Our Back to Basics conference brings together all stakeholders in the corporate occupier ecosystem: experts from national industry and trade organisations, corporate occupiers, and of course Shoosmiths’ legal specialists. We are now planning our 6th annual conference. If you’d like to join us, you can register your interest here.

Our 2026 “Back to Basics” corporate occupier conference brought together over 180 guests from across sectors to The Grand Hotel in Birmingham for a day of expert-led sessions and industry networking. This landmark event is a key part of our firm’s long-term strategy, fostering collaboration and candid dialogue on the challenges and opportunities facing occupiers today and in the future.

The theme for 2026, “Evolution, not Revolution,” set the stage for a series of timely and thought-provoking sessions. Highlights included a market update from Chris Curtis MP, a legal lightning round on upcoming legislative reforms, and a panel discussion on the practical implications of change across the retail and property sectors. Attendees also considered the influence of consumer trends on property strategy, the role of regeneration in creating thriving places, the challenges of estate electrification and energy resilience, and the latest developments in lease interpretation and occupier rights.

The day was a resounding success, sparking ongoing conversations and new commercial relationships. The energy continued into the evening with networking, food, and drinks at our Birmingham office.