The British Council were proud to host their annual International Education Conference at Edinburgh International Convention Centre on 3 and 4 December 2019. The theme of this year’s conference was “Reboot or Refresh?” and focused on changing markets, systems and technology, and the potential impact on the education industry. The conference attracted 517 delegates from across Higher Education institutions, schools, colleges, English language providers, study influencers and education professionals for a full-packed 2 day agenda on international education

The conference truly held a global atmosphere with over 43 countries in attendance and over 300 individual meetings, the discussions and future opportunities were certainly in full swing!

The conference delivered a diverse and dynamic group of speakers and panellists provided in-depth insight, as well as, actionable and practical tools of engagement models, methods and research. We were delighted to invite Robin Bew - Managing Director of Economist Intelligence Unit, Dr Eliza Filby - Speaker, Writer, Consultant, Generations Expert, and Matt Durnin - Regional Head of Research and Consultancy (East Asia), British Council. These conversations aim to continually develop our international position and how we can revolutionize our strategy to navigate for success.

We believe that our diverse and dynamic group of speakers and panellists provided in-depth insight, as well as, actionable and practical tools of engagement models, methods and research.

Matt Durnin, Head of Insights and Consultancy at the British Council, gave a popular “Around the World in 60 Minutes” address, analysed data from across a range of global stakeholders to show the changing face and space the recruitment industry operates in. Exploring core topics he positively presented opportunities in the next recruitment cycle.

Robin Bew of The Economist Intelligence Unit led a lecture on the key points of the global economy and focused on economic performance, while Dr Eliza Filby wowed the audience with her specialist plenary on Generational Intelligence. Focusing on the challenging multi-generational environment from recruiting Gen Z to retaining Millennial talent and how they perceive education.

Brenda McMahon, Director of International Education Services commented, “I’m delighted with the participation and outcomes of this year’s International Education Conference 2019 – we analysed global trends and truly tackled challenging issues to help ensure that the UK is the number one destination of choice for international students. With an impressive line-up of speakers and engaging sessions, it was wonderful to see best practice being shared and a wealth of opportunities being discussed. I look forward to continuing the conversations with you throughout 2020 and welcome you to join us again next year!"

Please view #IES2019 on social media and watch our conference video to see experiences from our delegates and join our International Education Services Facebook page to gain access to reports and conversations with educational experts.

Stay tuned for International Education Services upcoming events and news by visiting our website and for our 2020 conference location!