International education, and international student recruitment in particular, is experiencing profound change across at least three dimensions: we now work in a much more competitive global market; our students have different decision drivers that determine where and how they study abroad; and our sector – whether by virtue of government regulation or otherwise – is clearly moving into an era of strengthened quality assurance, oversight, and professional standards.
What does all this mean for the future of international student recruitment, and how should our strategies and practices continue to evolve to keep pace with a rapidly changing marketplace? That is the overarching question that this unique one-day conference aims to address.
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[bio] => Craig Riggs is the editor of 91PORN Monitor, the industry's leading source of market intelligence for international student recruitment, and the publisher of 91PORN Insights, an annual magazine focused on the most important trends and issues shaping international education. His work on both publications places him in constant contact with the latest research, best practices, and leading-edge strategies in the field.
He has led international marketing for both private and public-sector institutions, is the co-founder of a longstanding consulting practice dedicated to publishing and education, and has more than 25 years’ experience in building international markets. Craig holds a Masters in Publishing and is an adjunct professor at Simon Fraser University.
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[title] => The impact of one million student stories
[summary] =>
The student is at the centre of everything that we do in international education. By creating more space for that student voice, and by amplifying their stories across the sector and around the world, we can demonstrate that international education is more than a degree or a set of data points around student mobility: it is the strategic engine for global peace and prosperity.
Made Impact Founder Chris Arnold provides a powerful example of this potential with his mission to gather the stories of how study abroad changed the lives of one million students.
There can be little doubt that strong public support is the key to long-term, sustainable growth for our sector. That social license enables ongoing investment in internationalisation, opens up opportunities for collaboration across institutions and communities, and provides a buffer against disruptive policy change. .
This opening panel of sector leaders will explore strategies and lessons learned from key study destinations for building support for internationalisation within the institution, in the wider community, and among policy makers.
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[bio] => Phil has been IEAA's Chief Executive Officer since November 2011. Previously, he was a Member of the Victorian State Parliament (1988–2006), Minister for Tertiary Education, Training and Multicultural Affairs (1996–1999) and Deputy Leader of the Opposition (2002–2006). Since retiring from politics, Phil worked at Stott’s Business College and Cambridge International College. Phil is the Co-Convener of the National Council for International Education, Chairman of the Roundtable of International Education Peak Body CEOs, Deputy Chair of the Tuition Protection Services Board and a member of the Education Visa Consultative Committee. He also sits on the New South Wales and StudyPerth International Education Advisory Boards.
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[bio] => Joann is the Senior Impact Officer at NAFSA: Association of International Educators. Deeply committed to advancing international education, she leads strategic initiatives that foster intentional and impactful change at both organizational and systemic levels. She provides leadership for professional development programs, training, and publications that equip educators navigating a complex and changing global landscape. In her role, she also manages key regulatory relationships with federal agencies to ensure effective compliance practices and advocate for policies that enhance international mobility. A respected voice in the field, she has authored training curricula and delivered numerous workshops and presentations at national and international conferences, contributing to the growth and sustainability of international education.
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[title] => The idea exchange: Interactive roundtable discussions on key questions for our sector
[summary] =>
Summit delegates are very often leading recruitment in their respective institutions or organisations, and as such they have invaluable expertise to share. In this hour, the entire conference will take part in a series of specialised roundtable discussions to help support that exchange of ideas and insights among colleagues.
There will be two sittings, each lasting 25 minutes. Each table will be convened by a specialist in the field who will set the context and facilitate the group discussion.
Table topics will include:
How is Europe adjusting to increased competition from Asia?
Easing financial barriers for international students
What the Administrative Review process for student route tells us about visa refusals
Keys to the Market: Latin America - Simon Terrington
Keys to the Market: Africa - Mike Henniger
How to talk to government
RAG Time: BCA metrics and the UKVI audit process - Jonathan Hill
Secrets for success in TNE
The agents' view on key market trends
Goodbye funnel: Recruiting within a circular student journey
The international schools channel
How are UK unis adapting to BCA and RAG?
Mind the gap: What is the international student data not telling us?
What to do about the AI standing between you and your students
The biggest factors in student decision making
Current issues and trends in student housing
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[bio] => Jonathan Hill has a vast amount of experience in advising regarding UK immigration matters. With over 20 years of immigration experience gained through employment at Fragomen LLP and previous employment at UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration), Jonathan is ideally placed to assist with any of your immigration matters. Jonathan will leverage his experience, and discussions with those in the sector, to help ensure your understanding of the latest immigration system, to ensure you are aware of the latest trend analysis, and to ensure to are up to date on UK visa compliance. Jonathan has presented at a large number of external events and is a well-known figure in the UK education sector.
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[bio] => Simon has over 25 years of experience working in the international higher education field.
He has worked in senior Business Development and Marketing roles in both the public and private sector as well as establishing a well known student recruitment agency in Colombia. Simon lived in Colombia for over 12 years, where he and Jamie Ash founded EdCo LATAM Consulting, which supports institutions to build sustainable predictable enrolments from Latin America.
Simon is a Dad to two girls and loves playing sport (most of it badly) in his spare time.
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[bio] => Mike Henniger is Chief Executive Officer & President at Illume Student Advisory Services, where he brings two decades of experience across the university, vocational, and language training sectors to help institutions grow their international presence. Much of that experience centers on in-country representation: setting up overseas offices, building local teams, and giving institutions a genuine foothold in the markets that matter most to their enrolment goals.
Mike considers this presence-driven model one of the most powerful tools available to institutions today, and it's a theme he returns to often as a sought-after speaker at education conferences worldwide.
