Winter Conference 2026: the Student Services effect

When is the conference?

The Winter Conference takes place on Friday 13 February 2026. Registration is from 09:00 and the first session starts at 10:00. The event finishes at 16:00. 

Where is the conference taking place?

The conference takes place at the Manchester Deansgate Hotel, Manchester, United Kingdom.

What is the easiest way to get to the Manchester Deansgate Hotel?

The hotel is about a 20 minute drive from Manchester Airport and a 10 minute drive from Manchester Piccadilly which is the closest train station

Is parking available at the hotel?

There is no parking available at the hotel. You can use the NCP Great Northern Warehouse, which is only a few minutes’ walk away, and the hotel offers a 30% discount code. The code can be picked up from reception and can be used at the parking machines in the car park. The code only works at the ticket machines, however, so would not apply the discount to any pre-booked or pre-paid stays.

Who is EucA?

EucA is the European university college Association. EucA work with universities and halls of residences across Europe, and their aim is to strengthen the field of Student Affairs and Services in the same ways as AMOSSHE does for the UK; through collaboration, innovation and professional development. We are delighted to be hosting the Winter Conference alongside EucA for 2026 and we look forward to hearing about some of the work being done in Europe within Student Services and sharing best practices.

What is the format of the conference?

After the welcome and keynote sessions, happening in Deansgate 2 and 3, we’ll be running two different sessions concurrently so you can decide which session you wish to attend.  The sessions will be held in the same two rooms throughout the conference, and the venue is easy to navigate. You can check which sessions are running, the time and location on the online conference programme. You don’t have to register to join the sessions, you can decide on the day.

Will the sessions be recorded and will I get the presentations and resources after the conference? 

We won’t be recording the sessions, but we’ll be sharing resources (presentations, handouts) from the sessions to all delegates a fortnight after the conference.

How much does the conference cost?                                                                    

We have a range of tickets available depending on whether you are an AMOSSHE/EucA member, non-member or corporate delegate. You also have the option of purchasing residential tickets to stay for one night on Thursday 12 February or two nights from Wednesday 11 February. Of course, you can also purchase a day delegate ticket which doesn’t include an overnight stay. 

I work for an AMOSSHE member organisation - can I get the member rate?        

You can only get the member rate to attend the conference if you’re a named AMOSSHE member. You will need to log in to access this rate. Other employees of an AMOSSHE member organisation (who aren’t named members) must pay the non-member rate.

Is breakfast at the hotel included with a one night or two night residential ticket?     

Yes, breakfast is included. It’s the most important meal of the day.

Can I get a refund if I need to cancel my place?                                                      

Yes, you can get a refund if you cancel your place two days prior to the booking deadline for the ticket type you have purchased. Please refer to our booking terms and conditions for further information on how you should do this. 

I can no longer attend - can someone go in my place?                                           

If you want to change a booked delegate for someone else, please contact the National Office as soon as possible, and confirm your request by emailing [email protected]. The cost of a place at an event differs depending on whether the delegate is a named member or is associated with AMOSSHE. We won’t charge a fee for any delegate substitutions made before two days prior to the booking deadline for the ticket type you have purchased. AMOSSHE cannot permit substitutions after this time.

When does booking close?

Booking closes on Monday 26 January 2026.

I have a residential delegate ticket for the conference. What time can I arrive to the venue?

Whether you are arriving on Wednesday 11 February for a two-night stay or on Thursday 12 February for a one-night stay, check in is from 15:00.  If you arrive to the venue earlier, there will be facilities to store your overnight bag until your room is ready.

I will require a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP), can this be arranged with the venue?

Yes. If you are a residential delegate, you can complete this with the hotel reception team when you arrive at check in. If you are a day delegate, please speak to one of the AMOSSHE team and we will arrange for this to be completed with one of the hotel’s event team.

Does the venue have Wi-Fi?

Yes, Wi-Fi is available throughout the venue, and you will be able to connect at check in.

What time is the networking drinks reception and where?

This will be held in the stunning Cloud 23 Bar which is on the 23^rd floor of the Manchester Deansgate Hotel where you will be staying. The event will run from 18:30 to 19:30 on Thursday 12 February and gives you the opportunity to meet colleagues and peers while enjoying a few drinks in an informal space. Manchester has an array of restaurants that you may wish to book for your evening meal after this event.

