Well time just flew in! The Speaking Business Summit 2026 is just days away, and we’re beyond excited to welcome you!
We regularly get a few questions from members as we draw closer to the Summit so we’ve put together some details to help you.
Address
Oxford Belfry Hotel, London Road, Thame, OX9 2JW.
How to get there
People will arrive at different times – some arrive on Thursday while others arrive Friday morning.
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- By Train
Haddenham & Thame Parkway is nearest train station, located approximately 10 minutes from the hotel. Regular services run from London Marylebone (around 40 minutes). Coming from the north, there is a regular service from Birmingham New Street which is about 1hr 20 away. From Haddenham & Thame Parkway station, a taxi can take you to the hotel in about 10 minutes.
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- By Air
If coming from Heathrow, the easiest way to get to the hotel is to take the Elizabeth Line to London Paddington. Take the Bakerloo Line to Marylebone and take the train to Haddenham & Thame Parkway station from there. There are also coach services from Heathrow to central Oxford which is just 20 minutes by taxi from the hotel.
Driving
The Oxford Belfry Hotel & Spa is conveniently located just off the M40 motorway (junction 7). Use the postcode OX9 2JW on your satnav. There is plenty of free parking available on-site for guests and attendees.
Agenda
Everything has been updated and is ready for you on the website. Check it out at www.speakingbusinesssummit.com.
What to Wear
Our advice is always to wear business casual attire that’s comfortable for two full days of inspiration. You’ll be sitting for a large part, then standing while talking and getting coffees. So just be comfortable.
For the Gala dinner, the recommended attire is gala dinner attire…Cocktail dresses, long dresses, suits, jumpsuits – whatever glamorous outfit you want to wear.
Where to Eat
Lunch – this will be served in the Spires Restaurant on Friday and Saturday.
Dinner – Join us for dinner in the Merton Room on both days.
If you arrive on Thursday, the evening is yours to enjoy. There is nothing arranged, except for Fellows, but you’ll typically find members chatting away in the bar or lobby areas.
Fellows dinner on Thursday is at 7.30pm and is in The Library.
Map of the Venue
There is a map of the venue that you can use to get around. Download or view it here.
Visit the Venue Before you Arrive
Alastair recorded a video of the venue so you can be acquainted with it before you arrive. View it here.
Quiet Room
We have a quiet room if people want to just take it easy and grab some quiet time to themselves. The quiet room is in the Magdalen room, (pronounced Maudlin).
Ancillary Events
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- Professional Members Afternoon
This will be held in the University Room, and will run from 12.30pm (networking), starting at 1pm-4pm.
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- Fellows Afternoon
This will be held in Merton Room, from 12.30pm (networking), starting at 1pm to 5pm.
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- Professional Speaker of the Year 2026 Competition Semi-Finals
This competition will be held in the Merton Room from 5.30. Only participants and Speaking Co-ordinator to arrive before 5.25.
People can network in the College Lounge from 5-5.30 before the Competition.
It is free to attend but you must register.
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- First Timers Event
This is an event hosted by Membership Director Leon Bamforth, welcoming all first timers to the Speaking Business Summit. It will allow you to meet other newbie summit goers and make connections on a smaller, informal setting.
This will be held in University Room at 4.15pm.
This session is free to attend but you must register.
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- Friday Night Activities
All events will run concurrently from 9pm. Simply choose which one attend and head there for 9pm.
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- Comedy Night, hosted by Alan Stevens will be in Lincoln Room
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- Music Club, led by Susan Heaton Wright will be Somerville Suite
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- Quiz Night, hosted by Sam Warner will be in The Library
A few other things for you to be aware of..
Workshop Rooms
Concurrent workshops will run on both Friday and Saturday. No need to book these, you simply turn up.
The workshop rooms are themed and will be in the following rooms on both Friday and Saturday.
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- Connecting with Your Clients – Lincoln Room
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- Connecting with Their Audience – Pembroke Room
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- Connecting with Each Other – University Room
Ask the Experts
Ask the Experts is on Saturday afternoon. It’s always great but it can get a bit chaotic, good chaotic but we manage it with sign up sheets. Sign in sheets will be available in the PSA Reception area so you can choose your three experts.
So whatever three you’d like to attend, just add your name to the list.
You’d be advised to take a photo just incase you can’t remember what table and when!
Gala Dinner
There will be sheets around reception area to fill in your name on a table on Saturday afternoon. Sometimes members from regions sit together, some don’t.
If you don’t know too many people or don’t know where to sit, then please just put your name down at any table. You might just meet your new best friend.
We will have Volunteers helping with dinner seating so that nobody feels lost.
We’re a community after all so we don’t want anyone feeling as if its too clicquey and it’s not a room for them. The volunteers team, the ops team and others are around to support and help. If you need help or have any questions, just reach out.
WhatsApp Group
If you’re not already in our high-energy WhatsApp group, don’t miss out! Here’s the link to join.
Need anything? No worries!
Our concierge team is here to help with any last-minute questions. Just reach out to SB and the team at support@thepsa.co.uk, or pop by the concierge desk when you arrive.
Oh, and before you go—if you’d like to let everyone know you’re attending, here’s a fun way to do it! Create your ‘I’m attending’ graphic using this Canva link.Upload your photo, drag it into place, and boom—you’ve got a square image perfect for all your socials!
I think that’s it. Safe travels and we’ll see you soon.