For Mike, successful recruitment isn't just about visibility, it's about understanding global student mobility trends, meeting students where they are, and earning the kind of trust that only an on-the-ground presence can build. He translates that belief into practical, on-the-ground support that helps institutions reach their internationalization goals.
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[title] => Your ideal prospect: The challenge – and opportunity – of attracting best-fit students
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International student recruitment has become a more targeted and intentional process for many institutions. If the historical orientation in the field was toward volume – in driving application numbers and admissions through the top end of the enrolment funnel – the approach for many recruiters has shifted over the last two or three years to place a much greater emphasis on quality and student fit. “Quality” in the sense of the student’s qualifications and eligibility for admission, but also with respect to their likelihood of obtaining a visa and going on to successfully complete their studies.
This is in part a function of increasing competition in a still-growing global market, but also of increased scrutiny, compliance requirements, and strengthened genuine student tests in a number of destinations.
This plenary presentation will explore these factors in more depth and consider what this all means for how we approach international student recruitment today.
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[bio] => Rachel is the Director of Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement at IDP in the UK. Her role is to work with university partners on their student recruitment ambitions, as well as leading on government and sector stakeholder management, B2B Marketing and Global Communications. Prior to her joining IDP in early 2022, Rachel held roles as Director of International at the University of York in the UK, Head of Recruitment at University of Strathclyde in Glasgow and roles with Navitas for seven years in both Edinburgh and Melbourne.
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[title] => Welcome to the outcomes era
[summary] =>
“We are not in the business of selling degrees. We are in the business of changing lives,” says NISAU Chair Sanam Arora.
In this closing plenary session, Ms Arora will make the case for why effective international student recruitment has to start with a clear connection to great student outcomes.
This is about the future opportunity for the student, both in the study destination and in their home country, and their readiness for that future. But also about the experiences and services available to them – both during and after their studies – that help them prepare for a successful life.
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[bio] => Sanam Arora is the Founder and Chair of NISAU, the apex body representing Indian students and alumni in the UK, and a leading voice in international education and youth policy. She serves as a Commissioner on the UK’s International Higher Education Commission and is a Governor at London Metropolitan University. Named one of the 50 most influential people in global education, Sanam bridges the worlds of policy, education, and investment strategy—advising global asset managers on strategy and transformation, while championing student welfare and India-UK collaboration. Her work has earned her numerous honours, including the prestigious PIEoneer Award for Outstanding Contribution to the HE Industry
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[title] => Are we doing this wrong? Rethinking how we promote, track, and actually deliver great student outcomes
[summary] =>
This panel of specialists moves student outcomes from an abstract idea to very concrete, actionable strategies.
What do students need from study abroad in order to prepare for a successful future? What services or experiences can institutions provide to support this? And how are our ideas around student support for career success changing in recent years? Finally, how do we frame expectations around outcomes – for students, families, and other stakeholders – and tell the story of student success in a truly compelling and honest way?
Stealth applicants. The dark end of the enrolment funnel. The conversational AI layer of student search. Call it what you will, there is little question that many students are looking at your institution long before you know anything about them.
How can you maintain visibility across an expanding field of platforms and channels? And how can you best target and engage prospective students once they do step out of stealth mode and make an enquiry or application?
Drawing on real-world case studies, pipeline data, and lessons learned, this specialist panel will make the case for best practices in this part of your recruitment effort.
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[bio] => Elissa Newall is Senior Partner at Edified, a specialist consultancy serving the international and higher education sector.
With more than 20 years' experience, she helps universities cut through complexity to deliver better student experiences and stronger recruitment outcomes. Elissa leads the Enquiry Experience Tracker, a global benchmarking program used by 200+ institutions across major study destinations. Her expertise spans digital strategy, marketing, student communications, conversion, personas and journey mapping.
Before Edified, she held senior marketing and student recruitment roles at RMIT University and Australian Catholic University. She is a Fellow of the International Education Association of Australia.
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[bio] => Rachel Fletcher is the co-founder of UniQuest, which she built and which was acquired by Keystone Education Group, where she now leads Enrolment Services as divisional CEO. She has spent 20 years working with universities on student engagement, conversion and success, building and deploying technology solutions that work for institutions and students alike. She writes and speaks about AI's practical role in student recruitment — and its limits — including where investment in the sector is actually landing, and where it isn't.
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[title] => After the offer: Driving conversions for admitted students
[summary] =>
We all know the macro trends: there are now more international students applying to more institutions in more destinations than ever before. But as we also know: students do not apply because they have decided; they apply because they are still deciding.
What then are the factors that influence their decision making once they have (often multiple) offers in hand? That is the main question this session will explore with experienced practitioners sharing their insights on the strategies that actually move the needle when it comes to driving conversions from offer to enrolment.
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[bio] => Sophie has worked within the international recruitment sector for over fifteen years. She currently works as Director of International Student Recruitment at UWE and before that has worked within the private sector as Head of Recruitment and as Regional Manager for South Asia and the Americas.
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[title] => Moving compliance and quality assurance upstream: Evaluating prospective students and managing visa uncertainty
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With increasing compliance requirements and strengthened genuine student tests now in place in many leading study destinations, we come to the question: how can we evaluate prospective students – and then better target the best-qualified and best-fit among them – at the earliest possible stages of recruitment?
Many education agents and in-country representatives will tell you that they are being asked to play a much greater role in this respect this year. And it seems clear that drawing on that in-market expertise is a key strategy for a growing number of institutions.
