It is with deep regret that we have to announce that the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Stratford-upon-Avon, have contacted us to advise that they are unable to host the NFTMO Conference over the weekend of 28-30 June 2024.

Overnight on 29^th April all guests had to be evacuated from the hotel due to a fire. Thankfully no-one was hurt, and the initial reports were that the hotel was largely undamaged by the fire. However, over the past few days it has become clear that the damage was far more extensive than first thought and that, in addition to the repairs required, all the rooms at the hotel will need to undergo a deep clean before they can be used again. The hotel has said that they cannot complete all of this before our Conference.

They have said that, if the conference was postponed, the earliest date on which we could be accommodated would be mid-November 2024. Even then they can only offer 200 rooms (we have 226 booked). Given the short amount of time we have until the Conference date it is unlikely that we would be able to find an alternative venue able to meet our requirements.

The NFTMO Executive met on 9th May to consider the available options and have decided to cancel the 2024 Conference.

The Executive have agreed to offer all Members the following options.

• A full refund of any booking made for 2024. or
• We can retain your payment/booking and carry this forward to 2025 at 2024 prices.

All bookings made next year will be subject to any price increase incurred as a result of inflation etc..

I would be grateful if those who have booked to attend could let the NFTMO know which of the above options you would like to choose.

The conference next year will be over the weekend 27-29^th June 2025 at the same venue.

I’m deeply sorry and very disappointed to have to email you with this news as we had a really exciting conference planned with speakers from the National Tenants Organisations, the Regulator for Social Housing, The Housing Ombudsman and the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities all confirmed to attend, alongside a range of workshops and the Gala Dinner. The NFTMO AGM was also planned and will be postponed to an alternative date,

We will be making plans shortly to host one-day regional conferences for our members later this year and we will of course keep you updated with dates, venues etc

Please accept our sincere apologies for any inconvenience but I am sure you will understand this is due to circumstances beyond our control.

Any further queries please do not hesitate to contact us by email [email protected] and/or [email protected]

All the best

Nick