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2 November 2026
BDA AGM Weekend
AGM 2026in Plymouth
Join BDA members and the wider Deaf community for a weekend of connection, celebration and Deaf-led decision-making.
20–22 November 2026A full weekend of events
Crowne Plaza PlymouthArmada Way, Plymouth PL1 2HJ
Members’ AGMSaturday 21 November · 10.00am–1.00pm
Three ways to take partIn person, online or by proxy
Weekend at a glance
What’s happening
Social evening
Friday 20 November · 6.00pm–12.00am
Select when bookingFor Gala ticket holders at no extra charge. Select Yes for each guest attending the Friday social when booking. Places are limited.
Limited to 150 people
View social details
Members’ AGM
Saturday 21 November · 10.00am–1.00pm
Booking openLearn, vote and have your say at our Annual General Meeting.
View AGM details
Gala and Awards Ceremony
Saturday 21 November · 7.00pm–12.00am
Booking openCelebrate our community and recognise outstanding achievements.
Book the Gala
Deaf History ghost tour
Sunday 22 November · 11.00am
Select when bookingFor Gala ticket holders at no extra charge. Select Yes for each guest attending the Sunday tour when booking. Maximum 25 people.
Maximum 25 people
View tour and booking details
Plan your visit
Details availableTravel, food, parking and accessibility information for your visit.
Plan your visitBritish Sign Language
AGM information in BSL
About the AGM
Your meeting. Your voice. Your BDA.
Our AGM is the most important meeting of the year. It is your opportunity to hear what we have achieved, ask questions about our plans and vote on the future of the British Deaf Association.
Everyone is welcome to attend in person or join online. Voting and proxy appointments are available to eligible BDA members.
Doors and registration9.00am
AGM time10.00am–1.00pm
Voting rightsOpen to eligible BDA members
AccessBSL interpretation, captions and hearing loops
RefreshmentsTea and coffee provided; lunch is not provided
Questions?bda@bda.org.uk
AGM documents for members
Read the papers and supporting information for the 2026 Annual General Meeting.
This page is password protected. Please use the password sent in your members’ mailing.
Take part in the AGM
Choose how you will take part
Choose how you would like to take part in the AGM: attend in person in Plymouth or attend online, where eligible BDA members can participate and vote. If you cannot attend, you can appoint a proxy to vote on your behalf.
Attend in person
Join us at Crowne Plaza Plymouth. Doors and on-site registration open at 9.00am. The AGM runs from 10.00am to 1.00pm.
Attend online
Take part in the AGM remotely. Eligible BDA members can participate in discussions, ask questions and vote online. Register to receive your joining instructions.
Appoint a proxy
If you are an eligible BDA member and cannot attend, you can appoint someone to vote on your behalf. Use this route for the proxy form and return instructions.
Register to attend in personReveal the secure in-person registration form
Attend in person
Complete this form to reserve your place at the AGM in Plymouth.
Register to join onlineReveal the secure online registration form
Attend online
Complete this form to register for the livestream and receive joining instructions.
Gala and Awards Ceremony
An evening to celebrate
Join us for an evening celebrating the achievements, leadership and contributions of the Deaf community. The celebration will include food, the BDA Awards Ceremony, performances, entertainment, networking and an after-party. To help more young adults join the celebration, we are offering a reduced-price Gala ticket for anyone aged 18 to 30 inclusive on Saturday 21 November 2026. You do not need to be a BDA member. Proof of age may be requested when the ticket holder checks in at the Gala.
- Two-course hot buffet
- Awards ceremony
- Entertainment and Deaf-led performances
- Dress code: Smart
Optional events for Gala ticket holders
The Friday social and Sunday tour are optional events for Gala ticket holders, at no extra charge and subject to availability. Buying a Gala ticket does not automatically book either event. Select Yes to the relevant question in each guest’s details on the Gala booking form. You may select either event, both or neither.
Already booked your Gala ticket? If you are unsure which optional events you selected, contact us before making another booking: bda@bda.org.uk
Friday social eveningFriday 20 November 2026 · Doors open 6.00pm · venue closes midnightLimited to 150 people
Start AGM Weekend together
Plymouth Deaf Association is hosting the Friday social evening at The Treasury as part of the BDA’s AGM Weekend in Plymouth.
Join us for entertainment, a raffle and a performance by local BSL choir Hands in Harmony.
Venue: The Treasury, Catherine Street, Royal Parade, Plymouth PL1 2AD
Admission: Gala ticket holders only; advance selection required · Limited to 150 people
- Entertainment starts at 7.00pm
- Raffle draw at 9.00pm
- Performance by local BSL choir Hands in Harmony
Select Friday when booking
There is no extra charge for Gala ticket holders, subject to availability. Buying a Gala ticket does not automatically book a place at the Friday social.
- Purchase your Gala ticket using the booking form below.
- Select the optional Friday social question if you plan to attend.
- Friday social places are limited to 150 people.
Sunday Deaf History ghost tourSunday 22 November 2026 · 11.00amMaximum 25 people
A minibus will collect attendees from the hotel for a private two-hour visit to Stonehouse Barracks, including the tunnels beneath the car parks.
Select Sunday when booking
There is no extra charge for Gala ticket holders, subject to availability. Select Yes to the Sunday tour question for each guest who wishes to attend. Buying a Gala ticket does not automatically book a tour place.
