Political, local government, regeneration and business leaders will gather in Liverpool to discuss how Britain’s cities can drive national economic growth.
Ryan Wain, Senior Director of Policy and Politics at the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, is the latest keynote speaker confirmed for Downtown in Business’ Talking ’Bout Regeneration conference.
The event will take place at the Crowne Plaza Liverpool City Centre on Wednesday 23 September 2026, bringing together senior decision-makers from the public and private sectors.
Wain will discuss the political and policy changes needed to accelerate growth, modernise government and strengthen regional delivery.
He joins Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram, Metro Dynamics founding director Mike Emmerich, Salford City Council chief executive Stephen Young, City of Wolverhampton Council chief executive Tim Johnson and Liverpool City Council leader Cllr Liam Robinson.
Other confirmed speakers include Lady Lucy French OBE, chief executive of Fleet Street Quarter BID; Kevin Craig, founder and chief executive of PLMR; Naomi Smith, chief executive of Best for Britain; Colin Sinclair, chief executive of Knowledge Quarter Liverpool; Katie Bentley, director of strategic partnerships and communications at Liverpool Business Improvement District; and Nick Gerrard, growth and prosperity programme director at Blackpool Council.
The agenda will include sessions on Liverpool City Region’s international investment offer; spreading growth beyond city centres; the role of mayors and devolved institutions in delivering growth; the reuse of heritage buildings; and whether the North-South divide remains a national priority.
Downtown in Business chief executive and group chairman Frank McKenna said:
“There is no shortage of strategies, slogans or announcements about regeneration. The real test is whether we can turn ambition into investment, development, jobs and better places.
“Ryan Wain is one of the country’s sharpest thinkers on politics, public policy and effective government. His contribution will add an important dimension to an exceptional line-up.
“Talking ’Bout Regeneration will bring national policy thinking together with the practical experience of the leaders responsible for delivery. We want honest debate, practical ideas and new partnerships -not another conference where everybody agrees and nothing happens afterwards.”
Talking ’Bout Regeneration 2026 will take place from 9am to 4pm on Wednesday 23 September at the Crowne Plaza Liverpool City Centre.
Tickets are available HERE
