Annual industry event proves to be another great success.

Record numbers enjoyed the national conference, which celebrated everything driver training,

From training excellence, quality service, trade offers and trials, through to professional networking and good old friendly socialising.

Show time

The ADINJC & Intelligent Instructor National Conference & Expo, in association with Dash Claims and Dash Instructor Cover, returned to Cranmore Park, Solihull on Sunday 27th September, welcoming over 1,650 visitors from the driving instructor industry.

From the moment the doors opened, the venue was buzzing.

New for 2026, a park-and-ride service and outdoor catering helped keep the day running smoothly as delegates headed into the two exhibition halls, where a record 70+ organisations showcased the latest products, services and technology to help instructors run and grow their businesses.

From franchises and training providers to insurance, apps and in-car tech, the expo floor was alive with conversation, networking, discovery and new ideas.

Everything in one place

Once again, the seminar programme proved to be the star attraction, with 34 sessions across four zones: the Live Stage, Training Zone, Innovation Zone and the Lou Walsh PDI Zone.

DVSA’s Amanda Lane opened the Live Stage with an update on the “Ready to Pass?” campaign, and the day closed with a packed DVSA industry update from Marian Kitson.

In between, delegates heard from Tommy Sandhu on how to grow a driving school, Des O’Connor on AI strategies to attract more pupils, Dr Julia Malkin MBE on supporting learners with ADHD, and Olly Tayler sharing his vision for the future of road safety coaching.

Elsewhere, sessions covered Making Tax Digital, instructor wellbeing, test nerves, LGBTQ+ inclusion and DVSA’s updated code of practice, while the PDI Zone signed off in style with Chris Bensted and Terry Cook’s big fat quiz.

Outside, the Outdoor Activity Area gave delegates the chance to test drive electric vehicles, including a Porsche Taycan, see adapted vehicles and step inside the Virtual Reality Van.

Indoors, the Health & Wellbeing Area and Gold Sponsor Pass N Go Driving School’s driving simulator proved as popular as ever.

Exhibitors reported strong engagement and quality enquiries, while instructors left with fresh ideas, a bag full of goodies, new contacts and a clear next step for their business.

Blaine Walsh was thanked for his contribution to the industry as he turns the key on his retirement.

Must attend 

Richard Storrs, Managing Director of Intelligent Instructor, said: “It’s fantastic to see so many instructors give up their Sunday to learn, share ideas and celebrate their profession. Nothing else in our sector comes close to the scale of this event, and it was the best one yet! A huge thank you to our co-organisers, the ADINJC; our Headline Sponsors, Dash Instructor Cover and Dash Claims; our Gold Sponsor, Pass N Go Driving School; and all our speakers, exhibitors and, of course, every instructor who took time out of their busy schedule to come along. We’re already working on making 2027 bigger and better.”

Coming next…

Looking ahead, the 2027 events calendar is already taking shape, with tickets available for:

  • Driving Instructor Gala Dinner (incorporating the Intelligent Instructor Awards): Saturday 13th March, Eastwood Hall, Nottingham
  • Driving Instructor Convention: Sunday 14th March, Eastwood Hall, Nottingham
  • ADINJC & Intelligent Instructor National Conference & Expo: Sunday 19th September, Cranmore Park, Solihull

Organisers say that with the Gala Dinner selling out in record time last year, instructors are advised to book early.

More details on all the events can be found here.