BIBA 2026: Valuable Conversations, Market Insight, and the Unforgettable Surprise
Two days in Manchester. Several hundred conversations. And one very unexpected email about a signed England Rugby shirt.
The BIBA Conference was in Manchester this year
Back at BIBA — This Time with Purpose
Attending BIBA 2026, the second time in my four years of working as a broker, felt very different from my first visit, and in all the right ways. Returning as Broking Manager for Talbot Jones Ltd, I arrived in Manchester with a clearer sense of purpose, a stronger understanding of the event’s value, and an even greater appreciation for the opportunities it creates across the insurance market. Over two busy days, BIBA once again brought together brokers, insurers, service providers and industry leaders for meaningful conversations, fresh insight and valuable face-to-face connection. Listening to keynote speakers like Jason Fox and Peter Crouch rekindled some passion, while the three-and-a-half-hour drive from Newcastle to Manchester with my MD, Richard, created the right moment and opportunity to reflect on some key client and insurer relations established in my four years at Talbot Jones Ltd.
The 2026 BIBA conference included some very cute guests this year
The Difference Experience Makes
What stood out to me most this year was the confidence that came with experience. The first time I attended, I was absorbing everything at once: the scale of the exhibition, the pace of the meetings and the sheer volume of conversations taking place around me. This year, I was able to approach the event with a clearer focus. I had a better idea of who I wanted to speak with, what I wanted to learn, and how to make the most of the time. That combination of planning and openness to unexpected opportunities is, in my view, what makes BIBA such a valuable event.
The People Behind the Emails
One of the most valuable aspects of BIBA is the opportunity to spend time with people you work with throughout the year but do not often see in person — seeing the faces behind the emails and phone calls. As brokers, we know how important relationships are, and there is a real benefit in strengthening them through face-to-face conversation. Discussions at events like this tend to go beyond the day-to-day and allow for more open, constructive exchanges about client needs, market conditions and practical solutions. It was a timely reminder that successful broking is built not only on technical expertise, but also on trust, communication and strong relationships.
Stepping Back to See the Bigger Picture
BIBA also provides an important opportunity to step back and look at the wider direction of the market. In the middle of renewals, negotiations and the everyday pace of client service, it is easy to stay focused purely on immediate priorities. Events like this create the space to think more strategically and identify potential new partners. Conversations across the conference highlighted just how important it is for brokers to remain responsive, well-informed and forward-looking as client expectations continue to evolve. I came away with plenty to reflect on, and with ideas that will be useful well beyond the event itself.
An Industry in Good Spirits
There was also a real sense of momentum around the event this year. The atmosphere was positive, energetic and full of purpose, with people keen to reconnect, share ideas and explore new opportunities. That is one of the reasons BIBA continues to matter so much within the industry. It is not simply a conference; it is a place where professional relationships are built and strengthened, perspectives are broadened and shaped, and the future direction of the market is actively discussed. Even after just two days, the value of being there is clear.
Selorm was delighted to be announced as the lucky winner of a signed England Rugby men’s top!
And Then I Won a Rugby Shirt
Alongside the professional value of the event, there was also one very memorable personal highlight. After entering Allianz’s BIBA competition, I was delighted to be announced as the lucky winner of a signed England Rugby men’s top. It was a complete surprise and certainly not something I expected when I returned from the event only to receive an email with the subject line “Allianz Competition Winner!” — which I thought at first was a phishing attempt. Moments like that add an extra sense of enjoyment to an already rewarding experience, and it was a great reminder that BIBA combines serious business value with a real sense of community and personality. For me, that moment reflected the wider spirit of the event. BIBA is, of course, an important platform for business development, learning and industry engagement, but it also has an approachable and enjoyable side that makes the experience genuinely memorable. Those moments matter because they help create stronger connections and a positive sense of shared purpose across the market. In an industry that can often be demanding and fast-moving, that balance is something I really value.
Worth Every Mile
Looking back, attending BIBA 2026 reinforced exactly why the event remains so important. For me, as Broking Manager at Talbot Jones Ltd, it was a valuable opportunity to represent the business, strengthen relationships, gain fresh perspective and spend time with others who care deeply about the future of the industry. It also reaffirmed something simple but important: however much our market evolves, there is still no substitute for face-to-face conversation. With the added surprise of winning Allianz’s competition, this year’s event was especially memorable, and I left Manchester feeling both energised and grateful for the experience. I can’t wait for BIBA 2027!
If you’d like to find out more about how we work with businesses across the insurance market, get in touch with the Talbot Jones team — we’d love to hear from you.
