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DATE

20-21 October 2026 (with side-events across 19-22 October 2026)

LOCATION

London

ABOUT THE EVENT

“A History of the Future of Biometrics” celebrating 25 years of the responsible use of biometrics

This year, we are celebrating the 25-year anniversary of the Biometrics Institute community which was founded on the 11 October 2001 with a mission to promote the responsible use of biometrics. Over these past 25 years we have lived through major milestones such as the sad events of 9/11, the arrival of TouchID on iPhone 5 bringing biometrics to the consumer market, the digital transformation accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic involving biometrics as a key enabler but also vulnerabilities such a morphs and deepfakes and challenges to privacy and data protection.

We have also seen major advances in privacy protections and cyber security such as the General Data Protection Rule GDPR (2016) and law reforms in other countries defining biometrics as sensitive information.

This year’s Congress which will be held on the 20-21 October in London Westminster is taking a different approach, it will be entitled “The History of the Future of Biometrics” and is asking the big questions regarding the future as well as putting the last 25 years into perspective. It will be a celebration of what we have achieved today and how we have reaped the benefits of biometrics for public safety, national security and convenience while mitigating new challenges which are constantly evolving. We want to take a journey through all the different use cases, technical developments (standards and testing) and how policy and data protection evolved. We are also keen to hear how you believe we are going to move into the future.

For the exhibition floor we will encourage our technology community to bring examples of old bits of biometric equipment.

Themes for this year’s Congress “History of the Future of Biometrics” are:

• Where it all started: Biometrics in policing, law enforcement and forensics
• National security, border management, people movements and seamless travel
• Mobile and digital transformation and digital identity for service delivery and inclusion
• Age assurance to protect the vulnerable
• Standards, testing and vulnerability assessments – an arms race
• Privacy policy, data protection, civil liberties and human rights then, now and in the future
• Innovation and research as a key enabler to move into the future
• Nominate your most important biometric related event/ development (e.g. linked to a news article or research paper)

For queries about speaking opportunities for Congress 2026 please email Isabelle.

The Biometrics Institute, respected for its balanced discussions among diverse stakeholders, works to create a better and safer world through the responsible, ethical, and effective use of biometrics. View our Statement of Trusted Conversations to understand what makes our events unique. For example, the event will be held under Chatham House Rule and will be off-the-record (no media) to facilitate open dialogue between our members and stakeholders.

The Congress attracts over 250 delegates including representatives from government, the user community such as retail, banking and aviation as well as biometric suppliers and academics. It’s the opportunity to come together, share knowledge, discuss emerging trends, and shape the industry’s future responsibly, in a trusted environment.

SPEAKERS

Congress 2026 speakers include:

*subject to final travel approval

SPONSORS AND EXHIBITORS

We are pleased to announce our first Congress sponsor: Gold sponsor IDEMIA Public Security.

For information on sponsoring and exhibiting at Congress 2026 please email Shelley.

SIDE-EVENTS

The side-events include a pre-Congress workshop (19 October in the afternoon, extra cost) and a post-Congress Joint Expert Group Briefing session (22 October in the morning, complimentary). You can find out more about all side-events here. 

Please note that all side-events require registration via the below registration link. 

Our annual drinks reception will take place on the evening of the 20 October (day one of the Congress) and we are planning on making this a very special Silver Jubilee networking opportunity. While the event is complimentary to Congress attendees, we require confirmation of your attendance via the registration tool below.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

Industries & Sectors:
• Government & Public Sector: Digital ID, Civil Registration, Border Management, Law Enforcement & National Security
• International Development & Humanitarian: UN Agencies, Intergovernmental Organisations, Development Banks, Civil Society & NGOs
• Finance: Banking, Fintech, Payments & Insurance
• Critical Infrastructure: Healthcare, Transport (Air, Land, Sea) & Tourism
• Commerce: Large Corporates, Telecoms, Retail & Hospitality

Job Functions:
• Executive Leadership & Board: CEO, CTO, CIO, Directors & Commissioners
• Policy, Governance & Legal: Borders, Compliance, Privacy & Data Protection
• Identity & Biometric Specialisms: Architects, Advisors, IAM & Biometrics Engineers
• Security, Cyber & Risk: InfoSec, Cyber Services, Fraud & Risk Management
• Digital Transformation & Strategy: Innovation, Strategy & Marketing
• Product, Technology & Standards: Development, Engineering & Systems Integration
• Business Development & Govt Solutions: Growth, Partnerships & Public Relations

REGISTRATION FEES CONGRESS

Please note that all side-events require registration using the below registration tool. The  On-device Biometrics workshop incurs an extra fee.

User Member – GBP840 + VAT@20%
Supplier Member – GBP1,310 +.VAT@20%

User Non-Member – GBP1,590 + VAT@20%
Supplier Non-Member – GBP2,350 + VAT@20%

University Subscriber – GBP285 + VAT@20%
University Non-Subscriber – GBP450+ VAT@20%
Student: Request a special student rate by contacting Shelley (proof of current full time student status required)

The Institute has experienced a rise in late registrations and this has a significant impact on administrative cost and time, the management of event logistics, and catering arrangements.
As such, delegate fees for late registrations will increase effective from Monday 5 October 2026 to:

User Member – GBP940 + VAT@20%
Supplier Member – GBP1,410 +.VAT@20%

User Non-Member – GBP1,690 + VAT@20%
Supplier Non-Member – GBP2,450 + VAT@20%

University Subscriber – GBP385 + VAT@20%
University Non-Subscriber – GBP550+ VAT@20%

CODE OF CONDUCT

The Institute seeks to provide a positive, safe and productive environment at our events in order to foster and encourage the exchange of ideas and provide equal opportunities and treatment for all participants. Participants are expected to treat others with respect and consideration. Free and open discussion and debate are important and valued benefits of the Institute’s community. 

We ask that all attendees registered for our events note and abide by the Institute’s Code of Conduct so as to ensure a positive, respectful and rewarding experience for all.

We look forward to welcoming you to the Biometrics Institute Congress.

For our full range of events, please see our events calendar.

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