Universities across the globe have been striving to improve their efficiency for some time, many enjoying considerable success. Whilst scope for further improvement remains, the unique challenges facing our sector in the coming period cannot all be answered with efficiency initiatives.  New providers entering the sector, future students expecting the highest standards in customer service and digital excellence, and the fundamental changes needed in teaching and research as a result of disruptive technologies like virtual reality and artificial intelligence, represent just some of the unique challenges facing the Higher Education sector. Our universities will need to harness all of their creative talent to find effective ways to adapt and respond.  The SUMS Annual Conference 2017 will explore the various ways that the sector is starting to address these issues through a number of different lenses.

Download the day's agenda at the bottom of the page

Our keynote speakers on the day include:

Joel Arber, Pro Vice-Chancellor at the University of Central Lancashire. A brand strategist and strategic communications expert, Joel’s hypothesis is that universities have become popular punchbags in recent months and that the sector is in need of an overhaul of both its practices and its image. His session will explore the vilification of universities as ‘remoaners-in-chief’ and draw lessons from the commercial world that could create a brighter future for the sector, particularly within the context of a powerful and newly mobilised student vote.

Claire Taylor, Principal Consultant  at SUMS Consulting. An expert in integrated strategic planning and collaborative benchmarking studies, Claire will provide delegates an exclusive first look at the results of SUMS' Future of HE Survey - highlighting the trends in Higher Education, their likely impacts and the actions institutions can take to exploit and mitigate them.

George Robey, Lead Industry Solution Consultant at Oracle. George's experience in providing high level and complex solutions at all levels allows him to provide a deep insight on one of the most complex challenges universities now face - how to ensure they deliver an exceptional student experience. An interactive taster session will also provide an insight into the experience mapping tools that can help institutions focus on the moments that matter and how these can be best designed to meet student needs and expectations.

Louise Bevan, Head of Business Intelligence at Vodafone. A pragmatic leader of change, Louise's 20+ years of experience in Enterprise and Consumer markets have allowed her to understand the essential need of Business Intelligence for growth and competitive advantage in modern industry. Louise will share with listeners the approach that Vodafone adopts and consider how Business Intelligence has shaped strategies and delivered real benefits beyond efficiencies.

Booking Information

To book a place at this event, please complete the online booking form below.

SUMS Members - free to attend
Non-Members - £245+VAT

Download the detailed agenda below, or alternatively click here.