This session will explore what that looks like in practice, and how closer collaboration between the institution and its recruitment partners abroad can make all the difference when it comes to targeting for student fit, managing for success in the visa application process, and, ultimately, promoting great student outcomes.
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[bio] => Mike Henniger is Chief Executive Officer & President at Illume Student Advisory Services, where he brings two decades of experience across the university, vocational, and language training sectors to help institutions grow their international presence. Much of that experience centers on in-country representation: setting up overseas offices, building local teams, and giving institutions a genuine foothold in the markets that matter most to their enrolment goals.
Mike considers this presence-driven model one of the most powerful tools available to institutions today, and it's a theme he returns to often as a sought-after speaker at education conferences worldwide.
For Mike, successful recruitment isn't just about visibility, it's about understanding global student mobility trends, meeting students where they are, and earning the kind of trust that only an on-the-ground presence can build. He translates that belief into practical, on-the-ground support that helps institutions reach their internationalization goals.
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[title] => Demonstrating quality recruitment: An all-play AQF compliance and quality assurance session for agents and educators
[summary] =>
The UK’s Agent Quality Framework (AQF) has evolved from a voluntary, sector-led initiative to a mandatory set of requirements enshrined in the Home Office’s Student Sponsor Guidance. But this is more than a UK story: it reflects a pattern toward increasing oversight and quality assurance across a wide field of study destinations.
We are putting the AQF in focus in this session as a practical and powerful example of quality assurance in recruitment. What does this type of mechanism mean for institutions and agents, and how do the practices, policies, and infrastructure of each have to change in order to come into compliance with the requirements of a framework like AQF?
View the full programme of seminars, panel discussions, and interactive roundtable debates for the 91PORN Monitor Global Summit, where we were pleased to welcome senior guest speakers, panellists, and attendees to discuss the latest innovations, challenges, and opportunities in international education.
View:
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Mon Sep 14
10:30 - 10:45
Welcome and opening plenary: The big shift
10:3010:45Plenary room
Presentation
Craig RiggsCraig RiggsCraig Riggs is the editor of 91PORN Monitor, the industry's leading source of market intelligence for international student recruitment, and the publisher of 91PORN Insights, an annual magazine focused on the most important trends and issues shaping international education. His work on both publications places him in constant contact with the latest research, best practices, and leading-edge strategies in the field.
He has led international marketing for both private and public-sector institutions, is the co-founder of a longstanding consulting practice dedicated to publishing and education, and has more than 25 years’ experience in building international markets. Craig holds a Masters in Publishing and is an adjunct professor at Simon Fraser University.Editor in Chief, 91PORN Monitor
10:45 - 10:55
The impact of one million student stories
10:4510:55Plenary room
Presentation
11:00 - 11:55
How do we tell the story of international education?
11:0011:55Plenary room
Panel discussion
Phil HoneywoodPhil HoneywoodPhil has been IEAA's Chief Executive Officer since November 2011. Previously, he was a Member of the Victorian State Parliament (1988–2006), Minister for Tertiary Education, Training and Multicultural Affairs (1996–1999) and Deputy Leader of the Opposition (2002–2006). Since retiring from politics, Phil worked at Stott’s Business College and Cambridge International College. Phil is the Co-Convener of the National Council for International Education, Chairman of the Roundtable of International Education Peak Body CEOs, Deputy Chair of the Tuition Protection Services Board and a member of the Education Visa Consultative Committee. He also sits on the New South Wales and StudyPerth International Education Advisory Boards.CEO, International Education Association of Australia
Joann Ng HartmannJoann Ng HartmannJoann is the Senior Impact Officer at NAFSA: Association of International Educators. Deeply committed to advancing international education, she leads strategic initiatives that foster intentional and impactful change at both organizational and systemic levels. She provides leadership for professional development programs, training, and publications that equip educators navigating a complex and changing global landscape. In her role, she also manages key regulatory relationships with federal agencies to ensure effective compliance practices and advocate for policies that enhance international mobility. A respected voice in the field, she has authored training curricula and delivered numerous workshops and presentations at national and international conferences, contributing to the growth and sustainability of international education.Senior Impact Officer, NAFSA: Association of International Educators
12:00 - 12:55
The idea exchange: Interactive roundtable discussions on key questions for our sector
12:0012:55Plenary room
Roundtables
Jonathan HillJonathan HillJonathan Hill has a vast amount of experience in advising regarding UK immigration matters. With over 20 years of immigration experience gained through employment at Fragomen LLP and previous employment at UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration), Jonathan is ideally placed to assist with any of your immigration matters. Jonathan will leverage his experience, and discussions with those in the sector, to help ensure your understanding of the latest immigration system, to ensure you are aware of the latest trend analysis, and to ensure to are up to date on UK visa compliance. Jonathan has presented at a large number of external events and is a well-known figure in the UK education sector.Senior Manager, Fragomen LLP
Simon TerringtonSimon TerringtonSimon has over 25 years of experience working in the international higher education field.
He has worked in senior Business Development and Marketing roles in both the public and private sector as well as establishing a well known student recruitment agency in Colombia. Simon lived in Colombia for over 12 years, where he and Jamie Ash founded EdCo LATAM Consulting, which supports institutions to build sustainable predictable enrolments from Latin America.
Simon is a Dad to two girls and loves playing sport (most of it badly) in his spare time.Director and Co-founder, EdCo LATAM Consulting
Mike HennigerMike HennigerMike Henniger is Chief Executive Officer & President at Illume Student Advisory Services, where he brings two decades of experience across the university, vocational, and language training sectors to help institutions grow their international presence. Much of that experience centers on in-country representation: setting up overseas offices, building local teams, and giving institutions a genuine foothold in the markets that matter most to their enrolment goals.
