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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 UK. 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 UK
• 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