This year, we were delighted to welcome more than 100 delegates from 49 universities, alongside 41 exhibitors to the University of Warwick for the 2026 CUBO Summer Conference.
Over two days, attendees explored the challenges and opportunities facing higher education today, from student experience and belonging to commercial sustainability, AI and innovation.
With thought-provoking keynotes, engaging workshops, new research and plenty of opportunities to connect with colleagues and partners from across the sector, the conference provided a valuable space to exchange ideas and look ahead to the future.
CUBO Summer Conference 2026 Delegate
Across the two days, several key themes emerged that reflect both the challenges and opportunities facing campus and commercial services across higher education:
Campus experience is increasingly central to institutional success
Speakers highlighted the growing role campus and commercial services play in supporting student satisfaction, belonging, retention and the financial sustainability of their institutions.
Student expectations continue to evolve
From commuter students and changing lifestyles, to AI and new ways of engaging with services, sessions explored how universities can adapt to the needs of today's students.
Inclusion goes beyond belonging
New research from CUBO and Global Student Living highlighted the importance of looking beyond belonging alone and considering factors such as affordability, conflict, safety and day-to-day living experiences.
Technology must enhance, not replace, human connection
Across discussions on AI, communications and student services, speakers emphasised the importance of using technology to improve experiences while maintaining trust and transparency.
Future-ready organisations embrace change
Whether discussing leadership, commercial strategy or student experience, delegates were encouraged to challenge assumptions and view change as an opportunity rather than a barrier.
The conference provided members with an early look at CUBO's next five-year strategy, currently being developed in partnership with Strive Higher.
Delegates were encouraged to share their views and help shape the future direction of the organisation, while the launch of CUBO's new Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging (EDIB) Framework reinforced CUBO's commitment to building a more inclusive community.
Help shape CUBO's future by completing the CUBO Strategy Survey
Broadcaster and journalist Felicity Hannah explored the changing higher education landscape and the growing role campus and commercial services play in supporting both students and institutions.
Drawing on examples from across the sector, the session examined changing student behaviours, financial pressures and the opportunities institutions have to innovate while continuing to deliver meaningful experiences.
"You are where the memories are made."
One of the conference's most talked-about sessions saw Dr Paul Redmond challenge delegates to rethink assumptions about today's students.
Exploring generational change, commuter students, belonging and the impact of technology, the session encouraged attendees to reflect on how universities can adapt to meet changing needs and expectations.
"Our students are not a younger version of us. They're new people."
Drawing on more than 54,000 student responses, this session explored how faith and ethnicity shape the student accommodation experience across the UK and Ireland.
The findings prompted important conversations around belonging, inclusion and the practical ways institutions can support diverse student communities.
"Inclusion is about more than belonging."
Peter Moore explored the opportunities and challenges presented by artificial intelligence and what they could mean for the future campus experience.
From personalisation and student expectations to trust, transparency and data, delegates were encouraged to consider how institutions can embrace innovation while maintaining the relationships and confidence that underpin successful student services.
"How do we move fast on personalisation without losing the trust that makes it work?"
Allister Frost delivered an energetic and thought-provoking keynote focused on embracing change, staying curious and preparing for the future.
Through practical examples and audience participation, delegates were encouraged to challenge assumptions, think differently and create space for new ideas and opportunities.
"If something works today, it's obsolete."
With 16 workshops taking place across the conference programme, delegates explored a wide range of topics affecting campus and commercial services, from AI and student culture to conferencing, accommodation, sustainability and communications.
Below are just a few of the sessions that sparked discussion and received particularly positive feedback from attendees.
Taking inspiration from Back to the Future, this engaging session invited delegates to fast-forward to 2036 and consider how AI, entrepreneurship and changing student behaviours could reshape the campus experience.
While the technology may be changing rapidly, speakers emphasised the importance of ensuring future campus environments continue to support connection, collaboration and a strong sense of community.
Are universities making the most of their conferences and events operations?
This session encouraged delegates to look beyond venue hire and consider how conferences and events can strengthen institutional reputation, support research ambitions, build partnerships and contribute to wider strategic objectives. Rachel and Lee challenged attendees to rethink events teams not as operational support functions, but as commercial leaders capable of delivering value far beyond revenue generation.
How do you communicate with students who are balancing study, work, friendships, social media and everything else university life throws at them?
Drawing on examples from LSE, this session explored how institutions can move beyond simply sending information and instead focus on creating communications that students notice, understand and act upon. Delegates were encouraged to think differently about channel choice, student insight and meaningful measures of success.
"Successful student brands won't communicate more... they'll communicate better."
CUBO Summer Conference 2026 Delegate
The conference concluded with the CUBO Awards Dinner, bringing together delegates, partners and exhibitors to celebrate the very best of campus and commercial services.
Following the highest number of award submissions in the past three years, the awards showcased the innovation, creativity and impact taking place across the sector.
Hosted by Piers Gibbon, Master of Ceremonies for the University of Warwick's graduation ceremonies since 2022, the evening was a fitting end to two days of learning and networking.
Congratulations to all of our winners, finalists and nominees.
We're delighted to announce that the 2027 CUBO Summer Conference will be hosted by the University of Exeter.
We look forward to bringing the CUBO community together once again for another opportunity to connect and learn.
Further details will be announced soon.