Mike considers this presence-driven model one of the most powerful tools available to institutions today, and it's a theme he returns to often as a sought-after speaker at education conferences worldwide.
For Mike, successful recruitment isn't just about visibility, it's about understanding global student mobility trends, meeting students where they are, and earning the kind of trust that only an on-the-ground presence can build. He translates that belief into practical, on-the-ground support that helps institutions reach their internationalization goals.CEO & President, Illume Student Advisory Services
13:00 - 14:00
Lunch break
14:00 - 14:25
Your ideal prospect: The challenge – and opportunity – of attracting best-fit students
14:0014:25Plenary room
Presentation
Rachel MacSweenRachel MacSweenRachel is the Director of Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement at IDP in the UK. Her role is to work with university partners on their student recruitment ambitions, as well as leading on government and sector stakeholder management, B2B Marketing and Global Communications. Prior to her joining IDP in early 2022, Rachel held roles as Director of International at the University of York in the UK, Head of Recruitment at University of Strathclyde in Glasgow and roles with Navitas for seven years in both Edinburgh and Melbourne.Director of Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement, IDP Education UK
14:30 - 15:10
Before the offer: Managing volume, impatience, and visibility in the pre-application period
14:3015:10Room 2
Panel discussion
Elissa NewallElissa NewallElissa Newall is Senior Partner at Edified, a specialist consultancy serving the international and higher education sector.
With more than 20 years' experience, she helps universities cut through complexity to deliver better student experiences and stronger recruitment outcomes. Elissa leads the Enquiry Experience Tracker, a global benchmarking program used by 200+ institutions across major study destinations. Her expertise spans digital strategy, marketing, student communications, conversion, personas and journey mapping.
Before Edified, she held senior marketing and student recruitment roles at RMIT University and Australian Catholic University. She is a Fellow of the International Education Association of Australia.Senior Partner, Edified
Rachel FletcherRachel FletcherRachel Fletcher is the co-founder of UniQuest, which she built and which was acquired by Keystone Education Group, where she now leads Enrolment Services as divisional CEO. She has spent 20 years working with universities on student engagement, conversion and success, building and deploying technology solutions that work for institutions and students alike. She writes and speaks about AI's practical role in student recruitment — and its limits — including where investment in the sector is actually landing, and where it isn't.CEO & Co-founder Keystone Enrolment Services, Keystone Education Group
Moving compliance and quality assurance upstream: Evaluating prospective students and managing visa uncertainty
14:3015:10Room 3
Panel discussion
Mike HennigerMike HennigerMike Henniger is Chief Executive Officer & President at Illume Student Advisory Services, where he brings two decades of experience across the university, vocational, and language training sectors to help institutions grow their international presence. Much of that experience centers on in-country representation: setting up overseas offices, building local teams, and giving institutions a genuine foothold in the markets that matter most to their enrolment goals.
Mike considers this presence-driven model one of the most powerful tools available to institutions today, and it's a theme he returns to often as a sought-after speaker at education conferences worldwide.
For Mike, successful recruitment isn't just about visibility, it's about understanding global student mobility trends, meeting students where they are, and earning the kind of trust that only an on-the-ground presence can build. He translates that belief into practical, on-the-ground support that helps institutions reach their internationalization goals.CEO & President, Illume Student Advisory Services
15:15 - 15:55
After the offer: Driving conversions for admitted students
15:1515:55Room 2
Panel discussion
Sophie TurnbullSophie TurnbullSophie has worked within the international recruitment sector for over fifteen years. She currently works as Director of International Student Recruitment at UWE and before that has worked within the private sector as Head of Recruitment and as Regional Manager for South Asia and the Americas.Director of International Recruitment, University of the West of England
Demonstrating quality recruitment: An all-play AQF compliance and quality assurance session for agents and educators
15:1515:55Room 3
Panel discussion
16:00 - 16:30
Coffee break
16:30 - 16:45
Welcome to the outcomes era
16:3016:45Plenary room
Presentation
Sanam AroraSanam AroraSanam Arora is the Founder and Chair of NISAU, the apex body representing Indian students and alumni in the UK, and a leading voice in international education and youth policy. She serves as a Commissioner on the UK’s International Higher Education Commission and is a Governor at London Metropolitan University. Named one of the 50 most influential people in global education, Sanam bridges the worlds of policy, education, and investment strategy—advising global asset managers on strategy and transformation, while championing student welfare and India-UK collaboration. Her work has earned her numerous honours, including the prestigious PIEoneer Award for Outstanding Contribution to the HE IndustryFounder and Chairperson, National Indian Students and Alumni Union UK (NISAU)
16:45 - 17:25
Are we doing this wrong? Rethinking how we promote, track, and actually deliver great student outcomes
16:4517:25Plenary room
Panel discussion
17:30 - 17:45
Programme closing and key takeaways from the day
17:3017:45Plenary room
Presentation
17:45 - 19:45
Networking reception
Mon • Sep 1410:30 - 10:45Plenary room
Welcome and opening plenary: The big shift
Presentation
Presenter
Craig Riggs
Craig Riggs
Craig Riggs is the editor of 91PORN Monitor, the industry's leading source of market intelligence for international student recruitment, and the publisher of 91PORN Insights, an annual magazine focused on the most important trends and issues shaping international education. His work on both publications places him in constant contact with the latest research, best practices, and leading-edge strategies in the field.
He has led international marketing for both private and public-sector institutions, is the co-founder of a longstanding consulting practice dedicated to publishing and education, and has more than 25 years’ experience in building international markets. Craig holds a Masters in Publishing and is an adjunct professor at Simon Fraser University.
