Tickets for The Blend 2026 are now on sale, as the UK and Ireland’s leading conference and networking event for independent garage owners prepares to return this October. Early bird tickets are available at a reduced rate until the end of May.
The event will take place at the Eastside Rooms in Birmingham on Saturday, 10 October 2026, building on the momentum of last year’s record-breaking conference, which welcomed more than 500 delegates.
Organisers are promising an even more ambitious event for 2026, with a multi-track conference programme running alongside a busy exhibition of leading trade suppliers. Designed to give garage owners greater flexibility, the schedule will include a range of breakout sessions, allowing attendees to focus on the areas most relevant to their businesses.
“Last year showed just how powerful this community can be when people come together,” said Ray Dilsons. “Whether you’ve attended before or are thinking about joining for the first time, The Blend is about sharing practical ideas that make a real difference in the workshop. It’s about learning from others and taking that knowledge back to improve your own business.”
Open to all independent garages, The Blend continues to champion a community-first, welcoming owners and managers regardless of the garage management system they use. The focus remains firmly on peer-led learning, with real-world insights from garages that are actively improving efficiency, strengthening customer relationships, and adapting to new technologies.
The daytime conference will lead into the evening awards dinner, a highlight of the event calendar. The evening includes a three-course meal, The Blend Awards, and a charity auction in support of Ben. The 2025 event raised more than £44,000 for the automotive industry charity, with organisers aiming to build on that total this year.
Hosting the evening will be Rory Sutherland, the behavioural science and marketing expert known for his work on consumer psychology. His insights are expected to offer valuable perspective for garages looking to enhance customer experience, perceived value, and profitability.
“The real value of The Blend isn’t just on stage,” Ray added. “It’s the conversations throughout the day in between sessions, around the trade stands, and during the evening. That’s where ideas are shared, relationships are built, and businesses move forward.”
Tickets are currently available at an early bird rate of £150 + VAT for the conference and evening event, with all surplus proceeds donated to Ben to support its work across the automotive industry.
With previous events selling out in advance, garage owners are encouraged to secure their place early. Tickets can be booked online at: https://www.theblend.events/tickets.
