The AUDE Conference inspires and encourages members to consider the topical and critical issues that face our sector and the wider world. Our conference also provides unrivalled opportunities for networking, sharing knowledge and expertise, hearing from sector leaders and joining in lively, challenging but overall convivial discussions and debates. The theme of the 2026 conference is Industrious and Wise. The city’s owl symbol – the bird long an indicator of wisdom – features as a proud heraldic device representing Leeds and we’re equally proud to adopt a version of it for AUDE26. We will be pleased to give a warm Yorkshire welcome to all conference participants.
The AUDE Conference steering committee are busy working behind the scenes planning the 2026 programme. This page will be updated regularly with speaker and session information. The programme is also subject to change.
Please click to expand each session below to find out more about them.
This walking tour will visit landmark locations including the 'jewels of Leeds'. Locations include - Corn Exchange, Kirkgate Market, Briggate & Arcades, Civic Quarter, Art Gallery, Town Hall, Millennium Square, Park Square and City Square.
Walking tour will depart from the hotel.
Hyatt Place Leeds
Welcome to the conference address from Steve Jordan, Director of Estates, University of Birmingham and Conference Chair
Azotea Rooftop Bar & Restaurant, Hyatt Place Leeds
Azotea Rooftop Bar & Restaurant, Hyatt Place Leeds
Azotea Rooftop Bar & Restaurant, Hyatt Place Leeds
Delegates are welcome to join the morning running club, led by Jane Harrison-White. The group will meet in Hyatt Place reception at 5:50am and depart promptly at 6:00am for a 5K run. This activity is open to all and the group will be running at the pace of the slowest participant. No prior sign-up is required.
Sports Hall (The Edge)
Conference Auditorium
Conference Auditorium
Conference Auditorium
Sports Hall (The Edge)
Sports Hall (The Edge)
Conference Auditorium
Sports Hall (The Edge)
Join our colleagues from America, Australia and South Africa as we explore how they have created anchor universities where staff and students feel they belong and hear some of the trends and policy decisions impacting on higher education more broadly.
Conference Auditorium
Conference Auditorium
Coach transfer is approximately 12 minutes.
Coaches will depart at approx. 18:50 and 19:00.
Alternatively The Refectory, University of Leeds is a 30 minute walk from the hotel.
The Terrace, University of Leeds
The Refectory, University of Leeds
Coach transfer is approximately 12 minutes.
Coaches will depart at approx. 22:30, 22:45 and 23:00.
Alternatively Hyatt Place Leeds is a 30 minute walk to the hotel.
Delegates are welcome to join the morning running club, led by Jane Harrison-White. The group will meet in Hyatt Place Leeds reception at 5:50am and depart promptly at 6:00am for a 5K run. This activity is open to all and the group will be running at the pace of the slowest participant. No prior sign-up is required.
Sports Hall (The Edge)
Conference Auditorium
Conference Auditorium
Sports Hall (The Edge)
Sports Hall (The Edge)
Conference Auditorium
Conference Auditorium
Conference Auditorium
Conference Auditorium
The War Gallery, Royal Armouries Museum
Royal Armouries Museum
Breakfast for delegates staying at the Hyatt Place Leeds
AUDE champions lifelong learning - our events count towards your CPD
Event Terms & Conditions
