In the rapidly evolving landscape of higher education, providers must learn to ride the tide of change with intention and agility. From shifting student expectations and emerging technologies to global challenges and evolving skills requirements, institutions must prize innovation over tradition. Riding the tide means embracing change as a continuous force—leveraging data, innovation, and collaboration to stay relevant and impactful. Planners serve as navigators and strategic anchors—translating uncertainty into actionable insights and aligning short-term responses with long-term institutional goals.
It’s about remaining oriented through the core mission while being flexible, ensuring that institutions not only adapt but lead in shaping the future of education and research.This year’s conference invites participants to explore how we can move with change rather than resist it. Through thought-provoking sessions, collaborative discussions, and strategic insights, "Riding the Tide" aims to empower attendees to navigate complexity, turn challenges into opportunities, and shape the future of education with purpose and resilience.
We look forward to welcoming you in February 2026 to connect, learn and celebrate the great work of our members. We are delighted to be hosting our Annual HESPA Awards ceremony during the conference, taking the opportunity to highlight outstanding contributions to our community. We are excited to be joined by our supporter network, in particular our friends at Simitive, who will be bringing our exhibition space to life.