29 August 2025 - SSG25 Erin Niven
SSG25: Stepping into My First Conference
Attending the SSG25 Conference in Liverpool was something I had been looking forward to. This was the first conference I had ever attended, and I approached it with equal measures of excitement and nerves. It felt like an incredible opportunity not only to learn from others in the sector but also to push myself beyond my comfort zone. Conferences are, after all, about people as much as they are about content, and I was eager to immerse myself in both.
Anticipation and Expectations
In the lead-up to SSG25, I was particularly excited about the chance to hear directly from peers tackling the same challenges we face in higher education IT. I hoped the sessions would give me fresh ideas to bring back to my own work, while also giving me the confidence to share my perspective with others. What I didn’t fully expect, however, was just how energising it would be to step into a space buzzing with conversation, full of people united by a genuine passion for collaboration, innovation, and positive change.
First Impressions
Walking into the meet and greet on the first night, I’ll admit to feeling slightly daunted. Being new to conferences, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Would I know anyone? Would I fit in? Those worries quickly disappeared. The SSG community is incredibly welcoming, and it was clear from the start that everyone was there to both share and learn. The programme struck a great balance between inspiring keynotes and practical workshops over the two days, and it was easy to find conversations that felt meaningful. What impressed me most was the atmosphere: professional but never intimidating; serious about learning, but also full of humour and warmth.
My Top Three Takeaways
- Wellbeing and workplace culture matter. The Happy workshop was a real highlight of the conference. It challenged us to think about how happiness and positivity in the workplace can directly influence productivity, creativity, and retention. I took away practical strategies for creating a culture where people feel valued and motivated- whether that’s small shifts in how we give feedback, or bigger conversations about trust and empowerment. It was a refreshing reminder that the success of IT services depends as much on people as on technology.
- The opportunities and challenges of AI. The Great AI Debate with Jake and Antonia was lively, engaging, and exactly the kind of discussion our sector needs right now. I was struck by the range of perspectives from cautious optimism to deep concern- about how AI is already changing the way we work and learn. For me, the key message was that we cannot afford to ignore AI, but we must also approach it with responsibility and care. It encouraged me to think more critically about the role of AI in higher education, and how institutions can prepare staff and students for a future where AI is part of everyday life.
- The importance of embracing neurodiversity. Faith Thomas’s talk on neurodiversity in the workplace was one of the most impactful sessions I attended. Faith spoke with such honesty and clarity about the value of different ways of thinking, and the need for organisations to move beyond tokenism towards genuine inclusivity. Her insights made me reflect on how often traditional workplace structures unintentionally exclude people, and how much richer our sector could be if we embraced and celebrated neurodiverse talent. It was a powerful reminder that inclusion is not just a moral imperative- it’s also essential for innovation.
Advice for First-Time Attendees
For anyone considering attending an SSG conference for the first time, my advice is simple: throw yourself into the experience. The sessions are excellent, but some of the best learning happens in the breaks- the conversations over coffee, the chats between sessions, the connections made at social events. Don’t be afraid to strike up conversations with people you don’t know; the community is welcoming and genuinely interested in sharing ideas. Stepping outside your comfort zone can feel daunting at first, but it’s absolutely worth it.
Final Reflections
As my very first conference, SSG25 was an eye-opening and transformative experience. It not only broadened my knowledge but also built my confidence. I came away with practical ideas I can apply in my own role, new contacts I can learn from, and a stronger belief in the importance of collaboration across the sector.
Most importantly, SSG25 showed me the value of making space for reflection. It’s easy in day-to-day work to get caught up in tasks and deadlines, but stepping back to engage with a wider community brought fresh perspective and renewed energy. For me, this conference wasn’t just about professional development- it was about personal growth too. I pushed myself beyond my usual boundaries, and I’m so glad I did.
I left Liverpool inspired, motivated, and already looking forward to the next opportunity to connect, learn, and grow with this community.