Gala menu
GF & VE: Sweet potato & cauliflower curry
Fish: Smoked haddock & leek fish cake
Meat: Chicken Mangalore curry
The buffet will also include Chef’s selection of salads, hot potatoes and a breadbasket.
Chef’s selection of desserts
Filter coffee, tea and mint crisps
If you have any special requirements, please email bda@bda.org.uk
Accessibility support
BSL interpreters and on-screen captions will be provided. If you are Deafblind or have additional access requirements, please contact us as soon as possible. bda@bda.org.uk
Before you book
The secure Beacon form asks for the lead booker and ticket-holder details. Please check all names and email addresses carefully before submitting.
Gala tickets
Book your place
Use this form to buy Gala tickets. In each guest’s details, answer Yes or No separately for the Friday social and Sunday tour. Select Yes for every event that guest wishes to attend. These events are optional and subject to availability; buying a Gala ticket alone does not book either event.
Start bookingReveal the secure Beacon booking form
Awards
Honouring excellence in our Deaf community
Our awards celebrate the achievements and contributions of Deaf people across the UK.
Nominations have now closed
Thank you to everyone who submitted a nomination. Award recipients will be announced during the Gala and Awards Ceremony.
Explore the BDA Awards
Open an award to learn more. Previous recipients will appear here once the historic list has been added.
Francis Maginn AwardAbout this award
Recognising a Deaf person who has made a significant contribution to Deaf people or to the advancement of BSL and Deaf culture.
Certificate of MeritAbout this award
Recognising the work of an individual, group or organisation that has made a positive difference to the BDA or Deaf people.
Plan your visit
Everything you need to know
Use the sections below to plan your journey, meals, parking and time in Plymouth.
Food and drink
Lunch is not provided during the daytime AGM programme. The options below are within walking distance of the venue.
Cafés / relaxed lunch spots
- Coffee#1 Plymouth — approximately 10 minutes’ walk. Reliable café chain with good seating and light lunch options.
- Fig & Thyme Kitchen — approximately 12 minutes’ walk. Popular brunch and lunch café near the Barbican, with healthier lunch options.
- Salt and Pepper Kitchen Plymouth — approximately 9 minutes’ walk. Budget-friendly café breakfasts, sandwiches and quick lunches.
- Coffee Time — approximately 10 minutes’ walk. Small independent café with quick service and good coffee.
Restaurants
- Marco Pierre White — inside Crowne Plaza. The easiest option for anyone who does not want to leave the hotel, with sea views and a proper sit-down lunch.
- Turtle Bay Plymouth — approximately 7 minutes’ walk. Caribbean food, wraps, bowls and burgers; a good option for groups.
- Lost in Rio Restaurant & Cocktail Bar — approximately 10 minutes’ walk. Brazilian-style grill and cocktails, with a lively and social atmosphere.
- Fletcher’s Restaurant — approximately 12 minutes’ walk. A higher-end lunch option for anyone looking for something more polished.
Fast food / quick grab
- Pepe’s — approximately 8 minutes’ walk. Chicken wraps and rice boxes; quick and filling.
- KFC Plymouth, Old Town Street — approximately 9 minutes’ walk.
- Burger King — approximately 8 minutes’ walk.
- McDonald’s — approximately 9 minutes’ walk.
- McDonald’s — approximately 10 minutes’ walk; this branch is open 24 hours.
Travel and parking
The AGM and Saturday evening Gala will take place at Crowne Plaza Plymouth, Armada Way, Plymouth PL1 2HJ.
By air
Exeter Airport
- Approximately 50 miles away, or around one hour by car.
- Main airport for domestic UK and selected European routes.
- Taxi, coach and rail connections are available to Plymouth.
Cornwall Airport Newquay
- Approximately 48 miles away, or around 1 hour 20 minutes by car.
- Useful for selected UK regional flights.
There is no airport shuttle service to and from the hotel.
By train
Plymouth railway station
- Approximately a 15–20-minute walk to the hotel.
- Direct rail services are available from London Paddington, Bristol, Birmingham, Exeter and Cornwall.
The walking route from the station is straightforward via Armada Way.
By coach / bus
- Plymouth Coach Station and the main city bus services are located in the city centre.
- Royal Parade bus stops are approximately two minutes’ walk from the hotel.
- National Express services connect Plymouth with London, Birmingham, Bristol and other UK cities.
By car
Main route
- From the M5, continue onto the A38 Devon Expressway.
- Follow signs for Plymouth City Centre.
- Exit via Marsh Mills roundabout onto the A374 towards City Centre, Hoe and Barbican.
- Follow signs to Armada Way.
Detailed route guidance is provided by the hotel.
Parking
Hotel parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis:
- Underground parking.
- EV charging is available.
- Height restriction: 1.8 metres / 6 feet.
- Additional nearby NCP and city-centre parking is available if the hotel car park is full.
Nearby parking options include:
- Drake Circus Car Park.
- Guildhall Car Park.
- Western Approach Car Park.
Sponsorship
Support AGM Weekend
AGM Weekend brings BDA members, Deaf community leaders, supporters and partner organisations together from across the UK. Sponsorship helps us deliver a high-quality, fully accessible event while giving organisations meaningful visibility and the opportunity to demonstrate their support for BSL, Deaf culture and Deaf-led decision-making.
With thanks to
Our sponsors
We are grateful to the organisations supporting AGM Weekend 2026 and helping us bring the Deaf community together in Plymouth.
