International Entrepreneurship Educators Conference 2028
Enterprise Educators UK is inviting members to apply to host the 22nd International Entrepreneurship Educators Conference in September 2028 – #IEEC2028.
Described as “The Friendliest Conference”, IEEC is where the enterprise and entrepreneurship education community comes together.
IEEC is a highlight of the international enterprise and entrepreneurship education landscape providing the major annual forum for enterprise educators, start-up support practitioners, innovators and influencers to come together, share and learn. The conference is outward-looking, engaging delegates from across the world with the opportunities and challenges of ensuring that enterprise and entrepreneurship education are at the forefront of solving global challenges.
The conference draws upon research, policy, and practice to enable delegates to contribute to informing international, national, and institutional activity and strategy. The conference is practical in tone and provides an opportunity for open debate, frank discussion and invaluable learning between educators, practitioners, and stakeholders in this sector.
We particularly welcome proposals that can connect IEEC with the entrepreneurial identity, ecosystem and character of the host city or region.
IEEC2028 represents a fantastic opportunity for an organisation to raise its profile on the national and international stage through its association with this world leading enterprise and entrepreneurship education conference.
Conference Aims:
- To extend and strengthen the enterprise and entrepreneurship educator and practitioner community
- To build a development agenda for change across the sector and to inform the policy debate for shaping the future for enterprise and entrepreneurship education
Conference Dates
Our preferred week for IEEC2028 is the W/C 11th September 2028.
Opportunities for the host
Annually, IEEC brings together around 250 delegates from countries across the globe for specialised keynotes and a wide range of practice-based workshops. This provides:
- A national and international platform to showcase the host organisation, its best practice in enterprise and entrepreneurship education and support for entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs
- Opportunities to contribute to the design and ongoing development of the conference programme
- Opportunities to engage your institution with the enterprise education agenda and best practice
- Engagement with key national and international stakeholder organisations
- An opportunity for a representative of the host organisation to speak during the conference welcome.
- A mixture of free and preferential delegate rates for your staff to attend
“We were very pleased to win the bid to host IEEC2023 at the University of Surrey. It gave us an ideal opportunity to showcase the University’s commitment to enterprise and entrepreneurship education. We were especially delighted to welcome enterprise students to the conference, working with Enactus UK to run a hackathon alongside the main event. Delegates had an opportunity to learn from expert keynote speakers from the Surrey ecosystem, and to see something of the local region too. I would encourage other EEUK members to put themselves forward as IEEC hosts and to play such an active role in celebrating enterprise and entrepreneurship education amongst our community. It was lovely to work with Rob, Lynn and the EEUK team to organise the event and we had great fun delivering 3 packed days on our lovely campus”.
Kat Mack, University of Surrey, IEEC2023 host
What we need
When reviewing bids, we will be looking for:
- A host organisation that reflects the ethos of EEUK and demonstrates their commitment to enterprise education.
- Conference venue that will provide a professional welcome for around 250 delegates.
- Support to identify suitable venues for social events including the welcome reception and conference dinner.
- A location which is accessible to delegates travelling from across the UK and internationally, with sufficient reasonably priced accommodation within easy reach of the conference venue.
- Support with additional activities such as entrepreneurial ecosystem tours and/or learning journeys.
- A strong sense of place and entrepreneurial identity.
- A minimum sponsorship package which includes the provision of daytime conference venue at no charge.
- An additional sponsorship offering which may include cash, discounts or provision of other venues or services at no or reduced charge.
- Broad organisational support, including across relevant faculties, departments or teams where applicable.
- Support from a senior member of the organisation, for example a Vice-Chancellor, Principal, Chief Executive or equivalent.
Minimum venue requirements:
- A main plenary space capable of comfortably seating at least 250 delegates.
- A large informal breakout/networking/refreshments/exhibition space, ideally within the same building as the plenary space. Capacity for at least 250 delegates and around 10 exhibitors for lunch and refreshment breaks.
- At least 6 smaller lecture theatres and/or classrooms each with a capacity of 30+ for parallel sessions. Ideally co-located with the plenary communal space, but at most 5 minutes’ walk away.
- Venues should be accessible and capable of supporting the reasonable access requirements of delegates.
- A commitment to working with EEUK to deliver an environmentally sustainable and inclusive conference.
- High-quality AV, reliable Wi-Fi and appropriate technical support throughout the event.
Location:
- Any location within the nations of the UK.
Host support for IEEC:
- Small team to contribute to the development of the programme and to provide local logistical support – the overall event management is managed by EEUK.
EEUK retains responsibility for overall conference management, delegate registration, programme administration, marketing and commercial management.
Joint bids
Applications to host jointly by two or more members are welcome.
Applications to host:
Applications to host IEEC2028 will follow a two-stage process. A maximum of two shortlisted hosts will then be invited to submit detailed information on venues, catering, accommodation, social programme, institutional support and the proposed sponsorship package.
Expressions of interest should be submitted on the application form by 10am on Monday, 11th Jan 2027. Full proposals from shortlisted hosts will be expected by 28th February 2027.
Details about previous conferences can be found here.