Summer Leadership Conference 2026

Join us for the Summer Leadership Conference

This free event is designed for students on Higher Education courses, particularly those studying Management and Leadership. The conference will provide an opportunity to explore different approaches to management, discuss leadership skills and development, and share ideas with others who are interested in developing their leadership practice.

Throughout the day, attendees will take part in networking, structured idea-sharing activities, guest speaker sessions, Q&A discussions and open conversations around management and leadership. The event is intended to be professional, interactive and supportive, giving attendees the chance to learn from each other as well as from invited guest speakers.

Who should attend?

This event is aimed at students currently studying Higher Education courses, especially those on Management and Leadership programmes.

It will be particularly useful for those who want to:

● develop their understanding of management and leadership styles

● share ideas and experiences with others

● build confidence in professional networking

● hear from guest speakers with leadership experience

● explore different management opportunities and approaches

● reflect on their own leadership development

Why attend?

The Summer Leadership Conference will provide a valuable opportunity to step away from the classroom and take part in a professional leadership-focused event. Attendees will be encouraged to share ideas, ask questions, reflect on their own management style and learn from the experience of others.

The event will support personal and professional development by encouraging discussion around leadership behaviours, management skills, communication, decision-making and career development.

Agenda

9:30am – 10:00am | Open Networking Arrival and informal networking.
Attendees will have the chance to meet others, introduce themselves and begin conversations around management and leadership.

10:00am – 10:30am | Structured Speed Idea Exchange
A structured networking activity where attendees will be seated at different tables and assigned numbers. Participants will move around the room during the session to exchange ideas, discuss management styles and share experiences with others.

10:30am – 10:45am | Tea Break A short break with refreshments.

10:45am – 11:15am | Guest Speaker Session 1
The first guest speaker will share their experience, insights and ideas around management, leadership and professional development.

11:15am – 11:30am | Guest Speaker Q&A
Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and engage in discussion with the guest speaker.

11:30am – 12:15pm | AI in Leadership
Craig Knudsen A 45 minute presentation on AI in leadership and how it is affecting the industry as well as how managers and leaders can best utilise it.

12:15pm – 1:15pm | Lunch Break A one-hour lunch break
Attendees are responsible for arranging their own lunch.

1:15pm – 1:45pm | Open Ideas Discussion
An open group discussion where attendees can reflect on the morning sessions, share key learning points and explore different approaches to leadership and management.

1:45pm – 2:15pm | Guest Speaker Session 2
The second guest speaker will provide further insight into leadership, management opportunities and professional development.

2:15pm – 2:30pm | Guest Speaker Q&A
A final Q&A session, giving attendees the chance to ask questions and discuss key themes from the second guest speaker session.

2:30pm – 2:45pm: Afternoon Break
A short 15 minute break for refreshments

2:45pm – 3:15pm | Leadership Action Planning and Group Sharing Activity
A structured activity where attendees will reflect on the key themes and learning from the day, including leadership styles, communication, decision-making, AI in leadership and professional development. Attendees will identify one or two practical actions they could take back into their own management roles and consider how these could be applied in real workplace situations. Participants will then share their ideas in small groups, allowing them to discuss different approaches, learn from each other’s experiences and consider how leadership development can be put into practice.

3:15pm – 3:30pm | Closing Remarks, Feedback and Evaluation

The event will close with a short summary of the key themes from the day, final reflections and next steps. Attendees will also be asked to complete a feedback and evaluation form to help measure the success of the conference and identify improvements for future leadership events.

Register your place

Places are limited, so early registration is encouraged. To secure your place at the Summer Leadership Conference, please register by 20th July 2026.