Friday 12 June 2026: All day – Online Playful Activities
Our online delegates can dip into a range of light-touch, creative activities designed to spark curiosity and connection. Try your hand at a home scavenger hunt, take part in a collaborative group drawing challenge using digital whiteboards, or test your knowledge with our LD/ALDinHE-themed online quiz. All activities remain open throughout the conference day, and contributions will be celebrated in our closing session, with prizes for standout entries!
Monday 15 June 2026: In-person Programme: Riverside Drinks Tour (self-funded)
Go down by the river for drinks and dining. Join a guided riverside drinks tour, hosted by a member of the University of Leeds conference team. Drinks and / or food are self-funded.
Meeting venue and time to be confirmed and will be updated here.
In-person Programme (self-guided, anytime, free): Street Art Trail in Leeds
Follow the self-guided street art trail.
In-person Programme (self-guided, anytime, free): The Campus Tour
Follow the self-guided campus tour. You can start at the Parkinson Building and follow the tour in order or choose your own route using the interactive campus map.
In-person Programme (self-guided, anytime, free): The Campus Art Tour
Self-organised, at any time whilst you are on campus at Leeds
University of Leeds’ campus is home to an extensive range of public art. Explore the fascinating stories behind these public art works and discover them on campus.
In-person Programme: All day on Tuesday and Wednesday 16-17 June 2026 – Playful Activities
Across the two days, the main lecture theatre transforms into a playful, creative hub. Visit anytime to unwind with Lego, jigsaws, games, or colouring, or join in more reflective, community-building prompts such as “Write a letter to…”, the LD Agony Aunt wall, or co‑designing our giant LD dragon. You can also challenge yourself with our Inclusive Escape Room or take part in roaming Taskmaster‑style mini challenges. All activities are drop‑in, facilitated by conference committee members, and will culminate in shared highlights and prizes, during the closing session.
In-person Programme: Tuesday 16 June 2026, 8-9am – Breakfast Networking Event (free to delegates with Tuesday included in their ticket)
Join us for our networking breakfast event, for an informal, friendly space to connect with like-minded people working in the field of learning development while enjoying an early breakfast. This event provides an opportunity to network before the conference begins. All face-to-face delegates are welcome and it is a chance for those new to learning development or new to the conference to meet other members of ALDinHE.
Book to attend the networking event on the registration form, when you book your ticket.
In-person Programme: Tuesday 16 June 2026 – Evening Conference Dinner (free to delegates with a 2-day or full conference ticket only)
We are delighted to invite you to join us for the sit-down conference dinner, where you can relax, connect with fellow delegates, and enjoy a selection of delicious buffet dishes after a full day of sessions. We hope you’ll join us for a pleasant and informal gathering.
A welcome drink, hot and cold buffet with wine and soft drinks are included and served in The Met Ballroom at The Met Hotel, Leeds.
View the hot and cold buffet menu.
Dress code: Come as you feel comfortable. Whether you prefer something smart, casual, or anything in between, please wear whatever makes you feel most at ease throughout the evening. We want everyone to feel relaxed and comfortable.
In-person Programme: Wednesday 17 June 2026 – Library Makerspace Tour (free to delegates with Wednesday included in their ticket)
Join Dr Andy Holland, Makerspace Manager for a tour of the Library Makerspace in the Edward Boyle Library.
Dr Andy Holland brings a strong passion for making, experimentation, creative innovation and expression to his role as Library Makerspace Manager. In his role, Andy supports students, staff and researchers as they explore a wide range of manual, digital and technological approaches to creativity, helping them build their skills and confidence. The Makerspace’s work spans 3D printing and scanning, digital design and CAD, electronics, traditional hand tools, sewing and much more.
As Co‑Chair of the Learning Development Team Makerspace Working Group, Andy plays a central role in overseeing the Makerspace’s management and shaping its long‑term strategic direction. This group also focuses on enhancing the Makerspace’s pedagogical value for learning developers, academics, students and alumni. Beyond this, his involvement extends across the institution through working groups such as the Creative Innovation and Learning Spaces group, which brings together colleagues from HELIX and faculty‑based maker facilities across the University of Leeds. Through this collaborative network, the aim is to strengthen a university‑wide ecosystem of making and creative innovation, build a community of practice, and develop mechanisms for collaboration and shared resources that broaden access to equipment and expertise.
In addition to these roles, he co‑leads the Repair Café initiative with colleagues from the Sustainability Service. This project has established a peer‑to‑peer knowledge‑exchange network that supports skills development, raises awareness of the environmental impact of disposable culture, and encourages more sustainable habits through repair and reuse.
Time to be confirmed and will be updated here.
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