With the number of internationally mobile students expected to reach nine million worldwide by 2030, the issue of student accommodation has become increasingly urgent. In Europe and the UK, real estate specialist JLL forecasts an additional two million students by 2030 and a total potential shortfall of 3.2 million beds.
In the US, which is now expecting up to two million international students by 2034, a fifth of students have experienced housing insecurity, despite an investment of $5.7bn in 2023 alone.
Meanwhile, Australia and Canada have both introduced caps on international student numbers, ostensibly to address housing affordability and availability. However, research has shown that, far from being to blame for housing shortages, international students are some of the most vulnerable and need clear, targeted support from both institutions and governments.
One of the most important decisions a student has to make is where to live while studying. Making the wrong choice, or even no choice at all, can have a detrimental effect on a student’s academic performance, quality of life and mental health.
ICEF Accommodation comes to London in September 2024
On 23 September 2024, the inaugural ICEF Monitor Global Summit will take place at the InterContinental – the O2, London. This landmark event, which will address the challenges facing the wider international education community, will feature a dedicated accommodation seminar track called ICEF Accommodation, highlighting the growing importance of this issue for all stakeholders in international education.
“Unique in its positioning, ICEF Accommodation brings accommodation providers, international education professionals, and other relevant stakeholders together under one roof, placing students at the centre of the discussion and ensuring the accommodation issues are discussed with input from all perspectives.”
Markus Badde, Chief Executive Officer, ICEF
The programme selected for this year’s ICEF Accommodation reflects both the challenges and opportunities of this vital sector, with accommodation experts, international education providers, and international students all featured in sessions designed to provide practical guidance for industry professionals in both sectors. Topics featured in this year’s event include:
- When crisis meets vulnerability: the exponential impact of accommodation issues on international students.
- The crucial role of agents and educators in the accommodation booking process.
- Tackling the triple A in student accommodation issues: Affordability, Availability, Accountability.
- Live well, study better: the connection between accommodation and mental health.
Leading speakers from across both sectors
ICEF events are renowned for the quality of their speakers, and ICEF Accommodation is no exception. Featured speakers at this year’s event include:
- Stephen Cleal – Customer Success Director, UCAS.
- Jan Capper – Executive Director, CUBO.
- Amina Hofri – Head of Applicant Experience and Conversion, King’s College London.
- Richard Ward – Head of Research, StuRents.
- Karen Best – Head of Accommodation, PWC.
- Victoria Tolmie-Loverseed – Assistant Chief Executive – Standards, Unipol Student Homes.
- Lorna Clayton MBE – Managing Director, Founder, Academic Families.
“The quality of the event is reflected in the quality of the speakers, who are senior thought leaders representing accommodation providers, booking platforms, trade organisations, education providers and, most importantly, international students.
“A recurring theme in conferences and panel discussions is the use of statistics that dehumanise the subject. We need to remind ourselves that we’re talking about people – people with dreams, hopes, expectations and futures. People who need help and support – and accommodation.”
Martijn van de Veen- Chief Business Development Officer, ICEF
How to register
Tickets for this unparalleled event are available now and cost £495, with discounts available for organisations booking three or more tickets.
Tickets provide access to the full-day ICEF Accommodation as well as ICEF Monitor Global Summit events, and includes refreshment breaks, lunch, and an evening reception offering delegates excellent networking opportunities.
For service providers and industry professionals, there is also a comprehensive range of exhibition and sponsorship options available, providing you with the perfect opportunity to showcase your brand to over 500 senior decision makers in international student marketing and recruitment.
About ICEF
Over the course of more than three decades, ICEF have become the global market leaders in business-to-business networking events and services for the international education sector.
The company hosts a global programme of networking events, support, training, and accreditation for education agents, as well as a range of market intelligence services.
