ACAT Conference 2026

Sat 17 Oct 2026

9.30am Bristol

£25pp

We’re pleased to confirm that this year’s ACAT Conference and AGM will take place on Saturday 17 October 2026 at St Michael’s Centre, The Green, Stoke Gifford, Bristol, BS34 8PD.

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.

If travelling isn't an option for you, we also have a live stream option. 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.

Conference Information

Venue: St Michael’s Centre, The Green, Stoke Gifford, Bristol, BS34 8PD

This is a full day conference, with registration at the venue from 09:30 and the conference itself running from 10:00 to 16:30. Refreshments and lunch are built into the programme & are always a great opportunity to interact with fellow treasurers.

The cost includes all materials, lunch and refreshments. All ACAT events are open to members and non-members.

St Michael's Centre, North Road, Stoke Gifford, Bristol, UK