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We are pleased to be hosting this year's conference at the The Palmer Building, University of Reading on Wednesday 4 September and Thursday 5 September: 

This is a crucial moment for the university sector. We face significant financial and reputational challenges across all four nations of the Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹û. The conference will cover the following key areas, with expert speakers from across the sector and related industries.

• How the next government will impact higher education policy
• How universities can continue to attract domestic and international talent and investment into the Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹û
• Impact of changes to demography
• Understanding the opportunities for social mobility and the changing needs of learners
• How higher education should respond to meet the world’s needs for research and innovation given global challenges, the evolution of collaboration, and technological developments
• How universities meet the needs of employers and local communities with growing demand for public services, and changes in technology, and the environment

Who can attend?

• Wednesday 4 September (10am-5.30pm, followed by dinner at 7pm): Vice-Chancellors and Principals only
• Thursday 5 September (9am-4.30pm, with optional breakfast meetings): Vice-Chancellors and Principals, alongside their senior leadership teams

This webpage is being continuously updated with further agenda announcements - please check back soon or keep an eye out for updates via email.

If you have any queries, please contact us at [email protected], or call us on 07500 441505.

Both days (for Vice-Chancellors and Principals - £425.00):

• If you are a member (Vice-Chancellor/Principal) booking a place for both days of the conference or letting us know you cannot attend/that you are sending a deputy,

Day 2 only (for SLT - £355.00):

• If you are a member of your university's senior leadership team booking a place to join day two of the conference,

Group bookings (£1,300.00):

• We are pleased to be able to offer a discounted rate for bookings of £1,300 for institutions who wish to book a place for their Vice-Chancellor/Principal and three other senior leadership team places at the conference. If you wish to do this, please email [email protected].

Please note that the members’ day is open to Vice-Chancellors/Principals and invited guests only.

Q: Our VC/Principal cannot attend Day One (September 4) – can we send a deputy instead?

A: Yes, if they cannot attend personally, we will accept a deputy being booked in their place.

Q: Where is this event taking place?

A: The conference is taking place at the The Palmer Building, University of Reading. The postcode is RG6 6EW. The dinner venue will be shared separately with attendees via email.

Q: Is it the same price if our VC/Principal can only attend Day One?

A: Yes, it is the same price – however, if they can only attend day one, you are allowed to send a deputy free of charge in their place for Day Two. Please email [email protected] if that is the case.

Q: How do I take advantage of the £1,300 group booking discount?

A: Please book your VC/Principal on , and the three members of your Senior Leadership Team on  selecting pay by invoice for all bookings. Please then send an email to [email protected] indicating that you have made a group booking, and we will process the discount. Please note that the booking system will automatically provide confirmation emails stating the cost is £355/£425 per place, however the invoice you receive from us will confirm the total cost of £1,300. Please email us at [email protected] if you require any help or guidance.

Q: Can more than one representative from our university attend Day One / the dinner on September 4?

A: No, only one representative from your institution can attend Day One / the dinner. This is either your VC/Principal or a suitable replacement if they are unavailable.

Q: What should I do if the VC/Principal cannot attend and we cannot send a replacement?

A: Please complete the members' registration form and click on the Price Category option to select 'I am unable to attend or send a senior representative in my place'. Please select this option and fill in your VC's details so that we can acknowledge your institution's status.

Q: Can I attend this event virtually?

A: This conference is an in-person only event.

Q: What is the dress code?

A: Business attire.

Q: What accommodation do you recommend?

A: You can book your on-site accommodation within University of Reading's halls of residence through their online. This accommodation is approximately a 5 minute walk from the main conference building.

Alternatively, there are some nearby hotel options for you to book. Please see our recommendations below.

: It is an 18 minute walk from the venue.

: It is a 35 minute walk from the venue.

TBC