Date: Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th October 2026
Time: Saturday 17th October: 9:30am–5:00pm (7.5 CPD hours) // Sunday 18th October: 9:30am–4:00pm (6.5 CPD hours)
Venue: Writtle University College, Essex
Open to: Everyone! Whether you’re a seasoned professional or passionate hobbyist, it’s an inspiring chance to learn, connect, and contribute to turtle and tortoise welfare across Europe and beyond.
Booking? Registration required, see below!
Details:
Entry: £85 for the full weekend
See registration form for Sat/Sun only prices. Discounts available, see form.
Join us for two packed days of talks, workshops and networking with chelonian experts from around the world – including vets, zoo professionals, conservationists, researchers, and private keepers.
Hear from international experts
Optional hands-on lab workshop on Sunday
Network with fellow professionals
Wind down and join us with post-conference drinks and dinner on Saturday evening
Attendees receive full conference notes, CPD hours, and a goody-filled delegate pack
European Turtle Alliance Conference 2026
We are delighted to announce the return of the European Turtle Alliance Conference for 2026, taking place on:
Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th October 2026
Location: ARU Writtle University College, Essex, UK.
Held in association with Tortoise Welfare UK and the European Studbook Foundation, the conference will once again bring together leading voices from across the chelonian world for a weekend dedicated to tortoise and turtle conservation, husbandry, research, and veterinary practice.
Whether you are a veterinarian, veterinary nurse, zookeeper, researcher, student, private keeper, conservation enthusiast, or working in the trade, this event offers a unique opportunity to learn from international experts, exchange ideas, and connect with like-minded people from across the globe.
Speakers so far include:
* Chris and Casey Leone (Garden State Tortoise & Hermanni Haven, USA)
* Dr Pierre Moisson (A Cupulatta, Corsica)
* Dr Zach Bell (Okinawa Kame Centre, Japan)
* Luke Harding (Mandai Wildlife Reserve, Singapore)
* Matt Rendle (Association of Zoo and Exotic Veterinary Nurses, UK)
* Brian Horne (Asian Turtle Crisis, USA)
* Eleanor Tirtasana Chubb (European Turtle Alliance, UK)
* Tim McCormack (Asian Turtle Programme, Vietnam)
* Frauke Hustinx (Germany)
* Dr Peter Praschag (Turtle Island, Austria)
* Dillon Prest (Swallow Aquatics, UK)
* Dr Stefan Merz (Germany)
* Dr Hei Sung (China)
* Alessia Lavigne (Italy)
More speakers and presentation titles will be announced in the coming months.
Attendees can look forward to:
- International expert speakers
- CPD opportunities
- Optional laboratory workshop
- Trade and conservation displays
- Conference notes and attendee resources
- Networking opportunities throughout the weekend
- Our popular Saturday evening meal
Following the success of our 2025 event, which welcomed over 130 delegates from six countries, we are excited to build an even bigger and better programme for 2026.
We look forward to welcoming you to another inspiring weekend dedicated to the welfare and conservation of turtles and tortoises.
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or passionate hobbyist, it’s an inspiring chance to learn, connect, and contribute to turtle and tortoise welfare across Europe and beyond.
Help us spread the word with a share or by printing a poster.
Please share this event with friends on social platforms, shops, vet practices or academic networks. You can print the poster using the link on the conference booking page.
Thank you in advance for your support.