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22 september 2026

Data Matters 2026

Find out how AI and Data are shaping the future of UK housing

Register Now

About the event

Data matters. Data continues to be the foundation for every housing provider’s successful operations, spanning technology, properties, tenants, staff and finance.

Now in its fifth consecutive year, Housing Technology’s one-day Data Matters 2026 event will feature a fresh selection of topics covering all aspects of data management and AI in UK social housing as well as fantastic opportunities for informal networking with your peers.

If you want to understand how data and AI are transforming housing organisations, join us on 22 September 2026 at the IET Birmingham: Austin Court. Have a question? See our FAQs.

two people on stage in the theatre at the IET London

Our partners

Event themes

Data Matters 2026 will explore a variety of critical themes addressing the most pressing challenges faced by housing providers.

Fostering a data-led organisational culture

The importance of having AI-ready data

Governance frameworks for data quality, ownership & accountability

Mind the integration gap – web services, middleware & APIs

Knowing your data risks & how to mitigate them

Golden threads & single versions of the truth

Are data standards right for you?

Becoming regulation-ready –accurate data, tenant safety & transparent reporting

Testimonials

"The sessions provided great insight and innovative strategies in tackling many challenges we face in the sector."
Havebury Homes logo with white text on a blue oval background.
"Data Matters 2025 was a great opportunity to network with other housing professionals to share information and takeaway learning to support further progression in my own organisation."
Logo with three dark blue overlapping squares and lowercase letters 'whg'.
"A great conference as an opportunity for information and experience sharing as well as networking. Would recommend to anyone in the sector looking to expand their network"
Freebridge Community Housing logo with a blue arc over the text.
"Data Matters is THE event for all housing professionals who recognise the importance of data for driving business insight, compliance and excellence in tenant services."
Handwritten style text 'Southdown' underlined with a green line.
"Data Matters - not just for data people, but for everyone interested in social housing tenants and consumers!"
Logo with the words 'Leeds Federated' in blue shades next to a blue icon of three abstract human figures.
"Great event as always from Housing Technology. Good quality speakers with real world experience. It is always useful to hear from others in the sector and to learn from their journey. See you next year."
Delta Housing logo with a stylized triangular icon in green and white colors on a blue-green background.

our speakers

Join us at Data Matters 2026 to meet our expert speakers who are at the forefront of data innovation. They will share their insights and experiences to help you navigate the evolving landscape of data management.

profile photo of Adejoke Ajao
Adejoke Ajao
Business Intelligence & Application Analyst,
South Liverpool Homes
profile photo of Adejoke Ajao
Alan Sheldrake
Managing Director, Migra Data
A profile photo of Christian Clarke
Christian Clarke
Data Architect,
Futures Housing Group
A profile photo of Christian Clarke
Annie Westermann
Data Engineer, Aico
A profile photo of Christian Clarke
Chris Dunkley
Account Executive - Public Sector, Zoom
Profile photo of Damien Wood
Damien Wood
Data Engineer,
Salvation Army Homes
Profile photo of Dan Thompson
Dan Thompson
Director, DataBoots
Profile photo of Dan Thompson
Dan yarnold
Founder and Former CEO, IntoZetta
Profile photo of Dan Thompson
David Bamford
Commercial Director, Migra Data
Profile photo of Fiona Harris
Fiona Harris
Chief Information & Data Officer,
VIVID
Profile photo of Gavin Hitchcock
Gavin Hitchcock
Director of ICT & Data,
Futures Housing Group
Profile photo of Gavin Hitchcock
George Grant
CEO and Founder,
Housing Technology
Profile photo of Jonathan Riches
Isabelle Chatel de Brancion
Land & Property Lead,
Ordnance Survey
Profile photo of Jonathan Riches
Jonathan Riches
Systems Architect & Development Manager,
Housing 21
Profile photo of Kevin Heslop
Kelly Hazelton
Contact Centre Specialist, Zoom
Profile photo of Kevin Heslop
Kevin Heslop
Data Consultant,
Amplify Technology
Profile photo of Jonathan Riches
Kieran Poynton
Group Director – Data and Analytics,
Bromford Flagship Livewest
Profile photo of Laura Sarasola Pioli
Laura Sarasola Pioli
Senior Data Scientist, VIVID
Profile photo of Matthew Wright
Matthew Wright
Head of Data Products, Peabody Group
Profile photo of Matthew Wright
Rob Mottram
Partnerships & Bid Manager,  Social Telecoms CIC
Profile photo of Matthew Wright
Theo Allen
Customer Success Manager, Aico
Profile photo of Tom Riley
Tom Riley
Data & Transformation Manager, Salvation Army Housing
Profile photo of Vishal Thanki
Vishal Thanki
Former Interim Data Head of Data & AI Governance, Believe Housing & Founder of Sitrys, Believe Housing

