Manchester
30 APR - 1 MAY 2026
London
12 - 13 NOV
2026
Supporting collaboration & innovation in higher education
The UK higher education sector has long been known for its excellence, attracting students from all over the world to study at our prestigious institutions. Recently, the cost-of-living crisis, rising tuition fees, increased competition for international students, and a changing regulatory framework have all made the environment more challenging.
However, there are few areas of the UK economy with the capacity to grow and generate export earnings as impressive as the higher education sector.
We start from a position of tremendous strength and need to make the most of British ingenuity and innovation to develop new and affordable models to deliver the best outcomes for students and staff alike. To do this we need to be at the forefront of the digital revolution.
Education is changing fast, and we must be agile in our response. HEPN exists to support and define strategies, setting out plans to harness them.
The event will explore the key challenges facing the UK higher education sector and discuss possible solutions to ensure its continued success. This year we have a particular focus on internationalisation, setting the foundations for success, as well as new approaches to improving the student experience.
This event is free to attend for all C-Suite higher education budget holders. All accommodation and refreshments are included with your registration.
- Real-time answers to your challenges: world-class speakers, industry visionaries and innovative technology suppliers will be on hand to give you inspiration and advice you won’t get anywhere else
- Peer-to-peer knowledge exchange: over 100 senior executives like you will be in the room ready to share their challenges and how they have overcome them
- Transformative solutions: meet innovative suppliers ready to revolutionize your student learning outcomes
- Expand your network meaningfully: forge relationships with senior leaders and build lasting relationships beyond the event
- Get guaranteed face time with key decision makers: a minimum of 9 one-on-one meetings with senior leaders that are looking to invest in new solutions
- Connect with the public sector C-suite: take part in a range of formal and informal networking opportunities across the event
- Put your solution in the spotlight: present your solution on the main stage, in breakout areas, and during our popular Dragons’ Den speed presentation
- Maximise your ROI:event sponsorship includes branding, meals, and refreshments. No stand costs, no surprises – just a guaranteed return on investment
SPEAKERS
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Liz Bacon
Vice-Chancellor
Abertay University -
Giles Carden
Chief Strategy Officer and Chief of Staff
University of Southampton -
Ceri Nursaw
Chief Executive
NCEE -
Claire Hamshire
Pro Vice-Chancellor, Education and Student Experience
The University of Salford -
Ann Thanaraj
Associate Professor and Chair, AI Operations Group
Teesside University -
Monica Jones
Chief Data Officer
University of Leeds -
Osama Khan
Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic
Aston University -
Sarah Jones
Pro Vice Chancellor, Education
Southampton Solent University -
Mehjabeen Patrick
Chief Finance and Operations Officer
Arts University Bournemouth -
Mark White
Chief Financial Officer
Aberdeen University -
Rachel Brealey
Chief Operating Officer
University of Leeds
SPONSORS
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Eddisons LinkedIn eddisons.com Eddisons specialises in supporting our clients toward a greener future for owners, occupiers, and everyone in between. Our varied departments provide exceptional building surveying, valuations and even PFI advice to public and private sector organisations across the country, alongside our dedicated decarbonisation specialists to assist with applications and delivery for Salix-funded projects. We help to achieve clients’ sustainability goals by sourcing and securing funding for the Low Carbon Skills Fund and Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, among others.
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Telex UK Website Telex UK: Public Sector Utilities Made Simple Telex UK specialise in delivering innovative, customer-centric utility solutions. What We Do: • Smarter Utility Purchasing: We leverage our long-term industry expertise, market intelligence and a wide range of established providers to build each organisation a bespoke procurement strategy. • Comprehensive Monitoring: Through the Telex Insights portal we track and measure consumption • On Site Audits: Our team of Energy and Water Managers will provide on-site audits designed to help organisations reduce consumptions • Carbon Reporting: All organisations we work with will receive Carbon Reporting software to aid them with carbon footprint reduction. • Dedicated Account Management: Our customers tell us that our service is the best in the industry.
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BabelQuest LinkedIn babelquest.co.uk BabelQuest brings extensive experience to the higher education sector, specialising in leveraging HubSpot's powerful platform to transform student recruitment processes. With a proven track record working alongside universities and colleges, we expertly streamline admissions pipelines, enhance prospective student engagement, and optimise alumni relations through sophisticated automation and data-driven strategies. Our dedicated team understands the unique challenges educational institutions face, implementing tailored HubSpot solutions that nurture relationships throughout the entire student lifecycle. From initial interest to post-graduation development, BabelQuest delivers integrated systems that increase efficiency, improve conversion rates, and foster lasting connections with your educational community.
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Risepoint LinkedIn risepoint.co.uk Risepoint provides trusted expertise and partnership to more than 100 higher ed institutions in five countries including the United Kingdom. For nearly 20 years we’ve been helping institutions develop and grow their high-ROI, workforce-focused online degree programs in critical areas such as business, technology, health and public service. Our team is dedicated to increasing access to education so that more students— especially working adults—can improve their careers, meet employer needs, and strengthen local and global communities. We do so by supporting effective, accelerated learning at scale, investing in enrolment growth, and fostering successful student outcomes. Learn more at www.risepoint.com.
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QA Higher Education LinkedIn qahighereducation.com QA Higher Education is on a mission to be the UK’s leading private higher education provider for employability outcomes. Serving as an engine of economic opportunity, student transformation and global impact. By working with universities to widen access to high-quality higher education, QA Higher Education enhances career prospects for a diverse range of domestic and international students. Through a variety of partnership models, QA Higher Education recruits for and delivers foundation, undergraduate and postgraduate programmes that increase and diversify enrolment across student demographics and subject areas.
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FeedbackFruits LinkedIn feedbackfruits.com FeedbackFruits provides a unified system for designing, delivering, and scaling evidence-based learning activities, fully integrated into your LMS. With ready-to-use templates, thousands of modular Learning Designs, and advanced analytics, our Learning Design System enhances student engagement, reduces faculty workload, and empowers institutions to create impactful, competency-based learning experiences that prepare students for future careers
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Formus Pro LinkedIn formuspro.com
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The Times Higher Education LinkedIn timeshighereducation.com
TESTIMONIALS