Guild Conference 2026 Join us at the ‘Navigating the Future’ conference – in Portsmouth Friday 24th – Sunday 26th April 2026, Marriott Hotel, Portsmouth Change is in the air: and not least in the world of genealogy. If it is not doing so already, then AI could revolutionise the way we work on our One-Name Studies. Portsmouth26 will showcase tools, techniques and data sources underpinned by AI which will boost our studies. And, since AI is making research easier, we will look at what is left for us humans to do – and how that enriches and preserves our studies. If you are just starting out, Portsmouth26 will ask the question, how do you start now? There will also, of course, be some mention of ships. Conference organisation has changed too. This year a Volunteer Group from the Hampshire Region has taken on the task. The Guild is looking for a Region to volunteer for 2027. The Volunteer Group is retaining all the best practices, but aims, with your help, to increase interactivity. As the hotel facilities are so good we are able to facilitate the following fringe events: Members presenting to members – do you have some research or new ideas to share? There will be a meeting room where you can present to a small audience. Members’ poster sessions – do you have something to share but prefer to do this visually? We will have flip-cart boards set up in the Exhibition Space adjacent to the main Conference Room where you can display your work for others to peruse and discuss with you during the breaks. Members helping members – do you need advice? Do you have an expertise that you are willing to share? During the Conference there will be tables in the Exhibition Space at which you can meet with other members. Going a tiny bit greener – instead of taking a new tote bag from the reception desk, consider unearthing one from a previous Conference to use instead. Vintage bags will be judged. There will be prizes. Will you be arriving on Friday? For a small extra cost, enjoy a guided tour of the Overlord Tapestry or the LCT 7074 Landing Craft Tank at the D-Day Museum. Are you thinking of staying a few more days or bringing a partner? There is so much to do. Click here for other things to do in Portsmouth. Bookings are open – Early Bird until 1st December Conference Venue The conference will take place in the Marriott Hotel on the northern outskirts of Portsmouth. The Conference facilities have recently had a major up-grade and our Conference will have exclusive use of the entire facility, which includes the Mary Rose Suite, a separate banqueting suite and three additional smaller conference rooms. There is also an Exhibition Space for our use (see details in Programme). There is ample free parking on the site for all registered attendees at the Conference. Conference attendees will have access to a dedicated Conference Wi-Fi network. For overnight accommodation options see the section below. Getting Here Road – Portsmouth Marriott Hotel, Southampton Road, Portsmouth, United Kingdom, PO6 4SH – Tel: +44 23-9238 3151 Train – Nearest Railway station is Cosham with direct trains to London Victoria and London Waterloo with an approximately 2-hour travel time. Cosham station is 1.6 miles from the venue. Taxi From Heathrow Airport – The hotel reception can organise a taxi service, at the time of writing the fee is £73 each way. Overnight Accommodation Arrangements have been made with the Portsmouth Marriott Hotel to offer Conference Attendees and partners a reasonably priced, overnight Bed & Breakfast package (Single or Double). These arrangements cover the Friday and/or Saturday nights and can be extended at the same rates for the Thursday and/or Sunday nights. Additional nights’ accommodation can be arranged with the hotel. A plentiful supply of bedrooms has been secured, with lots of rooms available on request for the less-able. Portsmouth Marriott Hotel stands out as one of the top hotels in Portsmouth, offering the most spacious bedrooms in the area. Designed with comfort and style in mind, the rooms feature contemporary décor, high-speed Wi-Fi, blackout curtains, coffee makers, and flat-screen TVs. The hotel has a stylish, open-plan bar and restaurant area. There is also a well-equipped gym and an external recreation area. Alternative Accommodation There are many other hotels and other forms of accommodation in Portsmouth and the surrounding area, though Conference Attendees who might consider alternative accommodation are recommended to be mindful of travel times to and from the Marriott. The closest alternative hotel is the North Harbour Premier Inn, a “stones’ throw” from the Marriott. Conference Programme Conference Aims and Themes The main aims of the Conference are (1) for Members to hear about the latest developments in tools and techniques for use in One Name Studies, (2) to examine how these tools and techniques are likely to develop in the coming years and (3) to consider what changes in approach Members might make to their studies in light of these developments. Conference is an ideal opportunity to critically examine our research approaches and to hear, in both the formal Conference sessions and in the informal settings which are included in the event, how others are adapting their research. The main themes of the main Conference Programme are: Practical Use New Technology in Data Gathering and Assimilation Storytelling in a Digital World Latest Techniques and Developments in Use of DNA. New technology is bringing about another paradigm change in genealogical studies. Together we will explore new frontiers of genealogical research, including tools that are currently available, those in development tools and, of course, AI. We’ll see practical examples of how some of these tools can be used. Other applications will be presented, suggesting how the boundaries of our studies can be expanded by the new