Best Higher Education Conferences 2026 in London, UK, Europe, US, Singapore, Dubai and Saudi

## Top Higher Education Conferences to Attend in 2026 The higher education sector continues to transform rapidly, driven by technological innovation, changing student expectations and evolving pedagogical approaches. For university leaders, educators and EdTech professionals, attending the right conferences is essential for staying ahead of trends, building networks and discovering breakthrough solutions. We have compiled the definitive guide to the best higher education conferences across the United Kingdom, Europe, North America, Asia and the Middle East for 2026. --- ## London & United Kingdom 1. EdTech World Forum 2026 Dates: May 12-13, 2026 Location: London, UK Register Here The EdTech World Forum brings together global education innovators, technology providers and institutional leaders to explore the future of educational technology. This flagship London event features keynotes from leading EdTech entrepreneurs, interactive workshops and extensive networking opportunities. Key themes for 2026 include AI-powered learning platforms, immersive education experiences and digital credential systems. --- 2. Bett UK 2026 Dates: January 21-23, 2026 Location: London, UK Register Here Bett is the world's leading education technology event, attracting over 30,000 attendees annually to London's ExCeL. The exhibition showcases more than 600 technology providers, while the conference programme features insights from education ministers, university vice-chancellors and EdTech pioneers. Essential for anyone involved in educational technology procurement or strategy. --- 3. European Conference on Education (ECE2026) Dates: July 9-13, 2026 Location: London, UK Register Here The European Conference on Education provides a broad academic forum for sharing research and ideas in higher education. This interdisciplinary gathering welcomes scholars from education, psychology, sociology and related fields. The peer-reviewed conference proceedings are indexed in major academic databases. --- ## Europe (Beyond UK) 4. QS Higher Ed Summit: Europe 2026 Dates: June 24-26, 2026 Location: TBA Register Here The QS Higher Ed Summit: Europe convenes senior university leaders to discuss European higher education strategy, internationalisation and institutional development. The summit features exclusive networking sessions, strategic workshops and insights from QS World University Rankings analysts. --- 5. EDUlearn26 Dates: TBC 2026 Location: Europe (TBA) Register Here EDUlearn is a key European conference for educators, researchers and technologists interested in educational innovation. The event typically attracts over 800 participants from 80 countries, with extensive opportunities for paper presentations and collaborative discussions. --- ## United States & Americas 6. FETC 2026 Dates: January 11-14, 2026 Location: Orlando, Florida Register Here The Future of Education Technology Conference is one of North America's largest educational technology events, focusing on technology integration in K-12 and higher education. The conference features hands-on workshops, technology showcases and sessions led by pioneering educators from across the United States. --- 7. SXSW EDU 2026 Dates: TBC 2026 Location: Austin, Texas Register Here SXSW EDU is a leading innovation conference exploring future trends in teaching, learning and educational technology. Part of the broader South by Southwest festival, SXSW EDU attracts entrepreneurs, investors and educators seeking to discover breakthrough approaches to education. The event is renowned for its startup pitch competitions and unconventional session formats. --- 8. QS Higher Ed Summit: Americas 2026 Dates: October 1-2, 2026 Location: Guadalajara, Mexico Register Here The QS Higher Ed Summit: Americas brings together university leaders from North and South America to discuss regional trends, cross-border partnerships and institutional development strategies. The Guadalajara location provides excellent access to both Latin American and US higher education networks. --- ## Asia (Singapore) 9. EDUtech Asia 2026 Dates: November 4-5, 2026 Location: Singapore Register Here EDUtech Asia is the major event for the Asian education sector, convening education ministers, university leaders and technology providers from across the Asia-Pacific region. Singapore's position as a regional education hub makes this an essential event for institutions seeking to expand their Asian footprint. --- ## Middle East (Dubai, UAE & Saudi Arabia) 10. QS Higher Ed Summit: Middle East 2026 Dates: April 19-21, 2026 Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE Register Here The QS Higher Ed Summit: Middle East focuses on regional trends in higher education, including Vision 2030 initiatives, knowledge economy development and international partnerships. The Abu Dhabi location provides excellent access to Gulf Cooperation Council education leaders and government stakeholders. --- 11. GESS Dubai 2026 Dates: November 2026 Location: Dubai, UAE Register Here GESS Dubai (Global Educational Supplies & Solutions) is a significant exhibition for the Middle East education market, attracting over 10,000 attendees and 500 exhibitors. The event covers the full education spectrum from early years to higher education, with dedicated zones for EdTech, STEM and special educational needs. --- 12. GESS Saudi Arabia 2026 Dates: TBC 2026 Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Register Here GESS Saudi Arabia is a key event for the Saudi education market, aligned with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 education transformation agenda. The conference features government education leaders, international university representatives and technology providers targeting the substantial Saudi education investment programme. --- ## 2026 Higher Education Conferences at a Glance | Conference | Dates | Location | Focus Area | Website | |:--|:--|:--|:--|:--| | FETC 2026 | Jan 11-14 | Orlando, USA | EdTech Innovation | fetc.org | | Bett UK 2026 | Jan 21-23 | London, UK | Education Technology | bettshow.com | | QS Summit: Middle East | Apr 19-21 | Abu Dhabi, UAE | Regional Strategy | qshesummits.com | | EdTech World Forum | May 12-13 | London, UK | EdTech Innovation | edtechconferences.london | | QS Summit: Europe | Jun 24-26 | Europe TBA | European HE Strategy | qshesummits.com | | ECE2026 | Jul 9-13 | London, UK | Academic Research | ece.iafor.org | | QS Summit: Americas | Oct 1-2 | Guadalajara, Mexico | Americas HE | qshesummits.com | | EDUtech Asia | Nov 4-5 | Singapore | Asia-Pacific Education | terrapinn.com | | GESS Dubai | Nov 2026 | Dubai, UAE | Middle East Education | gessdubai.com | | GESS Saudi Arabia | TBC 2026 | Riyadh, KSA | Saudi Education | gesseducation.com | | SXSW EDU | TBC 2026 | Austin, USA | Innovation & Startups | sxswedu.com | | EDUlearn26 | TBC 2026 | Europe TBA | Educator Development | iated.org | --- ## Planning Your Conference Calendar For higher education professionals planning their 2026 calendar, we recommend prioritising events based on your specific objectives: For EdTech professionals: Bett UK, FETC and EDUtech Asia offer the most comprehensive technology showcases and vendor networking. For university leaders: The QS Higher Ed Summits across Europe, Americas and Middle East provide strategic insights and peer networking at the senior level. For researchers and academics: ECE2026 and EDUlearn offer peer-reviewed presentation opportunities and academic collaboration. For Middle East market access: GESS Dubai and GESS Saudi Arabia are essential for institutions and companies targeting the Gulf region's substantial education investment. Early registration typically offers significant discounts, and accommodation near major venues books quickly. We recommend securing travel arrangements at least three months in advance for the largest events.