Crowne Plaza Hotel, Stratford upon Avon CV37 6YR
Thursday 15th October 2026
We are delighted to announce details of our 2026 Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony, being held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Stratford upon Avon. This riverside hotel is near Shakespeare’s birthplace and boasts a riverside terrace and garden.
The Gala dinner and awards ceremony will take on a new format this year with speakers discussing subjects relevant to our industry. This event always proves to be a popular event and so we would encourage you to book early to secure your places for dinner and bedrooms.
Industry speakers to be announced shortly.
We are very excited to announce that our after-dinner speaker is Mark ‘Billy’ Billingham MBE QCB. He is the Chief Instructor on the hit TV series SAS: Who Dares Wins (UK) and a DS on Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test (USA).
He also presents his own series on BBC One – SAS: Catching The Criminals.
Joining the Parachute Regiment in 1983, Billy held numerous positions, from Patrol Commander for worldwide operational tours to Training Instructor.
Billy joined the SAS in 1992 as a Mountain Troop specialist.
He has been responsible for training, planning, and executing strategic operations at the highest level across numerous locations, including Iraq, Afghanistan, South America, and Africa. Furthermore, Billy led many hostage rescues.
As a result, he received the Queen’s Commendation for Bravery and an MBE.
A decorated military leader, Billy served for over 20 years in the SAS.
Billy is a certified Special Forces Instructor.
The timings for the evening are as follows: –
5.30pm Drinks reception in the Terrace Atrium
6.15pm Industry speakers
7.30pm Dinner in the Ballroom (Dress Code – Black Tie)
9.00pm Awards
9.45pm After Dinner Speaker – Billy Billingham
Drinks Reception, CAB Gala Dinner and Awards – the drinks reception commences at 5.30pm in the Terrace Atrium. You will then be asked to take your seats in the Ballroom for a welcome speech, followed by our industry speakers. Dinner will commence directly afterwards.
Dinner – includes a charity raffle and the awards ceremony followed by our After Dinner entertainment. The cost is £175 + VAT for individual tickets and £1,600 + VAT per table of 10.
Accommodation – we have secured 100 bedrooms at the Crowne Plaza for the evening of 15th October along with a small allocation on the 14th October. Room rates are £150 inclusive per room for single occupancy and £160 inclusive for double occupancy. In recent years, rooms have been booked within a matter of weeks and the same high demand is expected this year. We would therefore urge you to book your room directly with the hotel as soon as possible by calling 01789 279928 or emailing revenue@cpstratford.com and quoting reference QMS. We would draw your attention to their cancellation policy.
Please see www.ihg.com/crowneplaza/ for further hotel information and directions.
Please see below link for a range of sponsorship opportunities for this event.
Please find booking form below:-
https://c-a-b.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/Booking-Form-CAB-Gala-Dinner-Awards-2026.doc
Our booking deadlines are: –
Tuesday 1st September Rooms – if rooms are not booked by this date, they will be released by the hotel
Thursday 1st October Dinner Bookings
We look forward to making this event one to remember. Should you have any queries or concerns, please contact Jessica Dean at jessica.dean@c-a-b.org.uk.