ACCU on Sea : A joint production of ACCU and C++ on Sea

Two great UK software developer conferences come together in one great venue for a week just above sea level.

C++ on Sea has been running since 2019 and, despite the setback of the pandemic years just as it was getting going, has gone from strength to strength. Against a backdrop of declining attendance at many other conferences in the community, this has been heartening.

But C++ on Sea wasn't the first C++ conference in the UK. The ACCU Conference has been running since the 90s, and its success has been a strong model for many of the C++ conferences we now have around the world - including C++ on Sea!

While there were some things we wanted to do differently, the core of what makes C++ on Sea great was really honed by the ACCU conference. Since last year we (Shaved Yaks) have also been event-managing ACCU, so some of those differences have been folded back in, anyway.

In fact, at this point, the biggest difference between the events (apart from location) is that ACCU as an organisation is not about just C++. It has its roots in C and C++, but for some years has included interest in surrounding topics, such as agile practices and other languages. The conference has reflected that, but has always been predominantly C++ - with usually approximately three tracks devoted to C++.

As it happens, this year's C++ on Sea was three tracks in total. The other difference is that the main ACCU conference runs for four days instead of C++ on Sea's three. So technically it has more C++ content than C++ on Sea!

But why are we talking about this?

Well, with all this in mind, we’re excited to announce that in 2026 C++ on Sea will be joining forces with ACCU to present a single combined event!

From the perspective of a C++ on Sea regular this change is purely additive: more C++ content (as we adopt ACCU's four-day format), and the addition of non-C++ content that is, nonetheless, very often very interesting to C++ developers.

The format will be slightly different, following ACCU more closely. That's not a big change, as we were not too far from that model to start with, anyway. But it does mean running for four days. And that fourth day will be on a Saturday - a first for C++ on Sea. We'll also return to pre-conference workshops on Monday and Tuesday.

Three tracks will be purely C++ tracks. You can think of these tracks as C++ on Sea, within the wider ACCU conference, but running for an extra day.

But where will this event run? The ACCU conference has been in Bristol for the last decade. But part of C++ on Sea’s identity is its location - it’s right there in the name! So, as part of this arrangement, ACCU will also be relocating to C++ on Sea’s venue in Folkestone.

ACCU traditionally has run in the Spring, but to take full advantage of the seaside location, we’ll continue to run in June next year.

Because of that extra day there will be a price increase (as most expenses will increase in proportion!) But, to mitigate that, we'll be doing two things:

1. We'll offer a three-day ticket at this year's price.
2. For a limited time (and limited number) we are offering Super Early-Bird tickets, at this year's prices, but for the whole four-day event!

So if you're able to commit early, you'll get all the benefits of this collaboration, at no extra cost!

Exciting times. We’re really looking forward to seeing how this all works out. See you at next year’s event.

ACCU on Sea : Leas Cliff Hall, Folkestone, Kent
15th-20th June 2026.

2025 T-Shirt and Dinner sales will close soon

Food for thought

One of the highlights of the conference is "Dinner on Sea" - the dinner event we hold at the venue on the second evening (Tuesday, this year). This is often called the Speakers Dinner, as the speakers are our guests of honour and we try to distribute them evenly around the tables so everyone has a change to interact with them.

But this dinner is not just for speakers. It's also a great chance to network with others, enjoy great food prepared by the venue chefs (who also cater to weddings and other gala events), and experience the views over the sea as the sun sets.

But we do need to close dinner ticket sales earlier, so the venue has enough time to order the food in. So don't miss out! Get your dinner ticket today, or at least by Friday, 13th June.

Been there, done that - but did you get the t-shirt?

Similarly for t-shirts, we need to order in time to have them delivered. So if you want the perfect souvenir of the conference, please be sure to order yours by Wednesday, 11th June.

Getting to C++ on Sea, and getting the most out of it

First, if you're travelling from outside the UK please make sure you are aware of the new visa/ travel authorisation rules that came into effect this year!

Now, where-ever you are coming from, if this your first time coming to Folkestone (or if you just need a refresher) we do have a dedicated travel page that goes into the different options and routes.

Now, going further than that, Jason Turner has put together a great travelog video based on his visit last year that I recommend giving a watch. It's only 11 minutes, but packs in a lot of tips, as well as first-person perspective.