Engage Summit 2026 Programme
The Engage Summit 2026, was held at the Eastside Rooms, Birmingham on 29 & 30 April.
This page lists the programme of plenaries, workshops and other activities that took place in Birmingham.
This year’s Engage Summit was a space for people who care about the future of universities and their role in society. Building on a year of dialogue through our Engaged Futures programme, the Summit offered an opportunity to connect, reflect, and explore how we can shape an inclusive, sustainable sector amid profound challenges and change. Together, we shared bold ideas, learned from inspiring practice, and considered practical steps to turn vision into action.
Programme Overview
Wednesday 29th April 2026
| Time | Session |
|---|---|
| 09:00 | Registration |
| 10:00 | Plenary 1 |
| 11:15 | Break |
| 11:45 | Workshops and Interactive Exhibition Sessions |
| 12:45 | Lunch |
| 14:00 | Workshops and Interactive Exhibition Sessions |
| 15:00 | Break |
| 15:30 | Plenary 2 |
| 16:45 | Coffee networking |
| 17:30 | End |
Thursday 30th April 2026
| Time | Session |
|---|---|
| 09:00 | Registration |
| 10:00 | Plenary 3 |
| 11:15 | Break |
| 11:45 | Workshops and Interactive Exhibition Sessions |
| 12:45 | Lunch |
| 14:00 | Workshops and Interactive Exhibition Sessions |
| 15:00 | Break |
| 15:30 | Plenary 4 |
| 16:30 | End |
Plenaries
Our plenaries were a journey through Engaged Futures, which confronted the current financial climate; considered the impact of recent policies on the sector; and invited delegates to consider how to align positive action for change.
Full of practical ideas, and insights from our contributors, the plenaries invited delegates to consider what each person can do to bring about new futures for HE.
Exhibition Sessions
Encounters
Encounters were an opportunity to experience real-life examples of engagement work in action through hands-on, interactive activities and demonstrations.
Lightning Talks
Lightning talks were short and sharp, providing a 5-minute snapshot into the speaker's work.
Posters
Posters brought practice to life in a visually engaging way. They were based in the showcase area so delegates could drop in and out to ask questions, share practice and delve deeper.
Emotional Touchpoints: Dealing with emotionally challenging situations in public engagement practice
Small Group Discussions
Small group discussions allowed delegates to get to grips with a challenge or topic and hear diverse perspectives from peers.
Workshop Sessions
Summit workshops explored the practice, principles or prospects of public engagement, delivered with a focus on interactivity and participation.
Emotional Touchpoints: Dealing with emotionally challenging situations in public engagement practice