The importance of attending the Northern Housing Festival for North of England professionals

Although the whole of the UK faces similar challenges within the housing sector, the North of England faces some unique ones such as the need to regenerate previously industrialised areas into more houses and apartments.

The north has some of the oldest housing across England and so delivering on policies like the Decent Home Standards, as well as building new homes for a growing waitlist of people are huge challenges that face housing associations and authorities in the region.

The Northern Housing Festival is a social housing conference aimed at professionals working in the North of England. Giving members a chance to discuss collaborative solutions to some of the challenges being experienced in the region and to network with other professionals. That's why events like the Northern Housing Festival are so vital to our sector.

Why attending regional housing events are a benefit

National conferences will always have their place, but there's something unique about gathering with other professionals who truly understand your local challenges. When you're discussing damp and mould, other professionals from Manchester, Leeds or Newcastle know exactly what you're dealing with, with your brick terraces and city tower blocks.

Creating the space to have in depth conversations about your shared issues and challenges is a real benefit to both your own personal development, but also to expand on your ideas and share collaborative solutions with others in the North of England.

Plus, with a regionally based conference, particularly CIH’s events which are free for members to attend, the costs of attending are much lower and so much more accessible for more professionals across the sector in time and money.

Networking to build local connections

The Northern Housing Festival brings together housing associations, local authorities, policy makers, contractors, and a range of other stakeholders from across the region. It's where partnerships are formed, ideas are shared, and collaborative solutions emerge. We always hear from members that some of the most valuable outcomes from CIH’s regional conferences happen in the coffee breaks or at lunch, where you discover another provider has already solved the problem you're wrestling with.

Working in partnership

While national policy discussions are important and therefore other northern-based events such as the Housing Community Summit are essential, regional events allow us to dig deeper into the issues that matter most to your communities. Content at these events go further into the detail, discussing how partnerships can and do work, showcasing examples of regional networks, and bringing you content that can have a real impact on your day-to-day role.

What’s more, with local speakers and case studies from your region you’re also more likely to hear something relatable to take back to the workplace.

Showcase the best of the region

Regional events also give us the chance to celebrate our successes. CIH events are a great place to share stories, challenge us to up our own game when presented with other big wins, and remind us why we all do what we do for our customers and tenants.

Who should attend housing events?

The Northern Housing Festival is more than just a conference – with content from an array of speakers, good practice examples to take inspiration from, and a packed exhibition of contacts and products to explore, you’ll take home more than just a few notes from your sessions.

Whether you're a chief executive or a housing officer there's a place for you at the Northern Housing Festival with our three streams of content: ‘The Debate’, ‘The Roundtable’, and ‘The Strategy Lab’, each being designed to give a different perspective of the housing landscape.

Don't miss the Northern Housing Festival on 17-18 March 2026. Book your place today and be part of the conversation.

Book your tickets