Which restaurants are nearby that I can go to after the networking drinks?

You may want to check out the reviews of some local restaurants that can be found here.

Will there be any other activities that I can join?

Three AMOSSHE member higher education providers are inviting delegates to join a tour of their campus on Thursday 12 February so you can see their Student Services set up and link with colleagues. 

What should I wear for the conference?

The conference is a relaxed event designed for people to feel comfortable and prepared to network and learn from each other. We suggest casual / smart casual for the event but there's no dress code.                          

What is the checkout process?

Check out is at 11:00 on Friday 13 February. Overnight bags can be stored until the end of the conference.

I want to stay at the hotel for some extra nights. How can I arrange this?

You are welcome to book additional night stays at the Manchester Deansgate Hotel at your own expense. Please feel free to contact the venue directly and explain that you will be booked in for an overnight stay(s) for the AMOSSHE Winter Conference but would like to keep your room for an additional night(s). This will be subject to the hotel’s availability.

What do I need to provide you as a Winter Conference 2026 exhibitor sponsor?

Please provide the following information to AMOSSHE for advertising and promotion as well as for organisational logistics:

• Name of delegate taking the residential place (included in your sponsorship package)
• Job title
• Access requirements
• Dietary requirements
• Preferred pronouns
• Do they wish to appear in the delegate search list?
• Can we share their details with other sponsors?
• Do they wish to attend the networking drinks that take place at the hotel on Thursday 12 February evening, from 6.30-7.30pm?

Please do this at your earliest convenience and no later than 23 January 2026. 

What if I want to book additional conference tickets for my colleagues?

If you wish to purchase tickets for your colleagues to join the Winter Conference, please note that the booking deadline is Monday 26 January 2026. You can book tickets online and may need to register to get your login details.

Please ensure you select the corporate ticket option.

When will I receive the delegate list?

We’ll send this to you one week before the event, as stated in your sponsorship agreement. This list includes the names, job titles, email addresses and organisations of attendees who choose to be listed.

When can I select my stand location on the exhibitor floorplan?

The floorplan will be sent to all sponsors in the order that you returned the signed agreement to sponsor the Winter Conference.  In turn, each exhibitor can select their preferred spot within a given timeframe.  If you miss your deadline for response, we’ll send the plan to the next sponsor for them to choose. We need to do this so that we have time to get decisions from all our sponsors. We will begin sending this out week commencing 19 January 2026.

Where do I send all our conference materials to and when can I send this by?

All parcels and packages must be addressed to the venue as follows:

All items must clearly display the Event Delivery label that can be found here. This must be completed in full. The Event Planner is Natalie Clarke.

Items should arrive by Friday 6 February to ensure enough space in the venue for storage.

When will I be able to start setting up my exhibitor stand?

You will have access to the Exhibition area (Deansgate 1 suite) on the 1st Floor from 7.00am on Friday 13 February so you can use this time to set up your exhibitor space.

How big is my space in the exhibition area?

You will have a six-foot space in the exhibition area, and we will provide you with a table and 2 chairs and power for the duration of the event.

What can I bring for my exhibition stand?

That really is up to you. You can have a simple setup with some information about your company, or you can have a more elaborate setup with equipment and freebies to give away. We have had both at our conferences for many years. If you’re intending to give anything away (freebies, gifts) we suggest that these are sustainable (recyclable, compostable, made of recycled materials) where possible, as our delegates will really appreciate that. Please note that AMOSSHE is not responsible for any equipment that is left in the exhibition area. All equipment must be appropriately PAT tested displaying labels and dates.

Can I request AV equipment for my exhibition stand?

Yes, you can liaise directly with Sterling Event Group, the AV supplier for the event. Please use this form to place your order. Note that AV equipment must be ordered no later than Friday 6 February 2026.

Can I attend the sessions at the conference as an exhibitor?

Yes, you have full access to join the sessions throughout the day. If you leave your stand unattended, we’re not responsible for any equipment that could be left and/or lost.

When do I need to take down my exhibitor stand?

The conference will finish at 16:00 on Friday 13 February 2026. You will need to start disassembling your stand at this and prepare for items to be collected. Please do not disassemble your stand before the end of the event. All items must be collected by Saturday 14 February.  We will provide exhibitors with a collection form that can be stuck to each item that is to be collected.