Princess Royal opens RCEM inaugural Annual Conference in Birmingham

The Royal College of Emergency Medicine opened its first-ever Annual Conference at the ICC Birmingham on 29 April 2026, with HRH The Princess Royal, Royal Patron of the College, addressing delegates at the largest event in the College's history.

More than 1,200 emergency medicine clinicians attended in person, with hundreds more joining the live stream. The three-day programme covers patient safety, workforce sustainability, ED leadership, and the role of AI in triage. The College used the platform to set out its position on the four-hour standard and the long-term workforce plan.

The Annual Conference replaces the College's previous separate scientific and clinical events and is designed to become its anchor membership gathering. Sessions are organised in partnership with the British Medical Association, Royal College of Nursing, and College of Paramedics.