From Sunday 14^th to Wednesday 17^th April, Lancaster University hosted the AUDE Annual Conference 2019, ‘Mastering the HE Storm’.

The Association of University Directors of Estates (AUDE) promotes excellence in the strategic planning, management, operation and development of higher education estates and facilities. A primary objective of AUDE is to ensure university estates provide best value for money and contribute positively to a high-quality student experience. With over 1,200 individual members from 167 UK higher education institutions and 6 international institutions, AUDE allows organisations to develop and grow relationships with estates and FM professionals from across the Higher Education sector.

In the run up to the conference, Andrew Burgess, Director of Estates, Facilities and Commercial Services (and AUDE Treasurer) and Paul Morris, Director of Capital Development & Estate Operations, joined a dedicated team of individuals and professionals on the AUDE Conference Steering Group to put together a programme of speakers, topics and workshops for delegates to attend, all centered around navigating the current higher education ‘storm’.

Working closely with Assured Events, Lancaster University Conferences & Events+ worked to meet all requirements and expectations set by the committee. The key priority set for the event was to ensure delegates had a fantastic experience whilst visiting Lancaster University.

Highlights included:

• Excursions to Lancaster Castle and the University’s wind turbine, Energy Centre and biomass boiler.
• A variety of evening events held in Barker House Farm and the Great Hall providing delegates with the opportunity to network, meet industry suppliers and also enjoy some locally sourced food and ale.
• Welcome introductions from both Andrew Burgess and Professor Mark E. Smith.
• The Real World of Forensic Anthropology; the closing plenary session by Professor Dame Sue Black looking at how the real world of forensic anthropology bears little resemblance to the fictional portrayal on the screen.
• AUDE Awards Ceremony; delegates enjoyed a Gala dinner and the 2019 AUDE Awards in LICA. The ceremony was hosted by Lancaster University’s very own alumni, Rainer Hersch, conductor, pianist, comedian, and broadcaster.
• A huge exhibition marquee set up in Lancaster Square. 50 exhibitors set up interactive stands in the marquee showcasing their work and how they can help the HE sector.

This year, AUDE’s chosen charity to support was Student Minds – the UK’s student mental health charity. Student Minds aims to empower students and members of the university community to look after their own mental health, support others and create change. Through a charity raffle, online donations and a game of Heads and Tails at the networking dinner, a fantastic £2138.15 was raised for the charity adding further to the conference’s success.

Positive feedback was received from attendees after the conference had drawn to a close, including praise for the University itself.

Diana Hampson, University of Manchester, commented: “Thank you so much for a very successful conference – everything I heard from delegates was positive.”

Colin Blair, University of Huddersfield, added: “I, along with all the members of my team that attended elements of the conference, are full of praise for the Lancaster event. Well done! Superb!”

For event or conference support, please do not hesitate to contact the Lancaster University Conferences & Events+ team.