Autumn 2026 Roundtable for Senior Leaders

EAB invites you to join fellow senior university leaders in London on 13–14 October for a two-day roundtable focused on one of the sector’s defining leadership challenges: As institutions face continued enrolment pressure, shifting public expectations, and growing demands to demonstrate impact, how do we think differently about what sustainable growth requires?

Universities are under pressure to stabilise enrolment, strengthen student outcomes, rebuild public confidence, and clarify their role within their regions. This roundtable will explore those questions through two broad lenses. On the first day, we will examine how universities can build a more stable student base in a volatile and uncertain market, including by expanding reach through transnational education and improving student retention. On the second day, we will shift focus to examine how institutions can clarify their civic role, translating civic purpose into stronger regional partnerships, clearer external value, and a more compelling long-term strategy.

In addition to EAB-led research and facilitated discussion, attendees will have opportunities to compare approaches with peers, reflect on institutional priorities, and pressure-test how others are navigating similar tensions around growth and the increasing scrutiny on higher education’s ROI. The goal is not just to surface challenges, but to help leaders leave with clearer framing, stronger guiding questions, and a better sense of what it will take to build the conditions for sustainable growth.

2025 attendees valued peer learning, practical insights, and time to align on strategic change:

• “This meeting was a valuable opportunity to learn how peer institutions are tackling shared challenges—and I left with practical ideas I can apply immediately.”
• “This was a great forum to step back, challenge our thinking, and align leadership around meaningful, institution-wide change.”

Event Details

Audience: This session is recommended for chief operating officers and senior leaders responsible for institutional operations, education and student experience, international strategy, and external engagement. Registration is limited to two attendees per institution.

For travel planning: The roundtable will commence with lunch at 12:00 on 13 October and adjourn at 12:00 on 14 October. EAB will host a dinner for attendees on 13 October. Please view more logistical details below. Further agenda details are forthcoming.

View recommended hotels in the area here.