developments. As technology makes research, as we knew it, easier, it allows us the space to tell more stories. We’ll look at fleshing out family history which has been drawn from archival sources. Also, we’ll look at other sources that have triggered curiosity and engendered fascinating chronicles. DNA helps us link those disparate branches in our One-Name Studies. We will be looking at new developments in the field of DNA and developing tools, including how to simplify complex DNA results making your studies more efficient and effective. With some eleven sessions over two days and the Pre-Conference activities on Friday Afternoon Conference 2026 ‘Navigating the Future’ will provide a broad perspective on the exciting changes which are afoot in the world of One-Name Studies. Outline Programme Friday 24th April 13.00 Registration opens 13.00 – 15.15 Family History Fair Help Desk opens Member’s Poster Sessions commence 14.05 – 16.45 Guild talks 18.30 – 19.30 Buffet dinner 19.45 – 21.15 Quiz Saturday 25th April 07.00 – 08.45 Breakfast 09.00 Conference Opens 09.10 – 12.30 Conference talks 12.20 – 13:45 Lunch 13.45 – 17.15 Conference talks 18.30 – 19.00 Drinks reception 19.00 – 21.30 Banquet After-dinner speaker Sunday 26th April 07.00 – 08.45 Breakfast 08.45 – 09.15 Ecumenical Service 09.30 – 13.00 Conference talks 13.00 – 13.45 Lunch 13.45 – 16.15 Conference talks 16.15 Conference closes 16.15 – 16.30 Refreshments Speakers Our Conference Key Speakers will include: Darris Williams has worked at FamilySearch for the past 34 years. He is a Trustee of the Society of Genealogists. Welsh family history has been a special area of interest – his Welsh great grandfather emigrated to America in 1876. Janet Few is an author with a quest to uncover and preserve the stories of her ancestors, particularly those overlooked by history and is a co-founder of the A Few Forgotten Women project. John Cleary is lecturer at Heriot-Watt University with specialist interest in Y-DNA and ancient DNA. John Thew is a digital marketing and multi-channel communications expert; his professional skills elide with his interest in family history and he has been exploring how AI can facilitate those studies. Marie Byatt has been doing genealogical research for over thirty years, including four One Name Studies. She helped at an LDS Family History Centre in Indiana and has served previously on the Board of Trustees of the Guild. Nick Barratt was the original genealogical consultant and on-screen expert for series 1 to 4 of the BBC show “Who Do you Think You Are?“ He has written extensively on a range of genealogy related subjects, including academic articles and volumes on medieval history. Paul Carter is a software developer, genealogist, local historian and creator of Name & Place. His expertise means he is often called on to speak to local history and genealogy audiences about how to promote work or services via the web and social media. Sally Gardiner is leader of the Woking Area u3a Genealogy Group. Their research into a 19th century needlework sampler sparked the Group’s curiosity and led to a de facto one-name study. Sophie Kay is a professional genealogist and research scientist, with over 18 years’ experience in family history research across the British Isles. The Mary Rose Trust are providing a speaker to share the history of the Mary Rose, the remains of which are preserved in Portsmouth’s Historic Dockyard. Making the most of Conference Members helping members A General Help Desk will operate throughout the Conference, located in the Exhibition Area. This will answer queries on all aspects of the Conference. We will also endeavour to assist on any particularly interesting genealogical puzzle or data-processing challenge that you may care to bring along, either at the Help Desk or by linking you with other Members with the relevant knowledge. Members’ poster sessions The Exhibition Area will also feature flip-chart boards and/or tables where any Member will be able to display materials relating to your One Name Study at any time throughout the Conference. Booking is not required – first-come, first served basis. Though if heavily over-subscribed a rota may be introduced!! Members presenting to members Do you have some research or new ideas to share? There will be a meeting room where you can present to a small audience. If you have an idea for a presentation to members send a brief outline by email to Conference@one-name.org Please note: Speaker slots will not be offered or allocated until the main conference programme has been published. Local Family History Groups from across the South of England have been invited to set up their stall in the Exhibition Area for Friday Afternoon. For companions and members with a preference for a local visit on Friday afternoon, there is the possibility (providing at least 15 people wish to take this up) of a Guided Tour of the D-Day Museum in Southsea. The museum asks “How do you get an army across the English Channel and into France when your enemy is well armed, well trained and expecting you?” Told through the personal accounts of people who were there and brought to life through stunning audio-visual presentations alongside iconic objects from the museum’s collection; this is the story of D-Day. Adults price £15.95 online, £17.55 at the door, Senior (60+) price £12.70 online, £14.00 at the door. More details are available at https://theddaystory.com/. If you wish to join this group visit, please advise the Conference team by email to Conference@one-name.org no later than 31 January 2026, so the visit can be set up and booking arrangements confirmed. After dinner on Friday evening there will be a General Knowledge Quiz created and presented by Guild member Angela Winteridge. An early highlight of every Conference there will hopefully be some questions we can all answer. On Saturday evening, our