FMA’s 2026 Conference takes place on Tuesday 14th and Wednesday 15th April 2026 at the Mercure Hotel, Northampton.

This year we focus on three elements shaping modern mediation practice: authenticity, emotional intelligence and artificial intelligence.

Technology is changing how families communicate, how conflict plays out and how mediators work. At the same time, the core of mediation remains human. This conference explores how those realities meet in practice.

What the conference will do

Across two days of presentations, discussion and workshops, we will:

• examine authenticity and emotional intelligence as core mediator skills
• explore how AI is already affecting family life and mediation practice
• look at practical uses, limitations and ethical questions
• reflect on professional identity, supervision and wellbeing in a changing landscape

New FMA Vice President Professor Bryan Clark will deliver the 2026 John Cornwell Lecture on authenticity in mediation. Our New President Mrs Justice Theis and our other new Vice President Dr Mohamed Keshavjee will also be present.

Programme themes

• AI and family mediation: opportunities and risks
• What does it mean to be an authentic mediator?
• Truth, post-truth, and Truth Social: mediating in the age of misinformation
• AI tools supporting children and families
• Legal Aid, high-volume practice and new technologies
• Cultural perspectives on authenticity
• AI and reasonable adjustments: practical applications
• Latest developments in the mediation world (the intelligence you need!)
• Mediator wellbeing and supervision

Why attend

The FMA conference is a space to think carefully about practice, spend time with colleagues and engage with the direction of family mediation.

You will leave with:

• practical ideas you can apply in your work
• a clearer understanding of how technology is shaping the field
• renewed professional connection and perspective

Why Northampton? Our 2023 conference here was one of our most popular and highly rated events in recent years. By avoiding London venue and accommodation costs, we can offer exceptional speakers, engaging workshops, and those crucial networking opportunities.

And before you ask – yes, Northampton has plenty to offer! Tourism officer Leah Caldwell and roving reporter Reuben Elwell share their insider tips at the end of this flyer.

What to Expect

Through dynamic group work, authoritative presentations, and hands-on workshops, you will:

• Deepen your practice by exploring authenticity and emotional intelligence as core mediator competencies.
• Stay ahead of the curve by examining how AI is already reshaping family conflict – both in our practices and in our clients’ lives.
• Navigate the tensions between technological advancement and authentic human connection.

Why You Should Be There

✓ Connect with friends and colleagues, old and new
✓ Discover practical ideas to enhance your practice
✓ Engage in the discussions that matter
✓ Enjoy two days designed around YOU and your professional development
✓ Help shape an inspiring and impactful 2026 conference experience

Book your place today and join us for what promises to be one of our most thought-provoking and valuable conferences yet.