15 August 2022 
Corinne Merriman, Events Manager
The AUDE Big Conversation is open to bookings!
The main event is a one-day conference at the University of Sheffield, with building tours and a drinks reception the evening before. Aimed at directors of estates and deputies (or the equivalent roles at your institution).
Read more about this year’s theme….
University estates: Time to refocus?
The system shock of the last two years raises uncomfortable questions for our universities. Students, staff (and government) question aspects of the status quo – from the cost of degrees and the quality of accommodation, to learning delivery models and the opportunities of hybrid working. Is it time for a fundamental rethink about our places and our purpose? As the physical and the digital become ever more closely entwined what can we learn from our students about how they want to study, and about the wellbeing and inclusivity aspects of learning environments? As we work hard to take on all the new learning of the pandemic period, what do estates teams need to do to create spaces that make both students and staff keen to enjoy life on a vibrant campus? We’ve been living through a period of immense flux. It’s time to refocus. But with so many competing demands for our attention, and so many ideas about what the future holds – refocus on exactly what?
At AUDE’s Big Conversation event (with both digital and in-person formats, 25 October, and 11 November 2022) we’ll be asking delegates to help us prioritise between some of the huge and competing demands for our time and our universities’ investment. Does the push towards net zero outrank any other challenge? Does the ‘cost of living crisis’ demand we place our focus on energy generation? Where does EDI sit within our estates planning? How can AUDE focus its work to foster co-operation between competing institutions? Join us for stimulating conversation, and clarity, and your chance to refocus on the ways to achieve everything that is demanded of you as estates senior leaders.
Speakers
We have Leanne Spencer, Wellbeing and Burnout Prevention Expert opening our digital event, Jim Tudor, Founder of the Future Index at our in-person event and three VCs, discussing their approach over the past few years, what has worked well for them and what that means for strategy. On top of this, there are panel discussions with experts from all walks of life, to help us navigate and prioritise the times we face. You can see the full programme here.
