B:CAN ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Empowering Communities: From Local Action to Lasting Impact
Join B:CAN (Birmingham Community Action Network) for our inaugural annual conference, bringing together community organisations, partners and leaders. Celebrate grassroots action, hear from members, and explore key themes including funding, influence and social value. Connect, collaborate and discover opportunities to strengthen community-led change across Birmingham and build lasting partnerships citywide.
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Date
3rd July 2026
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Time
9am - 4pm
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Venue
Edgbaston
Stadium
THE EVENT AT A GLANCE
10+
Speakers
5
Panels
1
Network
Meet The Speakers
Afzal Hussain
Chair
Birmingham Community Action Network
Rishi Shori
Deputy Chief Executive
Birmingham City Council
Sally Burns
Director
Public Health Birmingham
Tom Bostock
West Midlands Investment Manager
Big Issue Invest
Peter Cunnison
Community Impact Manager, Central England
Lloyds Bank Foundation England & Wales
Professor Harris Beider
Founder/CEO
The Forward Institute...Building the Future City
Simon Clarke
Managing Director, Procurement
Birmingham, Black Country & Solihull ICB
Dr Suzanne Cleary
Deputy Chief Executive Officer
Birmingham Community Healthcare Trust
Naseem Akhtar & Lucy Kenny
Conference Hosts
Birmingham Community Action Network
Waheed Saleem
Head of Programmes & Partnerships
Witton Lodge Community Association
Joey Jones
Head of UK Advisory
Grayling PR
Tom Harding
Social Value Strategist
Birmingham City Council
We'll be announcing more speakers soon
Conference Themes
The B:CAN Conference has been designed to inspire, connect and empower. You’ll hear from community leaders, partners and changemakers driving real impact across Birmingham. From thought-provoking keynote speeches and panel discussions to interactive sessions and networking opportunities, the programme explores how we amplify local voices, strengthen partnerships and maximise investment in our communities - all while celebrating the power of grassroots action.
