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Conference: Universities UK 2019

Conference: Universities UK 2019

The UUK conference is a key fixture in the higher education calendar, as the largest annual gathering of the UK’s Vice-Chancellors and Principals.

UUK at the University of Birmingham

This year’s conference theme was UK universities in a changing world, reflecting the challenges and opportunities presented by a period of political uncertainty.

The event saw the inaugural speech from the new President of UUK, Professor Julia Buckingham CBE, as well as government guest speakers and the University of Birmingham’s own Chancellor, Lord Bilimoria.

Lecture theatre in Aston Webb Building University oif Birmingham

The ideal location

The Bramall was the perfect setting for the important discussions of day one, which hinged on policy. Gavin Williamson, the new Education Secretary, urged universities to drop controversial unconditional offers in a headline-grabbing first speech.

The Great Hall provided exhibition space for key sponsors Jisc, Pearson, Future Learn, Unite Students and UPP.

Across both days of the conference, it was also an excellent backdrop for a hot lunch buffet, refreshments and networking.

UUK catering and exhibition in the Great Hall

Breakout sessions were held in a range of lecture theatres in the Aston Webb building, and the centre of campus.

Sessions ranged from tackling the BAME attainment gap and online harassment to international opportunities and higher education as a bridge to global investment and talent. The central campus location of all venues meant easy movement between sessions for delegates – and a beautiful setting too.

Event success

Excellent venues and high-quality food alone can’t deliver an outstanding conference for delegates.

The event management team work behind the scenes with organisers, to create a seamless event experience.

“Working with the event coordinator and her team at Birmingham University was great, and they really went above and beyond to help ensure our event was everything we wanted it to be.”
Sanaa Al-Busaidy, UUK

UUK lecture theatre in Aston Webb

Academic conferences

The University of Birmingham Conferences & events team are event management specialists for academic conferences.

  • Financial planning and management
  • Sponsorship and trade exhibition
  • Programme and project management
  • Website and online registration
  • Assisting with international visitors
  • Marketing and publicity
  • Abstract submission
  • Book design
  • Book and poster printing
  • Stewarding

 

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