At a time when maternity services across Ireland and the UK are facing unprecedented challenge and transformation, opportunities to come together, reflect, and share best practice have never been more important. On Tuesday 14 April 2026, the All-Ireland Maternity & Midwifery Festival arrives in Dublin, bringing with it a powerful programme of insight, discussion, and professional connection. Hosted at the Crowne Plaza Dublin Blanchardstown, this fully funded, free-to-attend event will unite midwives, maternity leaders, educators, and advocates from across the island of Ireland and beyond.
Responding to a changing reality
Maternity care is evolving rapidly. Increasing clinical complexity, shifting population needs, workforce pressures, and rising expectations from women and families are reshaping how care is delivered.
This year’s festival directly addresses these realities. The programme has been carefully designed to explore how services can continue to improve outcomes while supporting the workforce at the heart of care.
From continuity models and workforce planning to complex pregnancy and policy development, the day offers both strategic insight and practical learning.
A programme grounded in expertise and experience
The 2026 speaker line-up reflects the breadth and depth of the profession, bringing together leading voices from across clinical practice, regulation, research, and advocacy.
Speakers include:
- Maeve O’Connell, Lecturer in Midwifery
- Daniela Drandić, Head of Advocacy and Communications, International Confederation of Midwives
- Dr Karn Cliffe, Director of Professional Standards (Midwifery), NMBI
- Verena Wallace MBE, Senior Midwifery Adviser (Policy), NMC
- Sally Ashton-May MBE, CEO, Birthrate Plus
- Corah Gernon, creator of Irish Birth Stories
- Dr Jenny O’Neill, Reader, Queen’s University Belfast
Together, they will offer perspectives that span frontline care, national policy, international advocacy, and lived experience—ensuring a rich and relevant learning experience for all attendees.
More than a conference
What sets the Maternity & Midwifery Festival apart is its focus on connection and accessibility.
The event is completely free to attend, supported by sector partners, and designed to remove barriers to participation. Alongside a full day of presentations, delegates will benefit from:
- CPD and revalidation opportunities
- A vibrant exhibition showcasing innovations, products, and services
- Valuable networking with peers across Ireland and the UK
- Full access to a post-event video box set of all sessions
The venue also offers practical convenience, with easy access and free parking—making attendance as straightforward as possible for busy professionals.
A proven model for meaningful engagement
Recent editions of the festival have demonstrated just how valuable these gatherings can be. The latest London event welcomed over 350 in-person attendees, alongside a significant online audience, and received overwhelmingly positive feedback:
“By far the best conference… so varied”
“Wonderful networking event with inspirational speakers”
“Attending in person really helped bring my own belief back”
These responses highlight something essential: beyond education, these events help to restore connection, confidence, and shared purpose within the profession.
Be part of the conversation
As maternity services continue to evolve, the need for collaboration, innovation, and professional dialogue is only growing.
The All-Ireland Maternity & Midwifery Festival 2026 offers a unique opportunity to step away from day-to-day pressures, engage with new ideas, and contribute to the future of care across the island of Ireland.
Whether you are a practising midwife, student, leader, or policymaker, this is a moment to reconnect, re-energise, and be part of a collective effort to improve outcomes for women, babies, and families.
Places are fully funded but limited—early registration is encouraged.