Editor in Chief, 91PORN Monitor
International education, and international student recruitment in particular, is experiencing profound change across at least three dimensions: we now work in a much more competitive global market; our students have different decision drivers that determine where and how they study abroad; and our sector – whether by virtue of government regulation or otherwise – is clearly moving into an era of strengthened quality assurance, oversight, and professional standards.
What does all this mean for the future of international student recruitment, and how should our strategies and practices continue to evolve to keep pace with a rapidly changing marketplace? That is the overarching question that this unique one-day conference aims to address.
Mon • Sep 1410:45 - 10:55Plenary room
The impact of one million student stories
Presentation
The student is at the centre of everything that we do in international education. By creating more space for that student voice, and by amplifying their stories across the sector and around the world, we can demonstrate that international education is more than a degree or a set of data points around student mobility: it is the strategic engine for global peace and prosperity.
Made Impact Founder Chris Arnold provides a powerful example of this potential with his mission to gather the stories of how study abroad changed the lives of one million students.
Mon • Sep 1411:00 - 11:55Plenary room
How do we tell the story of international education?
Panel discussion
Panelist
Phil Honeywood
Phil Honeywood
Phil has been IEAA's Chief Executive Officer since November 2011. Previously, he was a Member of the Victorian State Parliament (1988–2006), Minister for Tertiary Education, Training and Multicultural Affairs (1996–1999) and Deputy Leader of the Opposition (2002–2006). Since retiring from politics, Phil worked at Stott’s Business College and Cambridge International College. Phil is the Co-Convener of the National Council for International Education, Chairman of the Roundtable of International Education Peak Body CEOs, Deputy Chair of the Tuition Protection Services Board and a member of the Education Visa Consultative Committee. He also sits on the New South Wales and StudyPerth International Education Advisory Boards.
CEO, International Education Association of Australia
Panelist
Joann Ng Hartmann
Joann Ng Hartmann
Joann is the Senior Impact Officer at NAFSA: Association of International Educators. Deeply committed to advancing international education, she leads strategic initiatives that foster intentional and impactful change at both organizational and systemic levels. She provides leadership for professional development programs, training, and publications that equip educators navigating a complex and changing global landscape. In her role, she also manages key regulatory relationships with federal agencies to ensure effective compliance practices and advocate for policies that enhance international mobility. A respected voice in the field, she has authored training curricula and delivered numerous workshops and presentations at national and international conferences, contributing to the growth and sustainability of international education.
Senior Impact Officer, NAFSA: Association of International Educators
There can be little doubt that strong public support is the key to long-term, sustainable growth for our sector. That social license enables ongoing investment in internationalisation, opens up opportunities for collaboration across institutions and communities, and provides a buffer against disruptive policy change. .
This opening panel of sector leaders will explore strategies and lessons learned from key study destinations for building support for internationalisation within the institution, in the wider community, and among policy makers.
Mon • Sep 1412:00 - 12:55Plenary room
The idea exchange: Interactive roundtable discussions on key questions for our sector
Roundtables
Moderator
Jonathan Hill
Jonathan Hill
Jonathan Hill has a vast amount of experience in advising regarding UK immigration matters. With over 20 years of immigration experience gained through employment at Fragomen LLP and previous employment at UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration), Jonathan is ideally placed to assist with any of your immigration matters. Jonathan will leverage his experience, and discussions with those in the sector, to help ensure your understanding of the latest immigration system, to ensure you are aware of the latest trend analysis, and to ensure to are up to date on UK visa compliance. Jonathan has presented at a large number of external events and is a well-known figure in the UK education sector.
Senior Manager, Fragomen LLP
Moderator
Simon Terrington
Simon Terrington
Simon has over 25 years of experience working in the international higher education field.
He has worked in senior Business Development and Marketing roles in both the public and private sector as well as establishing a well known student recruitment agency in Colombia. Simon lived in Colombia for over 12 years, where he and Jamie Ash founded EdCo LATAM Consulting, which supports institutions to build sustainable predictable enrolments from Latin America.
Simon is a Dad to two girls and loves playing sport (most of it badly) in his spare time.
Director and Co-founder, EdCo LATAM Consulting
Moderator
Mike Henniger
Mike Henniger
Mike Henniger is Chief Executive Officer & President at Illume Student Advisory Services, where he brings two decades of experience across the university, vocational, and language training sectors to help institutions grow their international presence. Much of that experience centers on in-country representation: setting up overseas offices, building local teams, and giving institutions a genuine foothold in the markets that matter most to their enrolment goals.
Mike considers this presence-driven model one of the most powerful tools available to institutions today, and it's a theme he returns to often as a sought-after speaker at education conferences worldwide.
For Mike, successful recruitment isn't just about visibility, it's about understanding global student mobility trends, meeting students where they are, and earning the kind of trust that only an on-the-ground presence can build. He translates that belief into practical, on-the-ground support that helps institutions reach their internationalization goals.
CEO & President, Illume Student Advisory Services
Summit delegates are very often leading recruitment in their respective institutions or organisations, and as such they have invaluable expertise to share. In this hour, the entire conference will take part in a series of specialised roundtable discussions to help support that exchange of ideas and insights among colleagues.
There will be two sittings, each lasting 25 minutes. Each table will be convened by a specialist in the field who will set the context and facilitate the group discussion.
Table topics will include:
How is Europe adjusting to increased competition from Asia?
