14 April 2026 - UCISA26 Kyle Strudwick Reflections
I went to the UCISA 2026 Leadership Summit knowing what I wanted: to meet colleagues from other universities and see how they are handling the same challenges we all face. With so much happening around AI, security, EUC, resources, and rapid change, taking a break from daily work to learn from others felt both timely and worthwhile.Right away, I was impressed by the UCISA Leadership Summit. The event felt open, welcoming, and truly collaborative. People wanted to talk, share, and learn from each other, not just attend sessions and leave. It quickly became clear that, no matter the size or type of institution, many of us face the same issues. This shared experience set a positive tone for the rest of the event.
One big takeaway for me was how similar our challenges are across the sector. Almost everyone I talked to was dealing with the same issues, just at different stages or from different perspectives. Some organisations do well in one area but need help in another, and for others, it’s the opposite. This showed me that no single institution has all the answers, and learning from each other is one of our biggest strengths.
Another important lesson was the value of strong supplier relationships. Many discussions showed that real partnerships, not just business transactions, can make a big difference. When suppliers are seen as trusted partners and both sides know what to expect, these relationships can support innovation, reduce problems, and help institutions handle challenges more smoothly.
A third takeaway was the ongoing value of professional networks. The connections made at events like UCISA last well beyond the conference. Having a group of trusted peers to share ideas, check plans, and talk openly about challenges is extremely helpful, especially in leadership roles where tough decisions are common. Some of the best conversations happened outside the formal sessions, showing how important it is to make time for informal chats.
If you’re going to the UCISA Leadership Summit for the first time, my main advice is to plan your days well. Know what you want to get from the event and which sessions or conversations are most important to you. Also, be realistic: you’ll probably spend more time than you expect talking to vendors and peers, and those chats are often the most valuable part. Planning for that helps make sure you don’t miss what matters most.
The Summit ended with an awards dinner at Liverpool Cathedral, which was a memorable venue and a great way to finish a valuable few days. I left with new perspectives, new connections, and lots of ideas to use going forward.
I’ve shared some images, thoughts and a video on LinkedIn that can be found here and here.
