Universities UK Conference 2025
In September 2025, Event Exeter successfully delivered the prestigious Universities UK (UUK) Annual conference. This flagship event welcomed senior leaders from across the UK higher education sector, including vice-chancellors, policymakers and stakeholders, to discuss key challenges and strategic priorities shaping the future of the sector.
Held on the Streatham Campus, the three-day conference made use of a variety of venues, including the Great Hall Forum and Xfi Buildings. As well as a packed programme of plenary sessions and focused breakout discussions, delegates enjoyed networking sessions, fuelled with freshly prepared lunches and refreshments from in-house chefs, rounding off with a gala dinner in the Great Hall.
OBJECTIVE
Event Exeter was tasked with providing a seamless and professional event experience, to reflect the importance of the conference. Key objectives included:
- Delivering a high quality, end-to-end delegate experience, from arrival to departure
- To showcase the University’s facilities as a premier conference venue
- To produce a first-class food and drink experience for all delegates
- Embedding sustainability and accessibility into every stage of planning and delivery
EXECUTION
Event Exeter worked closely with the UUK team to plan and deliver every aspect of the conference. The team oversaw logistics, ensuring a smooth set up, event registration and technical delivery across multiple venues.
The Alumni auditorium and the Forum served as the central hub for keynote sessions, supported by professional AV services with breakout sessions takin place in the Forum seminar rooms.
The University’s in house team of chefs provided all catering, with menus focused on seasonal produce – a high proportion of which was supplied by the University’s very own kitchen garden.
Results
The UUK Annual Conference was widely praised by delegates and organisers for its professional delivery, warm welcome and smooth operations. Event Exeter successfully showcased the University as a world-class venue capable of hosting major national events. The collaborative planning approach, attention n to detail and commitment to sustainability contributed to an event that not only met but exceeded expectations.
Every aspect was outstanding and demonstratedc the enthusiastic professionalism of your teams. The venue was perfect for us, the catering was highly praised (!) and delegates loved the choir at dinner. I particularly appreciated the extraordinary dedication of the IT team in supporting us on the AV side, including by working overnight. I am sorry that I missed the tour of the boranical garden, but appreciated the beautiful estate (and the owls) in my own time.
I know that a huge amount of work goes on in the background, from the cleaning and security teams to those ensuring that we didn't lose delegates in your beautiful gardens thanks to excellent signage. Please could I ask you to pass on my thanks to all those who were involved
Chief Executive, Universitites UK
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