Easing financial barriers for international students
What the Administrative Review process for student route tells us about visa refusals
Keys to the Market: Latin America - Simon Terrington
Keys to the Market: Africa - Mike Henniger
How to talk to government
RAG Time: BCA metrics and the UKVI audit process - Jonathan Hill
Secrets for success in TNE
The agents' view on key market trends
Goodbye funnel: Recruiting within a circular student journey
The international schools channel
How are UK unis adapting to BCA and RAG?
Mind the gap: What is the international student data not telling us?
What to do about the AI standing between you and your students
The biggest factors in student decision making
Current issues and trends in student housing
13:00 - 14:00
Lunch break
Mon • Sep 1414:00 - 14:25Plenary room
Your ideal prospect: The challenge – and opportunity – of attracting best-fit students
Presentation
Presenter
Rachel MacSween
Rachel MacSween
Rachel is the Director of Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement at IDP in the UK. Her role is to work with university partners on their student recruitment ambitions, as well as leading on government and sector stakeholder management, B2B Marketing and Global Communications. Prior to her joining IDP in early 2022, Rachel held roles as Director of International at the University of York in the UK, Head of Recruitment at University of Strathclyde in Glasgow and roles with Navitas for seven years in both Edinburgh and Melbourne.
Director of Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement, IDP Education UK
International student recruitment has become a more targeted and intentional process for many institutions. If the historical orientation in the field was toward volume – in driving application numbers and admissions through the top end of the enrolment funnel – the approach for many recruiters has shifted over the last two or three years to place a much greater emphasis on quality and student fit. “Quality” in the sense of the student’s qualifications and eligibility for admission, but also with respect to their likelihood of obtaining a visa and going on to successfully complete their studies.
This is in part a function of increasing competition in a still-growing global market, but also of increased scrutiny, compliance requirements, and strengthened genuine student tests in a number of destinations.
This plenary presentation will explore these factors in more depth and consider what this all means for how we approach international student recruitment today.
Mon • Sep 1414:30 - 15:10Room 2
Before the offer: Managing volume, impatience, and visibility in the pre-application period
Panel discussion
Panelist
Elissa Newall
Elissa Newall
Elissa Newall is Senior Partner at Edified, a specialist consultancy serving the international and higher education sector.
With more than 20 years' experience, she helps universities cut through complexity to deliver better student experiences and stronger recruitment outcomes. Elissa leads the Enquiry Experience Tracker, a global benchmarking program used by 200+ institutions across major study destinations. Her expertise spans digital strategy, marketing, student communications, conversion, personas and journey mapping.
Before Edified, she held senior marketing and student recruitment roles at RMIT University and Australian Catholic University. She is a Fellow of the International Education Association of Australia.
Senior Partner, Edified
Panelist
Rachel Fletcher
Rachel Fletcher
Rachel Fletcher is the co-founder of UniQuest, which she built and which was acquired by Keystone Education Group, where she now leads Enrolment Services as divisional CEO. She has spent 20 years working with universities on student engagement, conversion and success, building and deploying technology solutions that work for institutions and students alike. She writes and speaks about AI's practical role in student recruitment — and its limits — including where investment in the sector is actually landing, and where it isn't.
CEO & Co-founder Keystone Enrolment Services, Keystone Education Group
Stealth applicants. The dark end of the enrolment funnel. The conversational AI layer of student search. Call it what you will, there is little question that many students are looking at your institution long before you know anything about them.
How can you maintain visibility across an expanding field of platforms and channels? And how can you best target and engage prospective students once they do step out of stealth mode and make an enquiry or application?
Drawing on real-world case studies, pipeline data, and lessons learned, this specialist panel will make the case for best practices in this part of your recruitment effort.
Mon • Sep 1414:30 - 15:10Room 3
Moving compliance and quality assurance upstream: Evaluating prospective students and managing visa uncertainty
Panel discussion
Panelist
Mike Henniger
Mike Henniger
Mike Henniger is Chief Executive Officer & President at Illume Student Advisory Services, where he brings two decades of experience across the university, vocational, and language training sectors to help institutions grow their international presence. Much of that experience centers on in-country representation: setting up overseas offices, building local teams, and giving institutions a genuine foothold in the markets that matter most to their enrolment goals.
Mike considers this presence-driven model one of the most powerful tools available to institutions today, and it's a theme he returns to often as a sought-after speaker at education conferences worldwide.
For Mike, successful recruitment isn't just about visibility, it's about understanding global student mobility trends, meeting students where they are, and earning the kind of trust that only an on-the-ground presence can build. He translates that belief into practical, on-the-ground support that helps institutions reach their internationalization goals.
CEO & President, Illume Student Advisory Services
With increasing compliance requirements and strengthened genuine student tests now in place in many leading study destinations, we come to the question: how can we evaluate prospective students – and then better target the best-qualified and best-fit among them – at the earliest possible stages of recruitment?
Many education agents and in-country representatives will tell you that they are being asked to play a much greater role in this respect this year. And it seems clear that drawing on that in-market expertise is a key strategy for a growing number of institutions.
This session will explore what that looks like in practice, and how closer collaboration between the institution and its recruitment partners abroad can make all the difference when it comes to targeting for student fit, managing for success in the visa application process, and, ultimately, promoting great student outcomes.
Mon • Sep 1415:15 - 15:55Room 2
After the offer: Driving conversions for admitted students
Panel discussion
Panelist
Sophie Turnbull
Sophie Turnbull
Sophie has worked within the international recruitment sector for over fifteen years. She currently works as Director of International Student Recruitment at UWE and before that has worked within the private sector as Head of Recruitment and as Regional Manager for South Asia and the Americas.
