Technology projects succeed when they combine strategy, people and execution. That's why TechSmart 2026 has brought together experienced sector leaders to guide delegates through the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of NFP organisations.
This year's event will be jointly chaired by Sarah Hathaway and John O'Brien, two familiar faces to the TechSmart community, whose combined experience in membership organisations spans more than four decades. Alongside them, Jon Eaton and Louise Youngman will lead specialist streams focused on innovation, data and governance.
Together, they represent the breadth of experience that defines TechSmart itself: strategic leadership, operational expertise, digital innovation and a deep understanding of the unique challenges facing not for profit organisations.
Trusted leadership at the heart of TechSmart
Few people understand TechSmart better than Sarah Hathaway and John O'Brien.
Having chaired the event throughout its history, they bring unparalleled knowledge of both the conference and the sector it serves. Their continued involvement reflects TechSmart's commitment to delivering practical, relevant insights that help organisations make better technology decisions.
As Joint CEO – Membership and Operations at the Institute of Student Employers, Sarah Hathaway has spent more than 25 years working within membership organisations. Her focus on member value, engagement, governance and operational excellence gives her a unique perspective on how technology can support organisational growth while delivering meaningful outcomes for members.
John O'Brien, Commercial Director at The NHS Alliance, has worked in membership organisations for more than 20 years and has held director-level roles since 2005. Throughout his career he has developed member services, delivered high-profile events, built commercial partnerships and created sustainable revenue streams. His experience working with senior stakeholders across complex organisations provides valuable insight into the realities of leading change.
Together, Sarah and John will also chair the Strategy and Change stream, which explores one of the most important challenges facing organisations today: ensuring technology investments deliver lasting results.
While selecting the right technology matters, successful transformation depends equally on planning, leadership and adoption. Delegates attending the stream will discover practical approaches to aligning technology with organisational goals, embedding change effectively and overcoming barriers that can prevent projects from achieving their full potential.
Returning voices
TechSmart 2026 also welcomes back two speakers whose sessions at the 2025 event resonated strongly with delegates.
Jon Eaton, Communications and Digital Engagement Director at Epilepsy Action, returns to lead the Tech Innovation stream. Since joining the charity sector, Jon has overseen significant digital transformation initiatives, including a major website rebuild, CRM replacement and the launch of a bold new organisational brand.
His experience combines strategic leadership with a practical understanding of implementation. Before moving into the not-for-profit sector, Jon spent a decade working agency-side in marketing and communications, giving him valuable insight into how organisations can evaluate and adopt emerging technologies.
The Innovation stream will focus on one of the defining questions facing organisations today: which technologies genuinely create value, and which are simply generating noise? Through real-world examples and practical lessons, delegates will explore how to identify, test and scale innovative solutions that deliver measurable outcomes.
Putting people at the centre of technology
Technology transformation is ultimately about people, which makes Louise Youngman an ideal chair for TechSmart's Data and Governance discussions.
As Executive Director of People at Scope, Louise is responsible for leading the organisation's people strategy and ensuring colleagues have the support, skills and culture needed to thrive. Her career spans retail, housing and the charity sector, including leadership roles at the Royal National Institute of Blind People and National Deaf Children's Society.
Louise brings an important perspective to conversations about data, governance and organisational performance. While data may drive decision-making, its value depends on the people, processes and culture that sit behind it.
The Data and Governance stream will examine how organisations can strengthen data quality, governance and security while turning information into actionable insight. Delegates will gain practical guidance on using data to improve strategic decision-making, organisational performance and stakeholder trust.
A conference shaped by sector experience
Collectively, TechSmart’s chairs represent the best of both worlds: deep sector knowledge and hands-on experience of delivering technology-based change. Bringing together expertise from membership bodies and charities, they understand the realities organisations face when adopting new technologies and transforming the way they work.
Delegates will be able to rely on these experienced and trusted sector leaders to guide discussions, share practical insights and help navigate the opportunities and challenges facing organisations today.
