A Journey of Innovation, Learning and Collaboration
The inaugural College Expo launched on Wednesday 6 June 2018 at Queen Margaret University (QMU), Edinburgh. The two-day event welcomed visitors for an inspiring programme of learning, debate, and networking, alongside an exhibition featuring partners, stakeholders, and sector organisations.
Building on this success, the second College Expo took place on Wednesday 22 June 2019 at Perth College UHI. The event offered an expanded programme, with over 40 sessions, the debut of the ‘Skills in Action Area’—showcasing the talents of students from across Scotland—and the thought-provoking Great Debate, which explored how digital transformation could reshape teaching practices. Attendees also connected with a wide range of organisations through the bustling exhibition.
The first Virtual College Expo
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the first-ever Virtual College Expo was held on Thursday 10 June 2020. Attracting over 1,200 delegates, the event explored the timely theme, ‘The Future Is Now: Learning From Lockdown’, encouraging reflection, discussion and the sharing of practice.
As a result of its success, the Expo continued in a virtual format:
(Wednesday 9 – Thursday 10 June 2021)
This Expo featured a record-breaking 107 speakers and panellists. The theme, ‘Press the reset button: Reimagining college learning and life’, encouraged attendees to rethink and reimagine the college experience.
(Tuesday 23 – Wednesday 24 August 2022)
This Expo adopted the theme, ‘Rewrite the College Story: Learning Experiences, Skills Development, Anchoring Communities’. With hundreds of attendees, the event delivered inspiring keynotes, interactive workshops, and vibrant panel debates.
(Wednesday 21 – Thursday 22 June 2023)
This Expo focused on ‘Developing Practice Across Tertiary Education’. This final virtual edition followed a series of successful Expo Roadshows at Borders College, Forth Valley College, and UHI Inverness, and brought together hundreds of delegates for two days of rich professional development and knowledge exchange.
What’s next?
Throughout its various formats—both in-person and virtual—College Expo has consistently championed innovation, shared best practice, and strengthened vital connections across Scotland’s colleges and the wider education sector.
While we have now shifted away from the large-scale Expo model in favour of multiple targeted events throughout the year, we may revisit the full Expo format in the future. In the meantime, we encourage you to stay connected and continue your professional learning through our wide range of opportunities.
