All of our sessions will include a 10-minute interative Q&A to give you an opportunity to engage with the speaker, ask questions, and note key takeaways from the session.
09:30 – 10:00: Arrival and registration
Tea, coffee, and pastries will be available on arrival.
10:00 – 10:15: Welcome and opening remarks
An introduction to the day’s schedule by Angelina Bingley, director of UCAS Media, covering key themes and the importance of shared insights across the sector.
10:15 – 11:10: Redefining provider engagement at fairs
This session will explore Prospectus Plus and UCAS’s latest findings on how prospectuses and in-person engagement at fairs influence student decision-making. Learn about best practices for presenting your materials, how to improve stand engagement at UCAS Discovery events, and the most effective use of giveaways. Discover how to enhance on-site presence and create lasting impressions with prospective students.
11:10 – 11:25: Morning tea/coffee break
A short break to grab refreshments and network informally.
11:25 – 12:10: Does AI Generated Content Outperform Human Generated Content?
This session will highlight the University of Southampton’s award-winning campaign, which tested AI generated content against traditional marketing methods using cutting-edge data insights. Discover how A/B testing and a data-first approach enabled the team to understand more about how AI can be applied in creation of a highly impactful campaign. Learn how you can apply these innovative techniques to your own strategies.
The session will be divided into three parts:
- 15 minutes presentation: An overview of the key strategies and insights from the University of Southampton’s campaign.
- 15 minutes panel discussion: Featuring key members of the team behind the campaign, sharing in-depth insights and challenges.
- 15 minutes of questions from delegates: Questions submitted two weeks prior to the conference will be explored by the panel live on the day
12:10 – 12:50: Project Next Generation – International
This session will focus on the aspirations of future international students and what drives their choices of study pathways. UCAS will present insights into how providers can align with these ambitions, covering key factors influencing students' study decisions, their channel engagement, and early support institutions can provide to the next generation of international students.
12:50 – 13:50: Networking buffet lunch
A buffet lunch will be served in the Rosehill dining area. Take this opportunity to network with peers and discuss the morning’s sessions.
13:50 – 14:45: Post-clearing analysis – navigating student emotions and choices
A detailed look at student experiences post-clearing and how providers can enhance engagement.
We will explore students' emotional journeys during the clearing process, focusing on the drivers behind their final decisions and how providers can improve their support and communication. From understanding why students decline firm offers to optimising post-clearing outreach, this session will offer key insights into improving the clearing experience.
14:45 – 15:00 Afternoon tea/coffee break
A short break for refreshments before the final sessions.
15:00 – 15:30: Global trends in international student mobility – QS presentation
QS will offer a global perspective on international student mobility, based on their Destination UK report. They will explore emerging trends such as sustainability, the impact of generative AI on study and career choices, and how universities can address concerns like the cost of living and accommodation.
15:30 – 16:00: Ask the students – pre-submitted questions
Hear responses from students on university marketing and recruitment.
In this session, we will review answers from UCAS’s in-person student panel in response to questions submitted by delegates. Delegates will be asked to submit their questions two weeks prior to the conference, and we will explore the panel’s responses live on the day. Gain direct insight into students' thoughts on marketing, communication, and recruitment practices, and learn how to apply their feedback to your strategy.
16:00 – 16:30: Closing remarks and informal networking session
Angelina Bingley, director of UCAS Media, will provide final thoughts on the day’s insights, setting the stage for continued collaboration across the sector. Following her remarks, enjoy refreshments while connecting with peers, sharing reflections on the sessions, and building new partnerships.