The Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Conference is a flagship annual event that brings together practitioners, academics, and senior leaders from across the globe to share learning, challenge thinking and advance the equity agenda in higher education.
Each year, the conference explores a timely theme through a range of keynote sessions, panels, workshops, and poster presentations, creating a space for honest dialogue, practical insights, and collaborative action. Whether you are working on policy, pedagogy, leadership, or culture change, this event offers a unique opportunity to engage with emerging thinking and innovative practice in EDI.
Conference outcomes
In addition to opportunities to hear from a range of interesting speakers and enhance personal networks, this conference offers:
- Critical reflection: Space to reflect and gain a deeper understanding of different frameworks (Equality Act, Athena Swan, PSED etc.) that shape institutional culture in higher education.
- Practice sharing: Whether it is for navigating contested or addressing contemporary challenges within higher education, delegates will have ample of opportunity to hear from others within and beyond HE.
- Skills building: A practical focus on developing expertise for embedding EDI across governance, curriculum, HR and student experience.
- Networking with likeminded professionals for mutual support and peer challenge that build resilience and trust.
We are committed to showcasing the diverse range of staff working in higher education, including student unions, and academic and professional services staff.
Who should attend?
Anyone tasked with developing initiatives which create a more equitable future for staff and students. This includes but is not restricted to EDI leads, APP/WP teams, teaching practitioners, including heads of departments, academic programme leaders and developers, lecturers, academic and support staff, and learning technologists.
Booking Information
5% early booking discount, book before 30 Sept 2026
Radisson Blu Hotel, Manchester Airport.
Event type
Conference
Event summary
This two-day conference will focus on best practice in addressing issues of equality, diversity and inclusion in HE. Includes keynotes from senior leaders and EDI experts.
Event times
Wed 14 Apr 2027 – Thu 15 Apr 2027
Event prices
| EDI Conference 2027 – 1 day attendance 15 April | Member Ticket | £375 |
| EDI Conference 2027 – 1 day attendance 14 April | Non-Member ticket | £500 |
| EDI Conference 2027 – 1 day attendance 14 April | Member Ticket | £375 |
| EDI Conference 2027 – 1 day attendance 14 April | Member Ticket (Early Bird) | £355 |
| EDI Conference 2027 – 1 day attendance 14 April | Non-Member Ticket (Early Bird) | £475 |
| EDI Conference 2027 – 1 day attendance 15 April | Non-Member ticket | £500 |
| EDI Conference 2027 – 1 day attendance 15 April | Member Ticket (Early Bird) | £355 |
| EDI Conference 2027 – 1 day attendance 15 April | Non-Member Ticket (Early Bird) | £475 |
| EDI Conference 2027 – 2 day attendance | Member Ticket | £715 |
| EDI Conference 2027 – 2 day attendance | Non-Member ticket | £955 |
| EDI Conference 2027 – 2 day attendance | Member Ticket (Early Bird) | £680 |
| EDI Conference 2027 – 2 day attendance | Non-Member Ticket (Early Bird) | £910 |
| EDI Conference Dinner (excl. Vat) – 14 April 2027 | Delegate Option | £65 |
| EDI Conference Meal (excl. Vat) – 14 April 2027 only use if delegate ticket bought separately | Member Ticket | £65 |
| EDI Conference Meal (excl. Vat) – 14 April 2027 only use if delegate ticket bought separately | Non-Member ticket | £65 |
Accommodation
The conference is being held at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Manchester Airport. Delegates can book their accommodation directly with the hotel using the promotional code ADV1304 to access the discounted rate.
To book, please click on the link below, enter your check-in and check-out dates and, under the ‘Special Rates’ dropdown, select ‘Promotional Code’. Enter the code ADV1304 and proceed with your booking.
Please note: Rooms will be released six weeks prior to the conference, so we recommend booking before this deadline to secure the discounted rate.
This is a conference that anyone serious about matters of Inclusivity, Equity and Diversity, should attend. It really is a box of delights with something for everyone to take away”.
Dr Barbara Howard-Hunt, Senior Lecturer Inclusivity Hub, Birmingham City University
