We are delighted to introduce the three zones that will form part of the Icon Conference 2026: Practice, People, and Purpose.
These dedicated spaces will provide opportunities for delegates to explore key areas of conservation and heritage practice, connect with sector specialists, and engage with the organisations sponsoring each zone.
The Heritage Science Zone | Sponsored by RICHeS
Spotlighting the vital role of heritage science in the conservation of our cultural heritage, the Heritage Science Zone is a space to explore the research and innovation, emerging technologies, and collaborative approaches shaping the field worldwide.
Join RICHeS in the Zone or at their scheduled lunchtime session to discover how they are strengthening national capacity and capability in conservation and heritage science, and how their work is unlocking access to vital expertise, infrastructure, and resources for individuals and organisations to drive excellence, collaboration, and impact.
About RICHeS
RICHeS is the UK’s Research Infrastructure for Conservation and Heritage Science. It is a long term, £80 million commitment from the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) – part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) – to support excellence and collaboration within heritage and conservation science.
Visit the RICHeS website to find out more about their work.
The Skills Zone | Sponsored by Historic Environment Scotland
Focusing on the importance of skills development in building a resilient, future focused conservation profession, the Skills Zone is a space to engage with sector-wide efforts to protect skills at risk, and advance the profession.
Sponsored by Historic Environment Scotland, delegates are invited to join a range of interactive workshops and discussions in the Zone's lunchtime sessions. From updates on Icon's skills at risk research, and Historic Environment Scotland's Skills Investment Plan, to accreditation and career support, the Zone offers practical guidance, insights and resources on how to support a resilient and skilled workforce.
About Historic Environment Scotland
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) is the lead public body set up to investigate, care for, and promote Scotland’s historic environment. HES shares and actively supports Icon’s mission to protect and conserve cultural heritage for future generations. Working with partners they facilitate the delivery of Our Past, Our Future-Scotland’s historic environment strategy and skills investment plan, ensuring the historic environment is cared for, valued, and enhanced.
Visit the Historic Environment Scotland website to find out more about their work.
The Technical Zone | Sponsored by Meaco
Highlighting the technical innovations advancing the ways in which we are able to safeguard our cultural heritage, the Technical Zone will showcase how developments in environmental monitoring, data analysis and collections care technologies are supporting more informed and effective conservation practice.
Join Meaco in the Zone or at their scheduled lunchtime session to discover how the right tools and systems can help manage risk and enhance long-term conservation goals.
About Meaco
Our range includes cloud systems, loggers and handhelds for monitoring temperature, humidity, LUX/UV and more. We also offer humidifiers and dehumidifiers because collections prefer long term stable relationships and with over 25 years experience in collections care – that’s Meaco! Come and say hello!
Visit the Meaco website to find out more about their work.
With Thanks to Our Sponsors
Icon would like to extend its sincere thanks the organisations sponsoring the themed zones at Icon Conference 2026 for their support in bringing together the conservation and heritage sector.
We look forward to announcing further sponsors soon. Watch this space for updates!