The Must-Attend Event for
Dance Studio Owners
"BUILT FOR WHAT'S NEXT"
Ai is changing the world faster than ever - learn how this will affect our studios and how we lead without fear or overwhelm!
5th & 6th August
Holiday Inn, Birmingham Int Airport, UK
A Few Words From Deborah The Event Founder
When I was running my own studio, I remember just how lonely it could feel — like every decision sat on my shoulders, and there wasn’t really a space where people truly understood what this journey looked like. That’s exactly why I created the Dance Business Conference.
This isn’t just about sitting and listening to incredible speakers (although you absolutely will be inspired by them!) — it’s about rolling your sleeves up, workshopping ideas, and actually moving your business forward while you’re in the room. It’s about the conversations in between sessions, the friendships you’ll form with people who just get it, and the feeling of finally being surrounded by ambitious, generous, like-minded studio owners.
You’ll discover new ideas, meet businesses that can support your growth, and yes… you’ll have a lot of fun along the way too. More than anything, my hope is that you leave feeling lighter, clearer, and reminded that you’re not doing this alone.
What happens over the two days
This year we are theming the event around - "Built For What's Next."
With the world changing rapidly we know that Ai will also be changing the way we operate in business.
In a subtle and gentle way free from fear or overwhelm we shall begin embracing this into our speaker sessions this year.
Always be ahead of the game is my motto!
What DBS 2026
has to offer you
This year we celebrate our 5th year and it's going to be even better than before!
Learn - Reflect - Evolve
Things are changing fast — and staying the same is no longer safe. Over these two days, you’ll step away from the day-to-day and into a space that challenges your thinking, sharpens your approach, and keeps you moving forward.
Because when you evolve as a business owner, your studio evolves with you — and that’s how you stay relevant, fresh, and ahead.
Meaningful Connections
Some of the most powerful moments won’t happen on stage — they’ll happen in the coffee queue, over lunch, and in those in-between conversations where ideas spark and stories are shared. This is where you’ll find people who truly understand your world, where support feels natural, and where real friendships begin.
And when it’s time to switch off, our Denim & Diamonds party brings the fun — a chance to let your hair down, laugh, dance, and enjoy being part of something special. This isn’t just an event you attend… it’s one you’ll look forward to all year.
Incredible Keynote speakers
AI is rapidly reshaping the way we do business, and this year’s conference has been thoughtfully designed to introduce you to that world in a way that feels clear, calm, and completely accessible.
Our speakers have been carefully selected not just for what they know, but for how they teach — gently guiding you into new ways of thinking without overwhelm. This isn’t about complexity; it’s about confidence, clarity, and feeling equipped for what’s next.
Exhibitors
Our exhibitors bring together a carefully selected range of businesses designed to support every area of your studio. From systems and marketing support to further qualifications, licensing and franchise opportunities, and uniform and dancewear suppliers — you’ll be able to explore ideas, services, and partnerships that can help you grow, streamline, and elevate your business.
It’s your chance to discover what’s possible and find the right support to take your studio to the next level.
Event times
4thAug
Pre event meet up, reception and sign in. (Lancaster Suite Bar) For Upgraded ticket holders
7pm - 9pm
5th Aug
Day 1
8:30 am - 5:00 pm - Day one conference
5th Aug
"Denim & Diamonds Shindig"
7.30 pm - 11:00 pm - Evening event for those with the upgraded conference tickets
6th Aug
Day 2
8:30 am - 5:30 pm Day 2 conference
7th Aug
Afterglow - Boardroom Barre edition (private event for Boardroom Barre members only)
10.30 am - 4:00 pm - Handley Suite upstairs
KEYNOTE
SPEAKERS
EXHIBITORS
WORKSHOPS
Keynote Guest Speakers
Dawnie baxter
Founder - Beyond The Dawn
Dawn Baxter is a leading UK digital strategist and founder of Beyond the Dawn Digital LTD.
Digital LTD a full house digital marketing brand & agency.A specialist in social media, sales, and sustainable brand building, Dawn helps female entrepreneurs create profitable digital business models that offer lifestyle freedom.
With a background in luxury retail and positive psychology, she is dedicated to helping small businesses thrive through connection-led marketing and expert coaching. She is warm and inclusive and wants to make the world a pretty place.
JoJo Smith
Founder - CreativSAS
Meet Jojo Smith: your go-to for magnetic inspiration and unconventional joy. With 25+ years of brand expertise and a spirited, "care-experienced" perspective, Jojo doesn’t just speak—she creates an experience. Whether she opens your event or closes it, the energy ignites.
Jojo is the Sassy Not Sorry spark your life and business needs place her at the beginning, after lunch or end of your event and wherever she is, the energy ignites!
Jojo has taken her spirited approach across the globe and to stages and events of all sizes.
JoJo Smith
Founder - CreativSAS
Tim Beynon
Founder - Elite Ladies Kickboxing, Dance & Yoga
Tim Beynon is the owner of Elite Ladies Kickboxing, Dance & Yoga, one of the fastest-growing community-driven fitness brands in the South of the UK.
He has grown the business to over 2,500 members and $2.5 million in annual revenue through in-person, membership-based programs. He specializes in small business growth, entrepreneurial mindset, and scaling sustainable membership models across martial arts, Pilates, dance, and children’s sports programs.
Tim is passionate about building strong communities, developing leaders, and creating businesses that thrive both financially and culturally.
Deborah Laws
Founder - Dance Business Lab & Dance Business Solutions
Deborah Laws is a dance business strategist, coach, and the founder of Dance Business Lab, supporting studio owners to build profitable, sustainable, and scalable businesses. With over 30 years in the dance industry and 25 years running her own successful schools, Deborah combines real-world experience with proven business strategy.
She is the creator of the Dance Business Conference, host of The Ultimate Dance Business Podcast, and an Amazon #1 bestselling author of The Ultimate Dance Business Planner. Deborah is also the founder of Dance Business Solutions, an award-winning all-in-one software platform designed specifically for dance studio owners.
Known for her practical, no-fluff approach, Deborah helps studio owners increase enrolments, streamline systems, and create businesses that truly support the life they want to live.
More Speakers to be announced!
Business can be fun too
Social aspects
We beautifully curate this event so you have fun, relax and enjoy yourself, make new friends and deepen connections. These are your "people" and we all love to feel like we belong.
Join us for our evening Denim and Diamonds Shindig
Please note that pre-event drinks, daily catering, and the Denim and Diamonds Shindig are exclusive to the Conference Upgrade Package, available for purchase separately.
Pre event drinks on 4th Aug 7pm
Get to know each other
Lunch and chill together
The best conversations happen over food!
Headline Sponsors
Big Image Photography is one of the leading dance and theatre photographers . We work in theatres and schools all over the UK with a team of dedicated photographers and photographic assistants that understand exactly what is needed when photographing dance, singing and drama with children delivering fantastic show shots every time. We print and display the images in the foyer area for parents to look at and buy when they arrive helping to create a great atmosphere and build the excitement before, during and after the show.
We understand the pressures on the day putting on a show and will work with you to make your day a success and also give you a great set of show images that you can use to promote your business. There is no extra work from you as we take care of everything. Most sales are done on the day and additional sales can done via our dedicated online website.
The best news is that all of this is free of charge. There are no costs to you whatsoever. We also give you a full set of show shots that can be used in the promotion of your school and on your social media.
HOW TO RESERVE / PURCHASE OR UPGRADE YOUR TICKET
Email: [email protected]
Site: www.dancebusinesslab.com
