The student midwife journey is a celebration of growth, resilience, and purpose. This theme highlights the transformative path from classroom learning to hands-on practice, where knowledge meets compassion. Through shared experiences, inspiring stories, and expert guidance, this conference aims to empower future midwives to step forward with confidence and compassion.

Dragon’s Den style session

This year’s student conference includes an exciting Dragon’s Den style session, giving student midwives the chance to present their ideas, research, or quality improvement projects to a panel of expert judges.

Taking place on both conference days, each session will feature four presentation slots. Each presenter or small group will have five minutes to pitch their proposal, followed by five minutes of constructive feedback from the Dragons panel. Topics can cover any area of research, quality improvement, or practice innovation.

Submissions should address three questions:

1. what your proposal is,
2. why it is needed,
3. what impact it could have on women, birthing people, midwives, or students

Key information for students:

• For structure, we recommend abstracts follow the structure of title, background, aim, methods, proposal, and relevance, but it is not mandatory
• Group entries are allowed, but with no more than three students at a time.
• At least one student per entry must be an RCM member.

Abstract submissions are now open to student midwives in all year groups. Student should submit their abstracts by using this link: Student conference : Dragon’s Den style session abstracts – Fill in form

Closing date Midnight Sunday 20 September 2026

Accepted abstracts will be informed by 20 October 2026 and you must have a conference ticket confirmed to ensure availability to present in the session

Venue

We have a special rate at Hilton Garden Inn Manchester Emirates Old Trafford for £159

Travel

• Parking onsite is complimentary and the hotel. Enter via Talbot Road, through Gate 1 and park in Car Park 1.
• The nearest Metrolink tram stop is Old Trafford and is located
  next door to the stadium. This tram stop is on the Altrincham –
  Bury Metrolink line and takes approximately 10 minutes to reach
  Manchester City Centre.