Our annual dinner returns this year at Southampton Football Stadium, bringing together members from across the region for an evening of celebration and connection.
The evening will celebrate the outstanding individuals and projects who took part in the 2026 Awards for Planning Excellence, while also offering a fantastic opportunity to network, meet new people, and reconnect with colleagues and friends.
A huge thank you to all of our Awards sponsors for their continued support.
We are delighted to have Morag Ellis KC as host for the ceremony and are honoured to be joined by Samer Bagaeen, Vice-President of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI).
You can book an individual place(s) or a table of 8 or 10.
What to expect
- A welcome drinks reception
- A three-course meal, including table wine
- A unique behind-the-scenes experience at Southampton Football Club
- Presentation of the 2026 Awards for Planning Excellence
- After-dinner entertainment
Dress code
The evening is traditionally a black-tie event; however, we warmly welcome a range of elegant options. Guests are encouraged to dress to impress while choosing attire that reflects their personal style within a sophisticated and celebratory setting.
Accommodation
We have arrange a special reduced rate with Leonardo Hotel Southampton, 1 Charlotte Place, Southampton, SO14 0TB,
Please email groups_desk@leonardohotels.com and use promo code: THEROY090726, and they will make a booking for you.
The reduced rate is available on first come first served.
CPD
You may also want to attend the Fit for all: Creating healthy and inclusive environments through planning event taking place on the same day, from 13:00 -17:00.
Dinner attendees receive a 35% discount, and LPAs eligible for a 50% discount to this half day event.
Take a look at our short video from the 2025 RTPI South East Awards Celebration Dinner.
Thank you to our sponsors for their continued support
Getting to the venue
There is some of the different ways you can get to St Mary’s Stadium:
By Car: Parking at the stadium is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. However, there are plenty of parking options nearby.
By Train: The closest station to the stadium is Southampton Central Station, from there you can travel to the station by foot or car.
By Foot: Access into the stadium is best reached via Marine Parade, Britannia Road or via the Railway Footbridge off Northam Road.
Before you set off, it's worth checking for any updates – e.g. ongoing roadworks in the area that might affect your journey.
Access and inclusion
We're committed to making sure everyone has a great experience at our events. Once you've booked, we'll get in touch to talk through any access needs or requirements you might have. If you have any questions in the meantime, just contact Susan – we're here to help.
If you wish to make a group booking, please contact Susan.
Tickets
We offer free tickets for carers.
Food and refreshments
We'll have welcome refreshments and lunch ready for you. We always provide vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options, and we're happy to cater for other dietary requirements like Kosher or Halal meals – just let Susan know.
