The New Practitioners’ Conference conference provides a great insight of the sector, for anyone who has recently commenced their roles, or for those returning to the sector, with plenty of opportunities for networking and getting to meet new people in similar roles.
The next New Practitioners’ Conference will take place in 2027, date to be confirmed. In the meantime, we will be offering an online conference in October focusing on networking and wellbeing, which is ideal for new and experienced staff alike. Find out more using the link below and if you have any questions please contact the training team at training@heloa.ac.uk.
The latest New Practitioners’ Conference took place in Liverpool in May 2026 and featured a packed and exciting programme, with a broad range of speakers, leading sessions on areas including; Student Recruitment, Widening Participation, Event & Project Management, UCAS Updates, Sector Insights, and much more!
Here is a reminder of the May 2026 programme below.
Please see the slides from the last conference below.
FAQs about New Practitioners’ Conference
What is included as part of my conference package?
We offer 3 main packages as part of this conference:
Full Residential Package – includes overnight accommodation on Thursday night, plus all meals and refreshments across both days (lunch and dinner on Thursday & breakfast and lunch on Friday). Full residential delegates also have full access to the hotel leisure facilities.
Non-Residential Package – includes lunch on both days, plus refreshments, but does NOT include overnight accommodation or dinner on Thursday.
Non-Residential Plus Package – same as the ‘Non-Residential Package’ but DOES include the dinner on Thursday evening.
Is a one-day registration available?
No, unfortunately we do not offer the option of a day delegate for this conference, so anyone wishing to attend on one day only, will still need to book and pay for one of the main packages which include both days.
Who should attend?
The conference is aimed at those who have recently joined or returned to the Higher education sector, and in roles spanning Student recruitment, Widening Participation, Marketing, Conversion, and Events. The programme features sessions across all these areas, enabling delegates to gain insights and good practice from across the sector which they can then apply to their role.
What are the travel & parking arrangements?
The hotel has ample parking, which is chargeable, but full travel information will be sent ahead of the conference. We also encourage delegates to car share where possible, or travel via public transport. Most of our venues for this conference are within easy walk of train stations.
When does the conference begin each day?
Arrival on Thursday is from 10:45, with the first session starting at 11:45. Before the start of the first session, you will have the opportunity to drop off your bags, grab some refreshments, and network with other delegates, and you will need to be seated by 11:30, in time for the welcome & Introductions, so we advise you arrive in plenty of time!
On the Friday, we start promptly at 9:15.
Can I book a hotel for the Wednesday night?
Yes. We recognise that many delegates will be travelling quite far, so we have reserved a small number of rooms with the hotel, at a slightly discounted price, for the Wednesday. Details of how to book these rooms will be included as part of the booking confirmation email which you will receive after booking. We ask that any delegates who have booked Wednesday night accommodation let us know so that we can ensure the hotel match up the rooms for both nights.
Will a delegate list be available?
No. Due to GDPR, we are unable to provide delegate lists, however we do have a HELOA New Practitioners’ Conference LinkedIn group, which you will be able to join in advance, and also connect with delegates following the conference.
Is there any support for first time delegates?
We understand that attending a conference for the first time, on your own, can feel like a daunting experience. However, there is no need to worry, as we have lots of delegates who attend this conference on their own, not knowing anyone when they arrive. One of the benefits of attending this conference is the opportunity to meet and connect with people just like yourself, in a relaxed and fun environment.
Recently, we have also introduced a ‘buddy system’ which you can opt into when completing the conference booking form. As part of this, we will, where possible, ‘buddy’ you up with another delegate who is also coming on their own, allowing you to contact them in advance, and arrive at the conference together.
Will presentations from the sessions be shared following the conference?
Yes, all presentations will be shared following the conference, allowing you to engage fully in each session, rather than having to write comprehensive notes!
Will any parts of the conference be recorded?
No, this conference is an in person only conference, so none of the sessions will be recorded.
Is there a dress code for the evening dinner?
No, we do not operate a dress code, as it is not a formal dinner, however we would recommend smart casual wear.
What sessions are there at the conference?
The full programme will be available to view on our webpages in advance, and a copy will also be attached to your booking email. The conference features a variety of sessions from all areas of our sector, relevant to those who are new in their roles; including; Student Recruitment, Widening Participation, and Events Management.
What time am I able to check-in?
Check-in will take place following the conclusion of the sessions on Day 1, and it will not be possible to check into rooms prior to this. You will be able to leave your bags in the bag drop area upon arrival, and collect these prior to check-in.
What is the cancellation policy, if I find myself unable to attend?
Once you have booked a place at the HELOA New Practitioners’ Conference, we require a minimum of 14 days notice in order to cancel your place. Any cancellations received less than 14 days before the event will still be charged for in full.
I have special accessibility needs/dietary requirements; can you accommodate me?
Yes, however it is really important that you make us aware of any specific requirements/access needs at the time of booking, to ensure that we have all of the correct provisions/support in place for you at the conference, and that the hotel have adequate notice of any allergies etc. Please note that for very severe allergies, attendance will be dependent on the hotel, and whether they are able to meet these needs, as safety is always our top priority.
If I have any further questions, who can I contact?
We hope that these frequently asked questions will have answered most of your questions, however if you have any further questions, please email the Training team at training@heloa.ac.uk.