AHEP Annual Conference 2026 Call for Proposals
We are excited to invite you to submit your session proposals for the AHEP Annual Conference and Exhibition 2026 which will take place online! This year, we are focusing on the theme “Thriving Together: Reimagining Professional Services in a Shifting Higher Education Sector“ We want your insights and experiences delivered to delegates through working sessions to help shape the answer to this crucial question.
Please read the information on this call for proposals webpage before submitting your proposal. If you do have any questions, please get in touch with the team on events@ahep.ac.uk.
Why Submit a Proposal?
Submitting a proposal offers a unique opportunity to engage deeply with the higher education community, share your insights, and drive forward-thinking discussions on the sustainability of our sector.
– Discounted conference entry: Presenters and co-presenters (up to two per session) will be invited to attend the full two-day online event free of charge. This discount will be applied by the AHEP team, so please allow the team time to process your discounted booking.
– Showcase Your Expertise: Gain recognition and share your innovative ideas and best practices with peers from the higher education sector.
– Professional Development: Enhance your presentation and public speaking skills and receive valuable feedback to support your career growth.
– Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow higher education professionals, potential collaborators, and thought leaders in the field.
– Contribute to the Sector: Play a key role in shaping discussions and solutions around the sustainability of higher education.
– Boost Your CV: Add a prestigious speaking engagement to your professional achievements, showcasing your commitment to advancing higher education.
– Engage with a Diverse Audience: Present to a diverse audience of professionals at all career stages, fostering broad discussions and perspectives.
– Influence Future Practices: Contribute to the collective knowledge and practices that drive sustainable approaches in higher education.
– Be Part of an Esteemed Event: Participate in a well-regarded annual conference known for its impactful sessions and dynamic atmosphere.
Submit Your Proposal and Be Part of the Conversation
Your session should align with this year’s conference theme, promote audience interaction, and prioritise inclusion and accessibility. Please read the information below before submitting your proposal.
The deadline for proposal submission is: midnight on Tuesday, 27 January 2026.
About the Conference
Session Format
Following delegate and speaker feedback from our recent conferences, working sessions will be 60 minutes long. In your proposal, you must be clear about how you will use the full 60 minutes to maximise delegate engagement, with consideration for how this will be done online. A range of session types can be delivered in this timeframe:
– Case Study: Describe a situation, invite solutions, relate to frameworks/theories, and encourage discussion.
– Facilitated Discussion: Pose questions for discussion. Panel or round-table formats work well.
– Game or Activity: Engage with trivia or problem-solving activities.
– Exploratory Workshop: Host a world café or brainstorming session.
– Wild Card: Be creative!
The Submission Process
What we’re looking for
Your proposal should:
– Share the latest research and/or practical experiences in higher education.
– Maximise audience engagement and interest.
– Be complete, accurate, and clear.
– Provide clear take-aways for participants.
– Embed principles of equality, diversity, and inclusion.
All proposals will be peer-reviewed. We especially encourage first-time presenters to submit.
We recommend using the template for drafting your abstract before submitting your proposal.
Please note, the conference team may ask you to adjust your proposal to better fit the conference’s aims and theme to maximise your chance of selection.
How to submit your proposal
Follow these steps to become a presenter:
1. Review the guidance and submit your proposal by midnight on Tuesday, 27 January 2026.
2. If accepted, await the team to process your discounted booking.
3. Deliver your session online, in the allocated slot.
4. Receive valuable feedback for your professional development.
We aim to inform presenters of the outcome of their proposal submission by email within six weeks of the deadline.
The review panel
The review panel will expect your proposal to show how your session:
– Includes the latest content that shares research and/or practical experiences of higher education professionals
– Maximises engagement and interest from the audience
– Is complete, accurate, and clear
– Has clearly defined take-aways for participants
– Embeds equality, diversity and inclusion
Who can submit a proposal?
We welcome proposals from:
– AHEP members
– Non-members working as higher education professionals in higher and further education institutions or private providers
– Higher education sector associations and bodies
– Not-for-profit organisations from the UK and around the world
When submitting a proposal, please clearly state if your session will be delivered in conjunction with, or supported by a corporate organisation or consultancy, or if your session is being used as consumer case study. Working with a corporate organisation or consultancy within your session may incur charges.
Note: Corporate organisations and consultancy firms not affiliated to AHEP can participate as sponsors or exhibitors but cannot submit proposals.
Please contact events@ahep.ac.uk for sponsorship opportunities.
Here are some key resources to help you get started:
– Read the guidance notes for submitting your proposal
– Download the template for drafting your abstract
– Download the selection criteria that will be used to evaluate your proposal
Submit your proposal
Click here to complete the proposal submission form.
We look forward to receiving your proposals and shaping the future of higher education!