Director of International Recruitment, University of the West of England
We all know the macro trends: there are now more international students applying to more institutions in more destinations than ever before. But as we also know: students do not apply because they have decided; they apply because they are still deciding.
What then are the factors that influence their decision making once they have (often multiple) offers in hand? That is the main question this session will explore with experienced practitioners sharing their insights on the strategies that actually move the needle when it comes to driving conversions from offer to enrolment.
Mon • Sep 1415:15 - 15:55Room 3
Demonstrating quality recruitment: An all-play AQF compliance and quality assurance session for agents and educators
Panel discussion
The UK’s Agent Quality Framework (AQF) has evolved from a voluntary, sector-led initiative to a mandatory set of requirements enshrined in the Home Office’s Student Sponsor Guidance. But this is more than a UK story: it reflects a pattern toward increasing oversight and quality assurance across a wide field of study destinations.
We are putting the AQF in focus in this session as a practical and powerful example of quality assurance in recruitment. What does this type of mechanism mean for institutions and agents, and how do the practices, policies, and infrastructure of each have to change in order to come into compliance with the requirements of a framework like AQF?
16:00 - 16:30
Coffee break
Mon • Sep 1416:30 - 16:45Plenary room
Welcome to the outcomes era
Presentation
Presenter
Sanam Arora
Sanam Arora
Sanam Arora is the Founder and Chair of NISAU, the apex body representing Indian students and alumni in the UK, and a leading voice in international education and youth policy. She serves as a Commissioner on the UK’s International Higher Education Commission and is a Governor at London Metropolitan University. Named one of the 50 most influential people in global education, Sanam bridges the worlds of policy, education, and investment strategy—advising global asset managers on strategy and transformation, while championing student welfare and India-UK collaboration. Her work has earned her numerous honours, including the prestigious PIEoneer Award for Outstanding Contribution to the HE Industry
Founder and Chairperson, National Indian Students and Alumni Union UK (NISAU)
“We are not in the business of selling degrees. We are in the business of changing lives,” says NISAU Chair Sanam Arora.
In this closing plenary session, Ms Arora will make the case for why effective international student recruitment has to start with a clear connection to great student outcomes.
This is about the future opportunity for the student, both in the study destination and in their home country, and their readiness for that future. But also about the experiences and services available to them – both during and after their studies – that help them prepare for a successful life.
Mon • Sep 1416:45 - 17:25Plenary room
Are we doing this wrong? Rethinking how we promote, track, and actually deliver great student outcomes
Panel discussion
This panel of specialists moves student outcomes from an abstract idea to very concrete, actionable strategies.
What do students need from study abroad in order to prepare for a successful future? What services or experiences can institutions provide to support this? And how are our ideas around student support for career success changing in recent years? Finally, how do we frame expectations around outcomes – for students, families, and other stakeholders – and tell the story of student success in a truly compelling and honest way?
Craig RiggsPresenterEditor in Chief, 91PORN Monitor
International education, and international student recruitment in particular, is experiencing profound change across at least three dimensions: we now work in a much more competitive global market; our students have different decision drivers that determine where and how they study abroad; and our sector – whether by virtue of government regulation or otherwise – is clearly moving into an era of strengthened quality assurance, oversight, and professional standards.
What does all this mean for the future of international student recruitment, and how should our strategies and practices continue to evolve to keep pace with a rapidly changing marketplace? That is the overarching question that this unique one-day conference aims to address.
10:45 - 10:55Plenary room
The impact of one million student stories
Presentation
The student is at the centre of everything that we do in international education. By creating more space for that student voice, and by amplifying their stories across the sector and around the world, we can demonstrate that international education is more than a degree or a set of data points around student mobility: it is the strategic engine for global peace and prosperity.
Made Impact Founder Chris Arnold provides a powerful example of this potential with his mission to gather the stories of how study abroad changed the lives of one million students.
11:00 - 11:55Plenary room
How do we tell the story of international education?
Panel discussion
Phil HoneywoodPanelistCEO, International Education Association of Australia
Joann Ng HartmannPanelistSenior Impact Officer, NAFSA: Association of International Educators
There can be little doubt that strong public support is the key to long-term, sustainable growth for our sector. That social license enables ongoing investment in internationalisation, opens up opportunities for collaboration across institutions and communities, and provides a buffer against disruptive policy change. .
This opening panel of sector leaders will explore strategies and lessons learned from key study destinations for building support for internationalisation within the institution, in the wider community, and among policy makers.
12:00 - 12:55Plenary room
The idea exchange: Interactive roundtable discussions on key questions for our sector
Roundtables
Jonathan HillModeratorSenior Manager, Fragomen LLP
Simon TerringtonModeratorDirector and Co-founder, EdCo LATAM Consulting
Mike HennigerModeratorCEO & President, Illume Student Advisory Services
Summit delegates are very often leading recruitment in their respective institutions or organisations, and as such they have invaluable expertise to share. In this hour, the entire conference will take part in a series of specialised roundtable discussions to help support that exchange of ideas and insights among colleagues.
There will be two sittings, each lasting 25 minutes. Each table will be convened by a specialist in the field who will set the context and facilitate the group discussion.
Table topics will include:
How is Europe adjusting to increased competition from Asia?
Easing financial barriers for international students
What the Administrative Review process for student route tells us about visa refusals
Keys to the Market: Latin America - Simon Terrington
Keys to the Market: Africa - Mike Henniger
How to talk to government
RAG Time: BCA metrics and the UKVI audit process - Jonathan Hill
Secrets for success in TNE
The agents' view on key market trends
Goodbye funnel: Recruiting within a circular student journey
The international schools channel
How are UK unis adapting to BCA and RAG?
