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MAA annual black tie dinner 2026

The Grand Hotel, Birmingham


This event is now fully booked, if you would like to be added to the waiting list please contact joanne.cole@midlandsaerospace.org.uk

The premier black-tie dinner of 2026 in the Midlands will see members of the aerospace and defence industry gather for an evening in the company of colleagues and partners. With leading companies well represented, it is an opportunity not to be missed.

 

  • Renew acquaintances with old friends and enjoy new networking opportunities in a beautiful setting!
  • Enjoy a VIP keynote speaker and after-dinner entertainment!
  • Have you considered hosting some of your customers at this important networking event?

The Grand Hotel Birmingham

An inspiring mix of old and new, The Grand Hotel Birmingham combines original Victorian architecture with striking modern features. This iconic sleeping beauty is being brought back to life to create a luxury hotel for Birmingham in the 21st century. From the ornate Louis XIV-style Grand Ballroom to the stunning duplex penthouse apartment, The Grand is filled with extraordinary spaces. Original, listed features have been lovingly restored; and the interiors have been reimagined by Robert Angell International, bringing comfort and glamour in equal measure.

The Grand Hotel ballroom

Bt dinner 26 1

The Grand Hotel street view

 

Itinerary

  • Welcome drinks reception with charity raffle tickets for sale
  • Call to dinner 
  • Evening entertainment 
  • Charity Raffle 
  • Carriages 11pm
  • Late hotel bar until 2am (card payments only)

Change to keynote speaker

Unfortunately, Andrew Kinniburgh - Director General of Make UK Defence, is poorly and unable to attend. We wish him a speedy recovery.

We are very pleased to announce that our VIP keynote speaker will be Greg Bagwell, Chairman for ASG Aerospace

Greg Bagwell 2

Greg served for 36 years in the Royal Air Force, retiring in 2016. He was a combat pilot for the first 20 of those years flying the Tornado GR1/4 and the CF-18 Hornet aircraft. He retired as the Deputy Commander of the Royal Air Force, where he had overall responsibility for all operations.

Subsequently, Greg has worked in the private sector with a number of companies, including Cobham plc, AirTanker Ltd and Ultra Electronics. He was an Executive Director on the Board of Cobham after its transfer to private ownership until 2025. He assumed the role of Chairman for ASG Aerospace Ltd in early 2026.

Greg is President of the UK’s Air & Space Power Association, a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society and a Distinguished Fellow of the Royal United Service Institute. He is also a chair for senior programmes at the Windsor Leadership Trust, and a trustee of “Flying for Freedom”, which enables wounded, injured and sick service personnel to fly solo in microlights.

He was awarded a CBE in 2007 and CB in 2012.

 

 Thank you to our main dinner partner - Farsound

Farsound orangeonblack logo jul23

 

Thank you to our pre-dinner drinks partner - All Metal Services

All metal oct25

 

Only one opportunity remaining to partner with us for the welcome drinks!

Highlight your company as the main event partner:

Bt dinner sponsor 26 2

Please contact the Member Services Team to enquire about either of these opportunities, joanne.cole@midlandsaerospace.org.uk  or call 024 7643 0250.

This event is supported and attended by

Five supporters logos

 

Charity raffle (Cash only) 

This year we will be supporting the RAF Benevolent Fund with a charity raffle on the evening. If you would like to donate a raffle prize please email Jay Locking, to discuss. 

Raf benevolent fund logo

 

Delegate rates 

MAA members    £215 Book below
Members of ADS, FAC, WEAF, Aerospace Wales, NWAA £245 Book below
Non MAA members      £265 Book below

 

If you would like to book a table of 10 please contact maxine.oatridge@midlandsaerospace.org.uk

All above costs are plus VAT.

If you require an overnight room at the Grand Hotel go to their website here. 

Alternatively, see the other hotels in the area:

Premier Inn Hotel, Waterloo Street 

Travelodge Birmingham Central Newhall Street

Hotel Du Vin

Here's a snapshot of previous years!

After dinner entertainment Nigel Owens

Full dining room

Champagne drinks reception