Be a part of the discussion
Network with like-minded senior leaders, inspirational speakers, and innovative solution providers as they address the most relevant and pressing challenges in higher education today.
ATTEND HEPN
Discover invaluable insights
Navigate a rapidly changing landscape with the collective expertise of trusted peers from across the sector. In true HEPN style, our event brings together senior university leaders and solution providers to soundboard, benchmark, and learn from each other – in a closed, vetted environment.
Key themes for this year include:
- Financial sustainability: Addressing fiscal pressures through diversified income, operational efficiencies, and innovative partnerships with industry, regions, and international stakeholders.
- Digital transformation and AI: Leveraging AI and digital tools to improve learning, operations, and workforce capability while driving institutional efficiency.
- Value, trust, and the student proposition: Rebuilding trust and demonstrating tangible return on investment for current and future students.
- Policy and system reform: Preparing for upcoming policy changes including the Lifelong Learning Entitlement and immigration reforms.
- Strategic collaboration for resilience: Exploring shared services, cross-institution partnerships, and collaborative leadership to strengthen efficiency without compromising quality.
- Redefining student success: Moving beyond traditional metrics to focus on employability, engagement, retention, and inclusive access.
- Inclusion, belonging, and wellbeing: Ensuring all students feel supported, engaged, and able to thrive.
- Cybersecurity and data governance: Protecting institutional systems and sensitive data while meeting evolving compliance requirements.
What you will gain from attending?
Engage directly with Vice-Chancellors, Pro Vice-Chancellors, CFOs, CIOs, and Directors from across the higher education sector – sharing real experiences and practical strategies in a focused, peer-led environment.
Explore cutting-edge solutions in AI, data analytics, digital learning, and cyber security from providers who understand the unique pressures facing universities today.
Build lasting relationships with senior leaders navigating the same institutional challenges – from financial resilience to digital transformation and student experience.
Take part in workshops, breakout sessions, and roundtables designed to turn insight into action – helping you build a clear, practical roadmap for transformation at your institution.
Discover how leading institutions are improving data capture, governance, and analytics to support better strategic decisions and meet regulatory expectations.
Gain the tools, connections, and confidence to lead your institution through the challenges ahead – from policy reform and demographic change to financial uncertainty and evolving student needs.
- Vice-Chancellor
- Deputy Vice-Chancellor
- Chief Financial Officer
- Chief Operating Officer
- Chief Information Officer
- Chief Data Officer
- Chief Digital Officer
- Pro Vice-Chancellor (Education / Academic Strategy / Transformation / Student Experience / Planning)
- Registrar
- Executive Dean
- Director of Digital Strategy
- Director of Finance
- Director of Data and Business Intelligence
- Director of Transformation
- Director of Student Experience
- Director of Employability
- Director of Innovation
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Complimentary passes for education senior leaders
Invaluable industry specific insights and unique networking opportunities
One-on-one business meetings
Main room and breakout room presentations
Breakfast, lunch and a drinks reception
Digital copies of all the presentations
Sponsored networking dinner
Frequently Asked Questions
HEPN is designed for senior leaders from higher education institutions, including Vice-Chancellors, Deputy Vice-Chancellors, Chief Financial Officers, Chief Information Officers, Pro Vice-Chancellors, and Directors across digital, data, transformation, finance, and student experience. If you're leading change at your institution, this event is for you.
No. Senior leaders from higher education institutions can apply for a complimentary delegate pass, which includes an overnight stay at the venue as well as all meals and refreshments – you will never be asked to pay. Simply complete our registration form and we'll review your application.
You'll connect with peers facing the same institutional pressures, discover proven approaches from universities already delivering results, and engage with suppliers offering relevant solutions – all in a focused, distraction-free environment designed for meaningful conversation and practical takeaways.
As a delegate, you'll have the opportunity to select pre-scheduled one-to-one meetings with solution providers relevant to your current priorities. These are arranged in advance and built into the agenda, so you arrive knowing exactly who you'll meet and why.
HEPN is not a trade show or a lecture series. It's a closed, invitation-only forum where senior university leaders set the agenda. Sessions are shaped by delegate priorities, discussions are peer-led, and every element is designed to produce practical, actionable outcomes – not just conversation.
When you register, you'll be asked about your institution's current priorities and challenges. Your responses directly inform the agenda, session topics, and the solution providers invited to attend – ensuring the event reflects what matters most to you and your peers.
We're hosting two events in 2026: HEPN North (The Manchester Deansgate, Manchester, 31 April – 1 May) and HEPN South (Radisson Blu Edwardian, Heathrow, 12–13 November). You're welcome to attend one or both.
HEPN 2026 Registration
30 April - 1 May 2026, The Manchester Deansgate, Manchester.
Please provide as much detail as you can when completing this form. Your responses directly inform the agenda, discussion topics, and the solution provider selection – ensuring the event reflects the real pressures and priorities across the sector.
Please note that all registrations are subject to approval by our delegate team.
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