Our flagship events are a wonderful opportunity to learn, share and meet others in a similar family situation. Our London conferences also provide a unique space for donor conceived children to explore their origins and meet others made ‘just like them’.
NEW: 2026 autumn conference tickets now on sale
From the very beginning when our charity was founded in 1993, we’ve always run two conferences a year. These events give members the opportunity to spend a day together, meeting in person and sharing their hopes, fears and stories in a confidential and supportive space.
We know how important and valuable these events are. Wherever possible we offer childcare and children’s activities, so kids can attend too. It’s lovely for children to have a space to meet other children who are donor conceived. We’ve seen long-term friendships forged at the conferences. Not only that, but the event often acts as a prompt for some important and valuable conversations within the family.
The event includes presentations from speakers focusing on a range of donor conception-related subjects as well as small discussion groups. You can see the programme for our last London conference here and our 2025 Bristol conference programme here to get a sense of the topics we cover.
Do join our mailing list to find out about our conferences and all our events.
This year, rather than holding our autumn conference in a different part of the UK, we’re bringing it online, making it easier for members from across the UK and overseas to join us. The conference will take place on Saturday 17 October and, as always, will feature expert speakers, parent perspectives and plenty of opportunities to learn and connect. Tickets are now on sale and we’re offering an early bird discount too, with places starting at just £35.
Our fantastic programme includes:
Our London conferences are very much a family affair. We had a number of options for children at our London conference this year, including childcare with other donor conceived children, a creative session, and our Talking About Donor Stuff session with Dr Sharon Pettle. We know that these activities can really help stimulate and support conversations that the family are having at home.
‘We love coming to the conference and feeling part of a community of people with a particular shared experience. It is a moment to pause, come together and to reflect on how our own personal experience can be shaped by what we learn, and how we might help others on their journeys. Always worthwhile.’
‘For me and my daughter to meet families like ours is always a joy. To hear a donor speak about their motives and feelings was wonderful – more please.’
‘We have a one year old who was conceived using both egg and sperm donors. The conference made us feel like we are part of something bigger, it’s not just us who have a donor conceived child. Plus, it just normalized the whole issue. I feel less concerned about the fact that I have a donor conceived child – I feel much more relaxed about the whole thing – thank you!’
We’d love to welcome you to DCN as a member. You can find all the relevant information in our Membership section but please do get in touch if you still have questions.