A highlight in the stained-glass calendar, this year's conference will be held at the York Hospitium, situated in the beautiful city-centre Museum Gardens, on 10-11 October 2026. It is a particularly exciting year for our conference to come to York, as a feasibility study is currently under way to mark it as an 'International City of Stained Glass'.
Saturday 10 October: 9.00am-5.00pm + optional York Minster visit, Quiz & Dinner
Sunday 11 October: 9.00am-2.00pm + optional visit to All Saints, North Street (tickets available soon)
Our theme this year looks to the future, considering how the field of stained glass conservation may change for the next generation of conservators in an increasingly globalised world. In a time of rapid technological advancement, environmental change and political instability, what new challenges may stained glass conservators face?
This year's speakers will be covering a wide range of subjects, bringing a diversity of perspectives and approaches to the topic.
Click here to view the full programme.
We also have some new and exciting additions to our conference this year. We will host a panel discussion, allowing for a more informal exploration of the future of stained glass conservation. We will also host a 'Shards of Glass' session during one of our tea breaks, providing attendees with an opportunity to raise stained glass topics for informal discussion, knowledge sharing and collaborative problem solving.
There will also be opportunities to tour some of York's most significant stained glass heritage, including York Minster and All Saints, North Street.
Lunch and light refreshments are included in the ticket price and will be provided on both days. On Saturday, we will also host our annual stained glass dinner and quiz (ticketed separately). The venue hire for our dinner and quiz has been generously sponsored by Lamberts Glass. This is a great opportunity to network with old and new friends and show off your stained glass knowledge!
York Minster Visit Registration
Are you a York resident, York student, or York Minster employee who would like to join the free York Minster visit on Saturday 10 October?
Places on the visit are free for eligible attendees, but advance registration is required so that we can confirm numbers. Please reserve a place if you wish to attend.
Proof of eligibility (such as proof of address, student identification, or York Minster staff identification) will be required on entry. Those who are unable to provide suitable proof may not be admitted to the visit.
Supporting Student and Early Career Bursaries
We are committed to making our conference accessible to students and those at the beginning of their conservation careers. Optional donations help us expand our bursary programme and support more attendees who might otherwise be unable to participate.
Please note that donations are entirely voluntary and are not required to attend the conference.