three-course banquet offers a chance to meet new people and catch up with old friends. Since we are in Portsmouth, we are taking the opportunity to hear from a member of the Mary Rose Trust as our after-dinner speaker. Signing Up for Conference The following sections explain how to book for Conference, how to book for Overnight Accommodation (if you plan to stay at the Marriott) and how much these will cost. Please note that the bookings for Conference and the bookings for Overnight Accommodation are completely separate and with different organisations. This is a different administration arrangement to previous years. The Guild handles the booking for Conference; the Marriott Hotel is handling the bookings for Overnight Accommodation. The Guild cannot arrange the Overnight Accommodation for you. What to Book and Fees for Conference Attendance Non-members are welcome to attend any or all of the day-time sessions of Conference and the Pre-Conference sessions on Friday. The Friday and Saturday evening events are reserved for Members and their immediate (non-Member) partner. Fees for Non-Member attendance at day-time sessions and evening events are the same as for Members. Fees for attending the Conference are: Event Attendance Fees Per Person (incl VAT) “Early Bird” Attendance Fees Per Person (incl VAT) “Standard” FRIDAY Afternoon Day Attendance (Pre Conference sessions) £25.00 £27.50 FRIDAY Evening Buffet & Quiz Night £35.00 £38.50 Conference Day Attendance – SATURDAY £50.00 £55.00 SATURDAY Evening Reception and Gala Dinner £50.00 £55.00 Conference Day Attendance – SUNDAY £50.00 £55.00 Notes to Conference Attendance “Early Bird” Fees apply for bookings received no later than 1 December 2025. Bookings will close 31 January 2026. A First-Timer discount of 10% will be applied for any Member who has not previously attended the Annual Conference. A Deposit Scheme is available for Conference Attendance for those paying in GB Pounds. This will require a minimum payment of 50% of the total booking fee, with the balance payable by 31 January 2026. In selecting whether or not to use this arrangement, please be aware of the booking and payment arrangements for Overnight Accommodation. Day Attendance Fees include a light Buffet Lunch and Refreshments mid-morning and mid-afternoon. Breakfast, Evening Meals and Overnight Accommodation are not included in Day Attendance Fees. FRIDAY Afternoon Day Attendance Fee does not include the offsite visit to D-Day Museum. Car Parking at the Marriott is Free for those attending Conference and/or staying overnight; you must register your vehicle at Hotel Reception on each arrival to qualify for this. What to Book and Costs for Overnight Accommodation The Marriott has undertaken to provide Conference Attendees with Overnight Accommodation (Bed and Breakfast) at rates in the following table. Please note that the rates are valid for Thursday and Sunday nights as well as the Friday and Saturday nights. Should you wish to stay longer, either before Thursday and/or after Sunday nights, you should contact the hotel regarding rates for the additional nights. Overnight SINGLE OCCUPANCY Room Rate (including Full English Breakfast) DOUBLE OCCUPANCY Room Rate (including Full English Breakfast) Thursday night (April 23rd) £99.00 (incl VAT) £109.00 (incl VAT) Friday night (April 24th) £99.00 (incl VAT) £109.00 (incl VAT) Saturday night (April 25th) £99.00 (incl VAT) £109.00 (incl VAT) Sunday night (April 26th) £99.00 (incl VAT) £109.00 (incl VAT) Notes to Overnight Accommodation Bookings should be made no later than 30 January 2026. First Timer Discount does not apply to Overnight Accommodation. On Booking, Marriott will require a booking guarantee, usually in the form of a Credit Card or Debit Card. The actual charge will be levied on Arrival and Registration. Booking will be accepted in line with Marriott Conditions for Booking, including Cancellation policies. Rooms with additional facilities and access arrangements for the less-able are available, at no additional cost, and can be allocated by making the booking via telephone on 02392383151 option 1 (+442392383151 for International calls). Car Parking at the Marriott is Free for those attending Conference and/or staying overnight; you must register your vehicle at Hotel Reception on each arrival to qualify for this. How to Book If you plan to use the Overnight Accommodation at the Conference Venue (the Marriott Hotel), you must make two separate bookings, one with the Guild for Conference Attendance and one with the Marriott Hotel for the Overnight Accommodation. The two bookings are not linked and can be made in either order. Return to this page to find the links for both Overnight Accommodation and Conference Attendance bookings. Conference Attendance Booking (through the Guild) is available online using one or more of the links below. Alternatively email to conference-bookings@one-name.org and they will contact you to confirm bookings and payments. To book online for ONE attendee please click here. To book online for TWO attendees with identical attendance plans please click here. If you are booking for TWO attendees with different attendance plans, please make two separate ONE attendee bookings. This includes the booking of either or both Evening Events for an immediate, non-member partner. Please note, when booking for Conference, either by post or online, the Guild’s Distance Selling terms and conditions, including Cancellation conditions, apply – see section 20 of Guild Sales Policy. Overnight Accommodation Booking (through Marriott) is available online – click here Marriott Bookings. Alternatively booking may be made by phone on 02392383151 option 1 (+442392383151 for international calls); if you call, please quote “Guild of One-Name Studies” to ensure that you are offered the correct rate for Conference Attendees. Sponsorship