Higher Education (HE) experts enjoyed three days of thought-provoking talks, knowledge sharing and networking events at the 2018 AUE Annual Conference.
The conference, which took place at Solent University, Southampton from 5th – 7th September, saw approximately 100 delegates and 50 exhibiting companies discuss this year’s theme of ‘Managing a Compliant Estate’.
This extensive programme offered delegates key insights into providing cost effective operations and maintenance services, managing the risks of varied and complex estates while maintaining compliance across many aspects of estate management.
President of the Institute of Engineering Designers and broadcaster, Maggie Philbin OBE, hosted the conference alongside AUE chair Stephen Dunne.
Maggie gave a unique and insightful perspective on technology, diversity and innovation, which introduced attendees to the variety of topics available for discussion at the conference.
Plenary sessions and workshops focussed on important topics that affect the HE engineering industry such as Electrical Compliance, Internal Audits, Fire Engineering and Performance Management Systems.
Stephen Dunne, AUE Chair and 2018 Conference Host, said: “The Annual conference is a key date in our members’ calendars. We see a steady attendance from our members year on year and we’re always overwhelmed by their positive feedback.
“The conference not only aims to educate the experts in this industry, but we also want to encourage interaction within the association for networking, collaboration and often problem solving.
“A highlight of the conference for both the delegates and the exhibitors was the Gala Dinner at St Mary’s Stadium. We were wowed by the entertainment of living statues and table magicians, and the audience were captivated when Robert Llewellyn took to the stage after dinner to share his stories and experience of Scrap Heap Challenge and engineering.
“It was great to see everyone in Southampton and we are already looking forward to welcoming the attendees to Lancaster next year.”
The exhibition also boasted a selection of industry specific companies all showcasing their expertise to delegates, with the main conference sponsors, Klima-Therm and ZetaSafe Limited leading the way.
Becky Allen, Client Manager at ZetaSafe Limited, said: “When the theme of the conference was announced as compliance, we knew that it would be perfect for us to showcase our product. The conference gave us a great platform to meet new people and catch up with our existing clients.”
The AUE Conference finished on the Friday with a stimulating talk on the theory behind performance management systems, delivered by motivational speaker Adrian Furnham.
In the ever-changing world of HE, engineers are responsible for building estates that are more compliant than ever before. The AUE is there to connect the industry each year and assist engineers in overcoming the multitude of challenges and uncertainties put in their path.
For more info http://www.aue.ac.uk/home/