Events by Scottish Federation of Housing Associations Limited.

The SFHA Annual Conference 2026 arrives at a critical juncture for the Scottish social housing sector. As the nation grapples with a declared housing emergency and shifting economic landscapes, this two-day summit serves as the premier platform for housing association leaders, board members, and policymakers to chart a sustainable path forward. The event is meticulously designed to address the "triple threat" currently facing the sector: the urgent need for new supply, the escalating requirements for decarbonization of existing stock, and the intensifying cost-of-living crisis affecting tenants across the country. Over the course of the conference, delegates will engage in a series of high-level plenary sessions featuring keynote addresses from Scottish Government ministers and international housing experts. These sessions will dive deep into the legislative changes expected in the coming year, including the evolution of the Housing (Scotland) Bill and new standards for tenant participation. The program balances these strategic discussions with practical, hands-on workshops focused on operational excellence. Attendees can expect dedicated streams on digital transformation in housing management, innovative financing models for "green" retrofitting, and collaborative approaches to tackling homelessness through the "Housing First" principle. Beyond the formal agenda, the conference is renowned for its vibrant exhibition hall, showcasing the latest in construction technology, legal services, and energy-efficient solutions tailored for social landlords. This is not merely a talk shop; it is a space for "radical collaboration." With the backdrop of Glasgow’s rich industrial heritage, the 2026 conference emphasizes the "Human Element" of housing. Special sessions will highlight success stories in community-led regeneration and the vital role housing associations play in supporting the mental health and well-being of their residents. Whether you are a seasoned Chief Executive or a newly appointed Board Member, this event provides the clarity, connections, and inspiration needed to navigate the complexities of 21st-century social housing.

The SFHA Communications and Marketing Forum is a specialized workshop-style event tailored for those who tell the story of social housing in Scotland. In an age of digital transformation and shifting public perceptions, the role of the housing communicator has never been more vital. This Glasgow-based forum provides a creative and collaborative space for marketing professionals to refine their skills and share successful campaign strategies. The 2026 forum focuses on "Reputation Management and Digital Storytelling," helping associations navigate the complexities of social media, crisis communications, and tenant engagement in a digital-first world. The day is structured as a series of rotating masterclasses. These aren't standard lectures; they are hands-on sessions where participants work on real-life case studies. Topics include using data to drive engagement, crafting compelling narratives around community impact, and the latest trends in video content for non-profits. A standout feature of the 2026 event is the "Tenant Voice" workshop, which explores how to ethically and effectively include tenant stories in marketing materials to build trust and authenticity. This session is led by experts in ethical journalism and community photography, providing a high level of professional insight. Networking is a primary goal of the forum, as it brings together communicators who often work in small teams or in isolation within their associations. The "Problem-Solving Circle" at the end of the day allows delegates to bring a specific professional challenge to the group for collective brainstorming. This peer-to-peer support is invaluable, building a stronger network of housing advocates across Scotland. By the end of the forum, attendees will have a refreshed set of digital tools, a deeper understanding of brand strategy, and a new circle of colleagues to lean on for future campaigns.

The Business of Housing 2026, organized by the Scottish Procurement Alliance (SPA) and supported by SFHA stakeholders, is a crucial one-day event for the commercial and operational arms of the housing sector. This conference is designed to cut through the noise and focus on the practicalities of delivery: how do we build more, build better, and build sustainably? Held in the heart of Glasgow, the event targets the leadership teams of housing associations, local authorities, and the construction supply chain. The 2026 agenda is specifically tailored to address the "Housing Emergency" declared across several Scottish regions, seeking innovative financial and construction models to accelerate supply. The conference features a high-impact exhibition floor where the latest in sustainable building materials, modular construction, and energy-efficient technologies are on display. This "living lab" allows delegates to interact with the products that will define the next decade of social housing. Keynote sessions will feature the Cabinet Secretary for Housing and leaders from the private development sector, facilitating a rare cross-sector dialogue on land supply and planning reform. A major focus of the day will be "The Finance of Net Zero," exploring how housing providers can fund the massive retrofit programs required to meet Scotland's ambitious climate targets without compromising their financial stability. Beyond the high-level policy discussions, the event offers "Procurement Clinics." These sessions provide housing associations with direct access to procurement experts who can advise on navigating the latest frameworks and legal requirements. This ensures that the event is not just a talking shop, but a place where real business deals are struck and project pipelines are secured. With hundreds of delegates and dozens of exhibitors, it is the most significant forum for housing leaders to meet the partners who will help them deliver on their promises to tenants and the Scottish Government alike.

The World Community Development Conference (WCDC) 2026 brings an international spotlight to Glasgow, hosted in collaboration with local housing and community partners including the SFHA. This event is a global forum for practitioners, academics, and activists dedicated to the principles of social justice and community empowerment. As Scotland continues to lead the way in community-led housing initiatives, this conference serves as a vital bridge between local Scottish successes and global development strategies. The 2026 theme focuses on "Resilient Communities in a Changing Climate," addressing how local neighborhoods can adapt to environmental and economic shifts. The conference is hosted at the University of Glasgow’s James McCune Smith Learning Hub, a state-of-the-art facility that encourages collaborative learning. The program is packed with over 50 sessions, including "Practice Exchanges" where delegates visit local Glasgow housing projects to see community development in action. These field visits are highly sought after, offering a raw and authentic look at how Glasgow associations tackle urban regeneration and social inclusion. Back at the hub, plenary speakers from the UN and various international NGOs will join Scottish leaders to discuss the "Housing First" model and its global applications. WCDC 2026 is not just about listening; it is about doing. Interactive "Co-Design" workshops will task attendees with solving real-world scenarios, using community development techniques to address issues like food insecurity and digital exclusion. The conference also features a dedicated "Youth in Development" stream, ensuring that the next generation of leaders has a voice in the conversation. For housing associations, this event offers a unique opportunity to see their work through a global lens, gaining inspiration from international models of cooperative housing and community land trusts. The event concludes with a cultural celebration of Glasgow’s heritage, reinforcing the bond between the delegates and their host city.

The SFHA Housing Management Conference 2026 is the premier gathering for housing professionals across Scotland who are at the front lines of service delivery and community support. In an era where the housing sector faces unprecedented challenges—from the cost-of-living crisis to evolving regulatory requirements—this conference provides a critical platform for practitioners to exchange ideas and develop robust strategies. The two-day program is meticulously designed to cover the breadth of modern housing management, including rent affordability, tenancy sustainment, and the integration of digital services into traditional housing models. Attendees will engage in a series of high-level plenary sessions led by experts from the Scottish Government, social work, and legal sectors. These sessions aim to deconstruct the complexities of current housing legislation and offer practical roadmaps for implementation. Beyond the keynote addresses, the conference features intensive breakout workshops. These smaller sessions allow for a "deep dive" into specific operational issues such as managing anti-social behavior, supporting aging populations in social housing, and navigating the nuances of the Scottish Social Housing Charter. The 2026 event places a significant emphasis on "Human-Centric Housing." This theme explores how housing associations can maintain a compassionate approach while maximizing efficiency through technology. There will be dedicated showcases for "PropTech" solutions that help managers monitor building health and tenant well-being in real-time. Networking remains a cornerstone of the event, with dedicated blocks of time for delegates to connect with peers from different regions, fostering a collaborative spirit that extends beyond the conference walls. By attending, housing management professionals will leave with not only a better understanding of the macro-economic landscape but also a toolkit of practical interventions to improve the lives of their tenants.