Arrival, registration and refreshments. Delegates collect badges and materials.
Meet in foyer, Jubilee Conference Centre - Coaches arrive at 10:00 outside of front entrance
A guided tour of the University of Nottingham campus, showcasing their facilities, services and recent developments. Followed by a presentation from the host institution on their approach to commercial and campus services.
Please register to attend tour (this will give us an idea of expected numbers for coach transfer)
Networking lunch with the opportunity to visit exhibition stands and connect with suppliers and fellow delegates.
Sue Pimblett, CUBO Chair and Susanna Broom, CUBO Executive Director
Sue opens the conference formally, setting the scene for the two days ahead. Susanna delivers an update on CUBO's strategic direction, membership developments and key activities.
Facilitated Discussion
An open, honest and interactive discussion session where delegates share recent successes, challenges and lessons learned from across their institutions. A chance to hear what's really happening on the ground, the wins worth celebrating, the problems worth solving, and the issues no one else is talking about.
One university, one Commercial Services team, two powerful examples of collaboration in action.
In this engaging 45-minute session, colleagues from the University of Nottingham will explore how collaborative working across departments can deliver meaningful impact and support wider institutional objectives.
Through one practical case study, delegates will gain insight into successful cross-team partnerships and the value of bringing different expertise together to achieve shared goals.
• From Active Living to World Championships – Maximising Campus Assets & Services all-year-Round through sport.
Presenters will share the background to each project, the collaborative approaches taken, lessons learned and the outcomes achieved. Together, these examples showcase how teams with different priorities, audiences and operational pressures can work collectively to deliver successful results and strengthen the university experience.
Delegates will gain practical insights, fresh ideas and a greater understanding of how innovation and collaboration can drive success across diverse commercial services functions.
Refreshment break with further opportunity to explore the exhibition and network with peers and suppliers.
Fireside Chat, hosted by Joe Hurd with Ben Branson, Entrepreneur and Founder of Seedlip
This session explores neurodiversity in the workplace, offering personal insight and practical understanding for leaders managing diverse teams. A timely and important conversation about inclusion, awareness and the strengths that different minds bring to our sector.
Sue Pimblett, CUBO Chair
The CUBO Chair closes the first day's formal programme, reflecting on key themes and setting expectations for the evening and Day 2.
Delegates check into their accommodation.
Pre-dinner drinks reception, an opportunity to relax, socialise and continue conversations from the day in an informal setting.
An informal conference dinner bringing all delegates together for an evening of good food, conversation and community.
Full breakfast for all residential delegates.
Cassie Davison, Hospitality SME expert, author, speaker and consultant
This keynote explores key trends, challenges, and opportunities across the hospitality sector and what they mean for higher education. From workforce pressures and customer expectations to regulation and innovation, we will examine what we can learn from the wider industry.
Introduced by Helen Rutherford, CUBO Sustainability Lead. Keynote led by Raymond Gianotten, Lead DRS Advisor, and Teni Charles, Events & Partnership Lead, Exchange for Change
The UK's Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) represents one of the biggest changes to drinks container recycling in a generation. While the principles are simple, the operational impact for organisations that buy, sell, serve or collect drinks will be significant.
This session will provide a practical overview of how the scheme will work in practice, from deposits and barcodes through to collection points, reverse vending technology, logistics and producer responsibilities. We'll explore why DRS is being introduced, the environmental and economic drivers behind it, and how it is expected to improve recycling rates and support a more circular economy.
Importantly, we'll examine what DRS means for university catering outlets, bars, cafés, conference venues and accommodation services. Drawing on lessons from countries where similar schemes have been operating successfully for years, attendees will gain valuable insight into the challenges, opportunities and preparations needed ahead of implementation.
Key takeaways:
Final refreshment break and last opportunity to visit exhibition stands, collect materials and speak with suppliers.
Speaker details to follow
A live panel discussion featuring voices from the sector. This extended session brings together perspectives on student accommodation, the residential experience and the evolving role of housing in student life. Expect honest conversation, audience interaction and real-world insight from practitioners at the sharp end.
Steve Hargreaves, Founder & Director of The Compassionate Leadership Company
This session explores what compassionate leadership truly means, and why it's a game-changer in today's workplace. We'll explore the key characteristics and traits that define a compassionate leader and identify the critical moments when leaders really need to show up for their teams.
But let's be clear: compassion isn't about being "nice." We'll tackle the tough side of leading with compassion, including having difficult conversations, minimising conversational debt, and managing people we don't naturally click with, even under pressure. Because as the saying goes, clear is kind, and sometimes the most compassionate thing you can do is tell the truth.
Beyond strategy and skills, we'll explore what compassionate leadership actually feels like, why emotional culture matters, and how to minimise the dreaded "emotional hangover" that comes from leading without awareness.
You'll walk away with practical, actionable tips and skills you can start practicing right away
Sue Pimblett, CUBO Chair
Sue brings the conference to a close, summarising key themes, takeaways and next steps for the network.
A final lunch together before delegates depart. Last chance for networking, exchanging contact details and continuing conversations sparked over the two days.
