2026 RIA Annual Conference

4th & 5th November 2026, Leonardo Royal Hotel London, Tower Bridge. Photos by Rob Finney

At the start of the conference, Lord Peter Hendy gave his opening speech, focusing on the development of GBR and the new railway bill that was set to get Royal approval around Christmas this year. After this the host, Natasha Kaplinsky OBE, opened up the floor to questions. After a dozen or so grueling questions, I put my hand up and was delighted when Natasha pointed ‘at the man in the white shirt’ and allowed me to ask one.

However, I had other ideas, and instead of asking a question, I walked up on stage and presented Lord Hendy with a framed print of the illustration I had done about him a few months ago. In these pictures, you can see his shock and delight of me approaching the stage and handing it over. His immediate remark was, “Thanks, but I don’t know what my wife is going to say about this!”, but later on he emailed to thank me and said, “Thank you for the lovely gift this morning! Most unexpected and a good likeness!”

Lord Peter Hendy with his new picture. I wonder if he’ll hang it up in his office in the Houses of Parliament?

Natasha Kaplinsky OBE, the world-renowned journalist who has a knack for getting to the meat of it, asked me if I had a question for Lord Hendy, to go with my gift. I remarked, “No, just keep up the good work.”

During the course of the conference there were a few panel discussions. This was a Q&A from industry leaders.

Darren Caplan, Chief Executive of RIA and Nataska Kaplinsky OBE chat about the day’s proceedings. A few years ago, I completed a project for Darren, creating all the new artwork for their new office.

(Left to right). Nataska Kaplinsky OBE talks with Jeremy Westlake (Network Rail Chief Executive) and Alex Hynes (Chief Executive of DfT Operator)