Architects, urban planners and designers from across the UK’s public and private sectors will discuss how planning policy can be used as a genuine driver of thriving, inclusive communities at an upcoming national planning conference.
Now in its third year, the Make it Happen conference is aimed at establishing great building design delivery and placemaking in challenging times. This year’s key theme is ‘successful human ecosystems’ - exploring how policy, design and delivery can work together to create places that genuinely support how people live, work and connect.
The conference is operated by a consortium between the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), Nottingham City Council, Urban Design Group, RIBA, Landscape Institute and Leicester City Council, and celebrates the people and organisations in the East Midlands who are succeeding in making a difference to the built environment and people’s lives.
Dr Laura Alvarez, design and placemaking lead at Nottingham City Council and author of A Beginner's Guide to Urban Design and Development: The ABC of Quality, Sustainable Design established the first conference in 2024.
Laura said: “Make it Happen has always been about bringing people together to explore how planning and design can improve everyday life, and this year we are focusing on how planning policy can become a genuine driver of thriving human ecosystems.
“Through a series of presentations and panels, we will look at how policy, design and delivery can work together to create places that support connection, wellbeing and long-term resilience.
The event takes place on 6 May 2026 in Cleaver & Wake at The Island Quarter, Nottingham, combining expert speaker panels, real-world case studies, an interactive charrette and a walking tour inspired by the principles of Jane Jacobs, offering both strategic insight and practical, place-based learning.
Chrissy Farrer, chair of RTPI East Midlands, said: “This year Make it Happen will really shine a light on the key role that planning policy, including design policies and guidance, can play in shaping the delivery of successful places that support human interaction, wellbeing and community resilience.
“By bringing together people from the private and public sector and planners, architects, consultants, developers and more, the conference provides a real opportunity to share ideas and knowledge and learn from each other, including considering existing constraints and how to embed best practice into development schemes.”
The keynote will be delivered by Megan Wilson, vice-chair of RTPI East Midlands, on planning and design policy in practice. Further sessions across the day include speakers from Derby City Council and Plunkett UK, and workshops on live projects including the Fruit Market in Nottingham and the sustainable urban extension at New Lubbesthorpe in Leicestershire.
Laura said: “There will be plenty of opportunities for delegates to share ideas, ask questions and learn from one another, leaving with practical insight they can take back into their own projects, communities and places.”
Over the years, the event attracted hundreds of stakeholders from the public and private sectors, communities and academia.
The full event schedule can be found here: https://www.rtpi.org.uk/events/make-it-happen-east-midlands-conference/ .
Sponsors so far include Nottingham City Council, Leicester City Council, RTPI, UDG, RIBA, Design Midlands, Cartwright and Cavendish. There are further sponsorships available; for more information, email Shona.Munro@rtpi.org.uk.
Make it Happen will take place on 6 May from 9am to 4.30pm at Cleaver & Wake, 1 The Great Northern Terrace, Nottingham NG2 3JL. Tickets are £55 with reductions for public sector delegates. There are also limited free tickets for students. To book, visit https://www.rtpi.org.uk/events/make-it-happen-east-midlands-conference/