This year’s event proved extremely popular, with more delegates attending than ever before, and teachers, counsellors, and agents joining us from over 40 countries.
For the first time, we moved from our usual London location to the North West, hosting the event at Manchester’s Principal hotel. This move was popular with many visitors, giving them the chance to experience another region of the UK.
The conference gave delegates the opportunity to hear from a variety of speakers and sector experts, including local universities, colleges, and UCAS’ Executive Team. Brexit, and the impact it’ll have on students’ application journeys and fee status, proved to be the key area of discussion across the two days. The wide range of breakout sessions on offer also allowed delegates to focus on other topics of their choice – with sessions on medical applications, references, and personal statements among the most popular.
Our speed networking session made a welcome return, and encouraged advisers and university representatives to get to know each other, and their respective schools and providers, in a relaxed environment. The gala dinner and quiz were a great, fun (and often a little competitive!) way to round off the days as delegates, exhibitors, and speakers formed teams to pit their trivia credentials against each other – all while making new friends and contacts.
As the 2017 conference came to a close, the University of Manchester welcomed a large group of delegates onto its campus to hear directly from current students, enjoy a series of presentations – including a thoroughly engaging talk from Dr Paul Redmond, Director of Student Life, on social responsibility and employability – and explore the grounds.
With everyone who provided feedback saying they’d recommend the event to a colleague, and 98% saying it met or exceeded their expectations, we’re extremely happy with how this year’s event went, and look forward to welcoming more of you next year!
Here’s what else delegates had to say:
- ‘This was my first experience of a UCAS advisers' conference and it was overwhelmingly positive. I learned a lot, and have brought back to my school some very valuable insights into the UK's higher education application process.’
- ‘Great cross-section of topics and presenters.’
- ‘The time limits during the speed networking made sure conversations were focused. Rather than appointments with everyone, I could concentrate on key people who could answer the questions I had.’
- ‘The hotel was far beyond my expectations, really excellent – the food, the rooms, everything was superb.’
- ‘It was a great experience to be out of London in another large student city.’
- ‘I think the dinner and quiz setup is perfect!’