European Universities Estates Congress
20 - 21 October 2026 | Manchester Central
In collaboration with the University Design Forum
Register your Interest View the Conference Programme
[Photo from Education Estates® 2025]
Shaping the Future of University Estates & Facilities
The European Universities Estates Congress is a new conference and networking event dedicated to real estate and facilities management in higher education. Bringing together professionals from across Europe, the UK and beyond, the Congress provides a unique platform to exchange knowledge, share best practices and explore innovative solutions to the challenges facing university leaders today.
The European Universities Estates Congress brings together those responsible for real estate, facilities management and campus development to collaborate, identify common challenges and discover solutions that transcend borders. As institutions respond to increasing demands around sustainability, refurbishment & retrofit, good estate management, and technology and AI, the Congress offers a dynamic platform to exchange ideas, share best practices and foster cross-border collaboration, ensuring estate strategies are aligned with the future of higher education.
Register Your Interest View the Conference Programme
The European Universities Estates Congress is organised by STEP CONNECT2, in collaboration with the University Design Forum.
[Image Source: UniRank 2020]
Inspiring Keynotes & Expert Panels
Learn from leading voices in policy, architecture, sustainability, construction and facilities management.
Interactive Workshops & Roundtables
Engage in deeper discussions on campus development, digital transformation, space rationalisation and operational efficiency.
Networking & Collaboration
Connect with peers and sector leaders tackling similar challenges and discover solutions.
Cutting-Edge Innovation & Best Practices
Gain insights into emerging trends shaping the future of universities.
Who Should Attend?
University Leaders and those responsible for real estate, facilities management and campus development. Architects & Designers, Specialist Consultants, Contractors and Suppliers of Essential Products, Services & Equipment for Higher Education.
Attendance is FREE for those directly employed by universities worldwide.
A delegate fee applies to private sector representatives.
Key Themes
Space Utilisation & Optimisation
Smart Campus Infrastructure & Digital Innovation
Student Experience
Collaboration, Alliancing & Strategic Partnerships
Sustainability & Pathways to Net Zero
Research into Practice
Health & Wellbeing
Heritage Buildings
Design
Financial Sustainability
And more...
The Call for Presentations is now closed!
Thank you to all those who submitted proposals to speak at this year’s European Universities Estates Congress. We have been seeking sector experts to share recent projects that will inspire and inform our attendees, and we are delighted by the breadth and quality of submissions received.
The Conference Programme is now live, click below to find out more!
Showcase your brand to key decision-makers, responsible for university real estate and facilities management.
Sponsorship is the most flexible way to present your company at the event. It can be tailored to your needs and ensures a direct hit on your target market. Various packages are available for you to choose from in order to meet your unique requirements.
Important Information
Originally scheduled for Amsterdam in January 2026, the Congress will now take place on 20–21 October 2026 in Manchester.
This change has been made in response to the ongoing economic constraints facing the higher education sector across Europe and the UK.
While the location and date have changed, the essence of the Congress remains the same.
It will continue as a dedicated two-day, pan-European conference, bringing together those responsible for real estate, facilities management and campus development across the university sector.
The programme remains unchanged – featuring the same expert speakers and insightful sessions, offering cross-border comparison and collaboration, and addressing key challenges such as sustainability, refurbishment & retrofit, good estate management, and technology and AI.
The event will be co-located with Education Estates® – the UK’s leading learning environments event, allowing for focused discussion while benefiting from the energy and connections of a broader event already established over 14 years as a key meeting place for the UK’s education community.
The European Universities Estates Congress will bring together those responsible for real estate, facilities management and campus development across Europe to collaborate, identify common challenges and discover solutions that transcend borders.
Organised in collaboration with the University Design Forum and shaped by an expert Advisory Group, the Congress offers a dynamic platform to exchange ideas, share best practice and explore shared challenges.
We look forward to welcoming our pan-European community to Manchester in October 2026.
