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AoC Marketing and Communications Conference 2026

Venue: Online via Zoom

Date: 6 May 2026

Time: 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Fee: Starting from £195 + VAT per delegate

Taking place on:

Wednesday 6 May 09:30 - 12:30 - Day one
Thursday 7 May 09:30 -12:30 - Day two

AoC’s annual Marketing and Communications Conference offers a valuable space for college professionals to explore the latest thinking across the fast‑moving marketing and communications landscape. Bringing together sector specialists, practical case studies and fresh perspectives, the conference is designed to spark new ideas and strengthen the impact of your work. Whether you’re looking to refine your strategy, discover innovative approaches or connect with peers facing similar challenges, you’ll leave equipped with insights and inspiration you can put into practice straight away.

Why attend?

Examine the latest priorities in FE marketing, including what students want from HE in FE and how to prepare for emerging risks such as deep fake technologies.
Learn from real world case studies on alumni engagement, adult learner outreach and award winning brand transformation.
Hear from expert speakers including Claire Piela, Common Purpose on managing intergenerational teams, and Ben Peck, Diddu Communications on crisis communication in the age of deep fakes.
Take advantage of interactive breakout sessions, sector networking and practical insights you can apply straight away to strengthen your college’s strategy and communications

Join the conversation and stay up-to-date with the latest news: AoC_Info

Delegate Fees:

AoC Member fee – per delegate £195 + VAT

Affiliate Member – per delegate £230 + VAT

Non-member institutions – per delegate £310 + VAT

Non-member commercial – per delegate £640 + VAT

10% off on 3 or more tickets purchased

Speakers

Sean Howitt

Head of Marketing & Communications, Solihull College & University Centre

Sean is the Head of Marketing & Communications for Solihull College & University Centre and Stratford-upon-Avon College. He brings over 14 years of experience in further education marketing, with previous roles spanning higher education and the environmental sector. In recent years, the College marketing team has received multiple awards for their work across social media, websites, TV campaigns, events, and higher education marketing initiatives.

Claire Piela

Managing Director – Global Education, Common Purpose

Claire plays a strategic role in shaping Common Purpose’s work globally and leads its educational partnerships portfolio. With 15 years’ experience across sectors and countries, she has worked with audiences from students to C-suite leaders, bringing deep insight into global workplace and people trends, including managing intergenerational teams and navigating cultural complexity. She has designed and delivered programmes for corporates, universities and NGOs worldwide. Known for her ability to connect across divides, Claire is a highly skilled facilitator and engaging speaker, bringing clarity and practical insight to diverse audiences. She lives in Lancashire with her husband, son and daughter.