What will life on campus look like in ten years — and are you ready for it?

In this fast-paced, forward-looking session, we'll take you on a journey to 2036: a world where AI is reshaping how students live, connect, and thrive on campus. Drawing on emerging trends in technology, student culture and the evolving landscape of UK higher education, we'll cut through the hype and get practical about what's actually coming — and what CUBO members need to do about it now.

We'll explore how artificial intelligence is moving from back-office tool to frontline experience-shaper, transforming everything from how students find community to how your teams operate day-to-day.

We'll look honestly at the shifting nature of student identity — the rise of the portfolio career mindset, digital entrepreneurship and a generation that expects their living environment to support their whole self.

And we'll talk about what that means for you: the spaces you design, the services you offer and the staff you develop.

You'll leave with:
1.    A clear-eyed view of how AI can meaningfully enhance peer connection, living-learning communities and the student experience — beyond the buzzwords
2.    Practical ideas for creating environments that support student entrepreneurship, digital identity and collaborative living
3.    Frameworks for using technology to strengthen — not replace — the human relationships at the heart of student wellbeing

This workshop will explore some of the key challenges facing campus and commercial services and opportunities to drive sustained performance, which balances experience, efficiency, and commerciality. The session will cover different operating models and the associated pros and cons, with group participation to share and discuss sector examples and best practices. 

Higher education communications teams are under increasing pressure to engage students more effectively, with tighter budgets, rising expectations, and an ever-expanding digital landscape.

This one-hour, multi-speaker session will share practical, proven approaches to student communications, drawing on real-world experience from LSE. Delegates will leave with clear frameworks, tools, and confidence to review, evolve, and strengthen their own student communications strategies.

Aims of the session
By the end of the session, delegates will:
•    Have the tools and understanding to critically review and improve their student communications.
•    Understand cost-effective ways to maximise reach, relevance, and impact.
•    Gain insight into the latest and emerging platforms, tools, and technologies shaping student communications.

For many universities, conferences and events are still viewed as a secondary income stream, filling gaps, supporting accommodation and catering, and serving quieter periods. However, in today’s climate, that mindset is holding institutions back.

What if conferences and events were positioned as a strategic lever for growth, influence and impact?
This session challenges the traditional view and reframes conferences and events as a core part of commercial strategy. We’ll explore how they can actively support research ambitions, strengthen partnerships, enhance institutional reputation and unlock smarter use of estate.

Crucially, we won’t just talk about why this matters, we will focus on what needs to change. From operating models to mindset, we’ll unpack what a genuinely commercial approach looks like in practice, and how to evolve your offer to deliver more than just revenue.
Expect practical insight, honest discussion and ideas you can take back and apply immediately.

This session will showcase how we actively support in-house catering teams to maximise value, strengthen capability, and future-proof their operations. Focusing on both procurement excellence and professional development, we will highlight the practical tools, frameworks, and opportunities available to our members.

Attendees will gain insight into how collaborative procurement initiatives drive cost efficiencies and unlock greater value. We will also explore our growing Learning & Development offer, designed to build skills, leadership, and resilience across catering teams.
Whether you are looking to reduce costs, enhance team capability, or strengthen your service offer, this session will provide a clear view of how membership delivers tangible, measurable benefits. Delegates will also receive our latest brochure, outlining the full range of support available.