HEPN Expo

20 - 21 May 2025, Hilton Deansgate, Manchester

  • Day 1
  • Day 2

20 May 2025

  • 8:00 am - 9:00 am

    Main Room

    Registration

  • 9:00 am - 9:10 am

    Main Room

    Chair's opening remarks

    Richard Michel

    Chief Information and Digital Officer
    University of London

    Welcome to the Higher Education Partnership Network (HEPN)

  • 9:10 am - 9:50 am

    Main Room

    Opening keynote panel – Unlocking innovation amid financial constraints

    Richard Michel

    Chief Information and Digital Officer
    University of London

    Megan Kime

    Director, Digital Education Service
    University of Leeds

    Laurence Eagle

    Independent Consultant
    Advance HE

    We are here to talk real strategy for surviving and thriving in difficult times. With financial pressure intensifying, universities must innovate fast – and work smarter together. This opening keynote panel will discuss how institution...

  • 9:55 am - 10:15 am

    Main Room

    Student living, an untapped source of insight for HE

    Lee Rawlinson

    Director
    Homes for Students

    With over 20 years of experience in student housing and data insights, Director at Homes for Students Lee Rawlinson dives into the world of student living. He will explore how data analysis and corporate partnerships can help to not only...

  • 10:20 am - 10:40 am

    Main Room

    Dragons' Den - Speed presentations

    Our signature ‘Dragons’ Den’ session provides each solution provider with an opportunity to deliver a short pitch, explaining why they are here and how their services can help tackle some of the sector’s ongoing challenges.

    ...
  • 10:45 am - 12:00 pm

    Main Room

    Networking and business meetings

    15 minute meetings with suppliers who are offering solutions most relevant to your challenges. Please check the schedule on the back of your delegate pass for your meeting timings.

  • 12:05 pm - 12:35 pm

    Main Room

    Fireside chat – AI that pays off

    Richard Michel

    Chief Information and Digital Officer
    University of London

    Andrew Gill

    Deputy Director, IT & Digital Services
    Teesside University

    How can artificial intelligence deliver real, measurable returns – not just excitement? This fireside chat will discuss the use of AI to automate time-consuming administrative tasks, reduce staff workload, and unlock cost savings a...

  • 12:40 pm - 1:00 pm

    Main Room

    New Horizons of Creativity

    Niels Stevens

    Principal Solutions Consultant, Education
    Adobe

    As demand grows for AI literacy in careers, students need the skills to express their ideas and deliver standout work using both industry-leading apps and new AI-powered tools. Hear how Adobe is equipping the next generation of creative ...

  • 1:00 pm - 1:45 pm

    Main Room

    Networking lunch

    An opportunity to connect with your peers and suppliers to talk over the learnings from the event. Lunch is served buffet style and a range of options are available to cater for different dietary requirements.

  • 1:50 pm - 2:10 pm

    Main Room

    A Day in the Life of Data: Unlocking Efficiency Across the Academic Operating Model

    Matt Dalton

    UK Commercial Director
    TimeEdit

    Maija Ahokas

    Vice President Sales
    TimeEdit

    Join TimeEdit for an insight-led breakout session where we’ll explore how smarter management of your Academic Operations can simplify and connect the often convoluted processes of curriculum management, academic planning, scheduling, w...

  • 2:10 pm - 2:30 pm

    Main Room

    Exploring new revenue streams through online learning

    Scott Farrow

    Head of Digital Learning
    Edge Hill University

    As the demand for online learning grows, how can universities retain control and ensure long-term value? In this case study from Edge Hill University, we will explore the move away from external OPM partnerships toward building internal ...

  • 2:35 pm - 2:55 pm

    Main Room

    Fireside chat – How on-demand access to digital course materials has transformed the student experience and the value proposition

    Katharine Templeton

    Head of UK Partnerships
    Perlego

    Adrian Ellison

    Pro-Vice Chancellor - People and Digital
    University of West London

    Join Adrian Ellison, Pro Vice-Chancellor for People and Digital at the University of West London, for an insightful fireside session exploring how they are driving out value, navigating the financial landscape and boosting student succes...

  • 3:00 pm - 4:15 pm

    Main Room

    Networking and business meetings

    15 minute meetings with suppliers who are offering solutions most relevant to your challenges. Please check the schedule on the back of your delegate pass for your meeting timings.

  • 4:20 pm - 4:40 pm

    Main Room

    Engaging people in transformation: engaging stakeholders at all levels

    Laura Milne

    Head of Digital Education
    University of Chester

    Even the best strategy will fail without people behind it. This session will focus on how to build genuine engagement across all levels – from front-line staff to senior leadership – to ensure transformation efforts succeed a...

  • 4:45 pm - 5:30 pm

    Main Room

    Closing keynote panel – Building a data-driven university

    Richard Michel

    Chief Information and Digital Officer
    University of London

    Matthew Holden

    Head of Educational Technology
    University of Salford

    Laurence Eagle

    Independent Consultant
    Advance HE

    Data is not just a by-product of operations – it is a strategic asset. This closing panel explores how institutions are using data and predictive analytics to drive smarter decisions, improve student engagement, and achieve academic an...

  • 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

    Main Room

    Hotel check-in / free time

  • 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm

    Main Room

    Drinks reception & networking dinner

Register Now

20 - 21 May 2025, Hilton Deansgate, Manchester