Why You Should Attend

What to expect

Data Matters delivers essential insights into the most significant challenges facing housing organisations as they look to transform their processes through smarter data management and AI. You'll hear from peers and leading suppliers on the best strategies to adopt and the common pitfalls to avoid.

Who should attend

Data Matters has been designed for professionals responsible for managing, analysing and making decisions using data across housing organisations. The event is particularly relevant for:

- Chief Information Officers and IT Directors
- Data and Business Intelligence Managers
- Governance, Risk and Compliance professionals
- Customer Services and Performance teams

Whether your organisation is developing its first data strategy or building on years of digital transformation, Data Matters provides practical learning and valuable networking opportunities with peers facing similar challenges.

Venue

After four years in London, Data Matters 2026 is moving to Birmingham! The IET Birmingham: Austin Court is a Grade II listed canalside building in the heart of the city, with real character and charm. You'll be able to conveniently move between the fantastic theatre and exhibition hall. As always, we'll be providing a complimentary lunch buffet and refreshments throughout.

Getting there is easy, it's a 15–20 minute walk from Birmingham New Street, or around five minutes by tram from Grand Central.

Register Now

Join us in September 2026 for Data Matters 2026, an essential event for social housing providers aiming to transform their organisations using data and AI.

Two attendees in a theatre chatting

FAQs

Who is Data Matters for?

Data Matters is designed for all housing professionals, regardless of department or specialism. From technology strategists to finance leads, if you want to understand how data and AI are transforming housing organisations, this event is for you.

When is the event taking place and what is the format?

Data Matters takes place on 22 September 2026 at IET Birmingham: Austin Court. The event kicks off at around 8:40am and wraps up at approximately 4pm. The event includes a series of presentations, dedicated networking opportunities, and the chance to visit technology partners at their stands, all with first class hospitality and a complimentary lunch provided throughout. Please visit the agenda page for full details in the lead up to the event.

How do I purchase tickets?

Please see our registration page.

How do I qualify for the community rate?

You must work at a housing provider and be a subscriber (free) to the Housing Technology magazine to qualify. Subscribe now to obtain the community rate. The offer code will be included in your subscription confirmation. Existing subscribers have been sent details via email. Contact support@housing-technology.com if you have any questions.

Do you provide group tickets?

We don't offer group bookings for this event due to limited capacity. However, if you're interested in booking for a group of three or more, please contact us at support@housing-technology.com. We can advise you on the best approach and speed up the process of booking multiple attendees.

What is included in the ticket?

Your ticket gives you full access to all presentations throughout the day, alongside dedicated networking opportunities and the chance to visit our leading technology partners who will be exhibiting. First class hospitality, including a complimentary lunch buffet and refreshments, is also provided throughout the event.

Is accommodation included?

Accommodation is not included in the ticket package. If you need to stay over the night before, the are a number hotels located nearby.

How do I get to Data Matters?

Data Matters will be held at the IET Birmingham: Austin Court (80 Cambridge St, Birmingham B1 2NP), a Grade II listed canal side building in the heart of the city. There are multiple ways to arrive at the venue but we reccommend arriving via train. The venue is a 15–20 minute walk from Birmingham New Street station, or around five minutes by tram from Grand Central. Taxis are also available from the different stations.

I don't work for a housing provider, can I still attend?

We do offer a limited number of tickets to attendees from technology suppliers, consultancies and other organisations. Please however register your interest and we will be in touch to discuss availability and your interest in attending the event. We also provide partnership opportunities for organisations looking to exhibit or present at the event. Please use our contact form and we will be in touch with further information.