Mind the gap: What is the international student data not telling us?
What to do about the AI standing between you and your students
The biggest factors in student decision making
Current issues and trends in student housing
14:00 - 14:25Plenary room
Your ideal prospect: The challenge – and opportunity – of attracting best-fit students
Presentation
Rachel MacSweenPresenterDirector of Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement, IDP Education UK
International student recruitment has become a more targeted and intentional process for many institutions. If the historical orientation in the field was toward volume – in driving application numbers and admissions through the top end of the enrolment funnel – the approach for many recruiters has shifted over the last two or three years to place a much greater emphasis on quality and student fit. “Quality” in the sense of the student’s qualifications and eligibility for admission, but also with respect to their likelihood of obtaining a visa and going on to successfully complete their studies.
This is in part a function of increasing competition in a still-growing global market, but also of increased scrutiny, compliance requirements, and strengthened genuine student tests in a number of destinations.
This plenary presentation will explore these factors in more depth and consider what this all means for how we approach international student recruitment today.
14:30 - 15:10Room 2
Before the offer: Managing volume, impatience, and visibility in the pre-application period
Panel discussion
Elissa NewallPanelistSenior Partner, Edified
Rachel FletcherPanelistCEO & Co-founder Keystone Enrolment Services, Keystone Education Group
Stealth applicants. The dark end of the enrolment funnel. The conversational AI layer of student search. Call it what you will, there is little question that many students are looking at your institution long before you know anything about them.
How can you maintain visibility across an expanding field of platforms and channels? And how can you best target and engage prospective students once they do step out of stealth mode and make an enquiry or application?
Drawing on real-world case studies, pipeline data, and lessons learned, this specialist panel will make the case for best practices in this part of your recruitment effort.
14:30 - 15:10Room 3
Moving compliance and quality assurance upstream: Evaluating prospective students and managing visa uncertainty
Panel discussion
Mike HennigerPanelistCEO & President, Illume Student Advisory Services
With increasing compliance requirements and strengthened genuine student tests now in place in many leading study destinations, we come to the question: how can we evaluate prospective students – and then better target the best-qualified and best-fit among them – at the earliest possible stages of recruitment?
Many education agents and in-country representatives will tell you that they are being asked to play a much greater role in this respect this year. And it seems clear that drawing on that in-market expertise is a key strategy for a growing number of institutions.
This session will explore what that looks like in practice, and how closer collaboration between the institution and its recruitment partners abroad can make all the difference when it comes to targeting for student fit, managing for success in the visa application process, and, ultimately, promoting great student outcomes.
15:15 - 15:55Room 2
After the offer: Driving conversions for admitted students
Panel discussion
Sophie TurnbullPanelistDirector of International Recruitment, University of the West of England
We all know the macro trends: there are now more international students applying to more institutions in more destinations than ever before. But as we also know: students do not apply because they have decided; they apply because they are still deciding.
What then are the factors that influence their decision making once they have (often multiple) offers in hand? That is the main question this session will explore with experienced practitioners sharing their insights on the strategies that actually move the needle when it comes to driving conversions from offer to enrolment.
15:15 - 15:55Room 3
Demonstrating quality recruitment: An all-play AQF compliance and quality assurance session for agents and educators
Panel discussion
The UK’s Agent Quality Framework (AQF) has evolved from a voluntary, sector-led initiative to a mandatory set of requirements enshrined in the Home Office’s Student Sponsor Guidance. But this is more than a UK story: it reflects a pattern toward increasing oversight and quality assurance across a wide field of study destinations.
We are putting the AQF in focus in this session as a practical and powerful example of quality assurance in recruitment. What does this type of mechanism mean for institutions and agents, and how do the practices, policies, and infrastructure of each have to change in order to come into compliance with the requirements of a framework like AQF?
16:30 - 16:45Plenary room
Welcome to the outcomes era
Presentation
Sanam AroraPresenterFounder and Chairperson, National Indian Students and Alumni Union UK (NISAU)
“We are not in the business of selling degrees. We are in the business of changing lives,” says NISAU Chair Sanam Arora.
In this closing plenary session, Ms Arora will make the case for why effective international student recruitment has to start with a clear connection to great student outcomes.
This is about the future opportunity for the student, both in the study destination and in their home country, and their readiness for that future. But also about the experiences and services available to them – both during and after their studies – that help them prepare for a successful life.
16:45 - 17:25Plenary room
Are we doing this wrong? Rethinking how we promote, track, and actually deliver great student outcomes
Panel discussion
This panel of specialists moves student outcomes from an abstract idea to very concrete, actionable strategies.
What do students need from study abroad in order to prepare for a successful future? What services or experiences can institutions provide to support this? And how are our ideas around student support for career success changing in recent years? Finally, how do we frame expectations around outcomes – for students, families, and other stakeholders – and tell the story of student success in a truly compelling and honest way?
17:30 - 17:45Plenary room
Programme closing and key takeaways from the day
Presentation
Friday, September 12
09:00 - 19:00 Registration open
09:00 - 09:45 Welcome refreshments
09:45 - 10:30 Plenary session
10:30 - 12:30 Theme 1: How we reach students now
12:30 - 13:30 Lunch break
13:30 - 15:00 Theme 2: How we engage prospects and drive conversion
15:00 - 15:30 Coffee break
15:30 - 17:00 Theme 3: How we ensure a great student experience
17:00 - 17:30 Coffee break
17:30 - 19:00 Theme 4: How we promote great student outcomes
