Barn to Boardroom 2026 – the record-breaking best one ever! 

Lovely sunshine, lovely people, a chance to network, learn, share, and pick up practical tips and advice to take back to the office, all while scoffing ice cream and sustainably sourced BBQ food? 

Sounds pretty good to us!  

The 2026 and eleventh-ever Barn to Boardroom was a banger and brought together like-minded internal communications, HR, and employer brand professionals for a fab day in our converted barn in the heart of the Sussex countryside. 

[SUBHEAD] Influencing with Impact 

This year’s theme, Influencing with Impact, explored how communicators can build credibility, drive action, and create meaningful impact in increasingly complex organisations (and, crucially, with bosses who don’t get it and who just cannot see the benefits of good internal communications). 

Through expert keynote sessions, workshops and peer discussions, attendees left with a phone full of new and useful contacts and a newfound enthusiasm for getting back to the office and putting all they had learned to good use. 

The star speaker line-up delivered valuable perspectives on influence from different angles.  

Molly Malone, Internal Comms Manager at Elsevier, explored how strong stakeholder relationships are built through connection, credibility and clarity. 

Rebecca Lindsay, Senior Internal Communications Manager at hyperexponential, challenged attendees to think beyond organisation charts and identify the informal influencers who are trusted by their peers… and how to use them to get buy-in for your campaigns and messages. 

Shan Chatoo, Global Internal Communications Director at SThree, demonstrated the power of storytelling and sheer determination to break down barriers and turn stuck-in-the-mud comms naysayers into your biggest advocate. 

Simon Andrew, our waistcoat-wearing EVP and AI guru, offered his usual brand of brilliant guidance on turning influencing tactics into action through behavioural change (and, of course, these days, how AI can have a role to play.) 

This was all before a farm-based treasure hunt, some wonderful local wine tasting and the chance to say hello to the farm dogs and pups (our favourite part!). 

We had some great feedback, as always… 

“It was my first Barn to Boardroom event, and it didn’t disappoint. The theme ‘Influencing with Impact’ was expertly brought to life by the speakers. 
 
“I loved every minute, connecting with the comms community, the learning, the laughter and the sunshine. I’ll be back next year!” – Nadine Dixon 

Thanks, Nadine! 

“I had an incredible time at The Surgery for Barn to the Boardroom 2026. The cutest dog saw me, wagged his tail, and came straight over; that was my moment! 

“We also solved the ‘what behaviour do you want people to take action on? Not what you want them to say but what do you want them to do?’ challenge and our presented scenario won! – Smriti Krishnar Kuma 

So glad you enjoyed meeting Panda the Collie dog, Smriti! 

“Not only was its location stunning, but the content was brilliant. The presentations were insightful, relevant and delivered with just the right amount of humour to keep the room engaged. Storytelling at its best. 
 
“And I can’t forget to mention the brilliant chats on all things IC and so much more with fellow attendees.”  – Julia Samways 

Thank you, Julia, and we’ll see you next year! 
 

Don’t miss Barn to Boardroom 2027! 

We LOVE seeing everybody come together for Barn to Boardroom each year. As you’ve heard, it’s a real combo of practical, usable insight and being part of a genuine B2B community. 

The willingness of B2Bers to share experiences, debate ideas, and support one another creates an environment where learning extends far beyond the presentations. 

With 2026 selling out faster than ever before, we’re already looking ahead to next year, and you won’t want to miss out. 

By pre-registering for 2027, you’ll receive exclusive updates and be among the first to hear when details, tickets and speaker announcements become available. 

If you’d like to join us in the Sussex countryside for another day of insight, inspiration, networking and practical takeaways, pre-register now and secure your place in line for Barn to Boardroom 2027. 

We create Work That Works®, so let’s talk about your next internal comms campaign and let’s smash those strategic goals together. 

See you soon!