ACAT Conference 2026 – Livestream

Sat 17 Oct 2026

9.30am Livestream

£25pp

We’re pleased to confirm that this year’s ACAT Conference and AGM will take place on Saturday 17 October 2026.

The conference offers a chance for church treasurers and trustees to meet together in a day of discussion, encouragement and knowledge. The roles of finance and governance in a church are of utmost importance and carry with them a real responsibility, and I'm sure for some it can feel like a very lonely role. We run the conference to be a place where people who understand these challenges can come together, sharing in their experience and offering practical advice to one another.

It doesn’t matter if you’re serving for the first time or have been going for what seems like forever; the conference will be a place of fellowship and guidance, bringing together members from all across the UK and all across Christian denominations and organisations.

Tickets this year are £25 and, as ever, we encourage you to invite others from your church and those around you to come along together. I have no doubt that anyone engaged in finance, administration or governance within the church will benefit.

The livestream is available for those unable to attend the conference in person. Due to streaming limitations those attending online can only follow the main sessions, and only those attending in person can vote at the 2026 ACAT AGM.

Feedback from 2025

Speakers

We’re delighted to say that Gavin Smith, the founder of The Church Office, is going to be joining us at the ACAT Conference 2026 as our keynote speaker.

Gavin brings over 22 years of experience in church management and administration. He has a real passion for the gospel that’s all about helping churches flourish, especially by supporting the people who do all the important stuff behind the scenes. His keynote will be all about mission and ministry, and the vital role that treasurers and trustees play in getting churches on their feet.

Before working in the church world, Gavin worked for the local council’s Youth and Community department, got a degree in Youth and Community and was then seconded to the Welsh Assembly Government to work on youth policy. All that experience has given him a practical, mission-focused approach to church leadership and administration.

Outside work, Gavin is a great fan of paddle boarding, barbecues and football, and he even used to play for Cardiff City back in the day, still managing to nutmeg the odd player (especially anyone who thinks he’s getting a bit old now!). He is also a director of UCAN.

Gavin lives in Newport, South Wales, with his wife Emma, their four children, and a fluffy dog called Max.

As Gavin often says (and we’ve got a feeling he’ll be saying it loud and clear at the ACAT Conference 2026) the work that gets done behind the scenes is what makes mission happen. He knows that treasurers and trustees play a rock-solid, mission-critical role in church life.

We’re absolutely thrilled to have Gavin on board with us at ACAT Conference 2026. It’s going to be an uplifting start to the conference.

More speakers will be announced soon.

Programme

To be announced.

Exhibitors

Data Developments

Data Developments

Since 1985 Data Developments have provided software, services and training for churches, faith-based organisations, foodbanks and charities. Our software and services greatly simplify the accounts, administration and donations work for your organisation and enables you to focus on your mission

Liberty Accounts

Online since 2003 Liberty Accounts cloud accounting and payroll is designed to meet the requirements of not-for-profits. With its user-friendly interface and comprehensive features, it simplifies financial management. From tracking donations to generating reports, Liberty Accounts ensures transparency and compliance, allowing charities to focus on their mission while staying organised and efficient.

Utility Aid

At Utility Aid we secure charities and not-for-profit organisations across the UK the best possible service agreements on your water, gas and electricity. We support, advise and negotiate on your behalf.

Conference Information

Venue: Virtual

This is for the livestream version of our conference.

The livestream is available for the whole day including the AGM, it will be accessed via zoom or Teams and there will be the opportunity to ask questions via the Q&A facility. 

Due to steaming limitations, we will be unable to offer a choice of workshops.