When University of Birmingham says we can manage conferences ‘on campus and beyond,’ we really mean it.
Louise Walczak, our Deputy Head of Event Management, recently returned from Dubai after successfully delivering the BRIDGE Signature Conference on Advancing Education in Partnership with the Global South – a landmark event on our Middle East campus, attended by 75 academics from across the world with keynote speeches, workshops and a busy social schedule involving camels and desert.
This was more than just a conference; it was a statement of our global capability and commitment to excellence.
The event at a glance
- Location: University of Birmingham Dubai campus
- Delegates: 75 participants from 11 countries (including Antigua and Barbuda, Brazil, India, Kenya, Malaysia, Pakistan, South Africa, Tanzania, UAE, UK, and USA)
- Programme highlights:
- Friday: Welcome reception for speakers at the hotel
- Saturday and Sunday: Formal sessions including keynote lectures, breakout discussions, and collaborative workshops
- Saturday evening: Cultural desert experience with food and camel rides – giving delegates a taste of Dubai’s heritage
- Special feature: The conference celebrated the University’s 125th anniversary, with professional photography and videography capturing the milestone.
Our involvement
This was the first conference our department has ever delivered in Dubai, and Louise led the charge. From navigating local regulations and securing permits through the Dubai government, to coordinating logistics, accommodation, social events, and payments, Louise ensured every detail was covered.
She worked closely with the local University team, who supported with permits and transport arrangements, and collaborated with the organising committee to deliver a seamless experience. We partnered with the University of Illinois to provide content for the conference webpage and programme.
‘I feel truly privileged to have played a part in organising this landmark conference — our very first on the Dubai campus. From collaborating with inspiring colleagues to welcoming exceptional speakers, it was a remarkable experience that brought people together to create something unforgettable. Since this event, my confidence has grown tenfold, and there were so many valuable lessons that I learnt during this, like how to properly apply for a permit and understanding the different local regulations, all which I can bring with me into our next global conference.’
This event proves that our Conferences and Events team can deliver world-class conferences anywhere, whether on our Edgbaston campus or thousands of miles away in Dubai. It also highlights our ability to adapt, innovate, and create unforgettable experiences for delegates from across the globe.
‘I look forward to exploring further opportunities for the team to deliver conferences, both on and off campus, that support our Birmingham 2030 Strategic Framework and strengthen our position as professional event organisers.’
What others had to say...
‘Louise is the most professional conference and event manager I have worked with. She demonstrates exceptional attention to detail, keeps the organising committee focused and on schedule, liaises effectively with a wide range of external service providers, and responds to participant queries promptly and professionally.’
‘The BRIDGE Signature Initiative Conference represented a significant milestone, as it showcased our sustained partnership with the University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign. Louise’s work clearly demonstrates the University of Birmingham’s convening power and thought leadership, as well as our distinctive strength in operating two strategically positioned campuses that attract global talent.’
Ready to take your conference beyond Birmingham?
Our expertise aren’t limited to our campuses; we’d love to help you deliver exceptional events at inspiring venues across the UK and internationally. Wherever your conference takes you, we can make it happen.
Get in touch with our Conferences and Events team today and let’s create something extraordinary together.
