Wednesday 25th March 2026 - Coventry Building Society Arena

Your community's celebration. An evening dedicated to the connections, conversations, and collaborations that drive public safety forward.

The BAPCO Annual Dinner brings together over 350 leading professionals from across the UK's emergency services and public safety technology sector for an unforgettable evening of celebration and collaboration at Coventry Building Society Arena's Premier Lounge.

The night begins with a drinks reception, followed by a stunning three-course meal. You'll hear from our special guest speaker Professor Jonathan Van-Tam, enjoy entertainment, and have the opportunity to network with senior decision-makers, operational leaders, and industry innovators in a relaxed, celebratory atmosphere.

Tickets will be available to purchase in January 2026.

In Support Of:


About Three Nines
We're proud to partner with Three Nines Charity for 2026. Three Nines is a national children’s charity that supports children and families impacted by crime. We deliver early, trauma-informed support services, helping children and young people recover, rebuild, and thrive.  

Ian Thompson Bursary & Special Guest Speaker:

Ian Thompson Bursary Award


2026 Winners to be announced!

The winners of the 2026 Ian Thompson Bursary will be announced at the BAPCO Annual Dinner. This prestigious award supports individuals in the early stages of their careers in public safety critical communications across the UK and Ireland. It provides funding for travel, accommodation, and related expenses to attend major international events, offering recipients a unique opportunity to develop professionally and contribute to the sector.

Winners are also supported with mentoring and encouraged to share their experiences through presentations and articles, continuing Ian Thompson's legacy of fostering new talent in public safety.

Guest Speaker 2025:


Professor Jonathan Van-Tam

Professor Jonathan Van-Tam served as Deputy Chief Medical Officer for England during the COVID-19 pandemic, becoming one of the UK's most trusted voices during the nation's greatest public health emergency. As a member of the UK's Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE), he worked alongside emergency services and frontline responders, making critical decisions under immense pressure while maintaining public trust through clear, honest communication.

With over 30 years of expertise in epidemiology and pandemic preparedness, JVT understands the challenges emergency services professionals face – operating under pressure, making decisions with incomplete information, and leading through uncertainty. Knighted in 2022 for his services to public health, he brings invaluable insights on crisis leadership and resilience to those who serve our communities every day.

Previous Ian Thompson Bursary Winners:

Event Timings:

18:45 Drinks reception
19:15 Final call for dinner (please be seated)
19:20 Welcome speech
19:30 Three Nines Children Charity
19:40 Dinner Served
21:15 Ian Thompson Bursary Awards
21:40 Guest Speaker: Prof. Jonathan Van-Tam
22:20 Closing speech (British APCO)
22:30 Music and Entertainme:nt
00:00 Carriages
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