and networking!
Thursday, 12 June
Departure day
Departure day has arrived, and it’s time to say goodbye. A huge thank you to all our LOLA guests for being part of this incredible experience. It’s been fantastic sharing ideas, building connections, and exploring new possibilities together. Safe travels, and we look forward to seeing you again soon!