Whether you’re a long-standing volunteer, just getting involved, or thinking about stepping into a committee role, the Alumni Group Conference is your opportunity to connect, learn, and be inspired. This in-person event brings together alumni group members from across the globe to share ideas, tackle challenges, and celebrate what works. Join us to round off your Alumni Festival weekend.

Why attend?

• Peer networking: Hear directly from other volunteers about what’s working in their groups, what they’ve learned along the way, and meet collaborators for your events.
• Practical sessions: Choose your own agenda to plan your workshops and discussions.
• University insight: Meet University staff and hear from academics about their cutting–edge research.
• Support & inspiration: Discover new tools, ideas, and ways we can support your group’s goals.

Who can attend?

We encourage every alumni group to nominate up to three members to attend. This event is open to:

• Current alumni group committee members
• Volunteers supporting group activities
• Anyone identified as part of your group’s volunteer succession planning

You don’t have to be a Chair or President to attend. If you’re interested or involved, this is for you.

What's on the programme?

The core hours of the programme will take place between 10am and 4.20pm, with breakfast and networking from 9am.

9:00am to 10:00am, Breakfast & networking

Start the day with informal networking over coffee and pastries. Meet fellow alumni group volunteers, university staff, and members of the Alumni Advisory Board. This is a relaxed opportunity to connect before the sessions begin.

10:00am to 10:25am, Welcome & introductory remarks

Opening session
Hear from the Alumni Engagement Team and NVWG leadership as we set the tone for the day. We’ll reflect on the evolving role of alumni groups, share updates from the University, and highlight how your contributions support Cambridge’s global alumni community.

10:30am to 11:20am, Build your own agenda. Morning session

Choose one of two parallel sessions. You will be asked to make a selection during the booking process.

Option 1, AI for communications - newsletters and beyond

Interactive workshop
In this session, Matt Rhodes (Chief Strategy Officer at House 337 and member of the Alumni Advisory Board) will explore how AI is reshaping the way we communicate.
Discover how AI tools can support your group’s communications, from writing newsletters to generating creative content. This interactive session explores ethical considerations and practical tips. Expect real examples, fun prompts, and a chance to try things out live.

Option 2, Effective committees

Facilitated discussion
What makes a committee run smoothly and what gets in the way? In this lively session, you’ll explore how your group and others divide responsibilities, reflect on what’s worked well (or not), and consider useful tools or processes to help you organise.    We’ll map out common roles, challenges, and practical tips from across the network.

11:30am to 12:30pm, Hopes and Fears Lab

Interactive workshop, Alumni Festival programme
This special session is part of the official Alumni Festival Programme and you get exclusive access as a conference attendee. The Hopes and Fears Lab is a playful, thought-provoking space to explore the big questions shaping our future. In a series of 15-minute chats, you’ll meet Cambridge researchers working on cutting-edge topics like AI, gene editing, neurotech, and synthetic biology. Together, you’ll share your excitement, worries, and curiosity by diving into the ethical ‘what ifs’ and discover what Cambridge researchers are working on right now  . It’s serious fun, and you’ll leave with an understanding of Cambridge’s current research priorities and feel part of the vibrant community shaping the future.

12:30pm to 1:15pm, Lunch

1:20pm to 1:30pm, Remarks from Alison Traub, Executive Director of Development & Alumni Relations

1:30pm to 2:30pm, Volunteers reverse panel

Peer-led question & answer
You have the questions… and the answers. This session flips the script on the traditional panel. Instead of listening to a few speakers, you’ll bring your own questions, challenges, dilemmas, and the room will respond. Tap into the collective wisdom of fellow volunteers to crowdsource ideas, hear how others have tackled similar issues, and share your own insights. Whether you have the questions or the answers, you’ll leave with fresh insights and a reminder that you know more than you think.

2.30pm to 3.00pm, Break

3:00pm to 3:50pm, Build your own agenda. Afternoon session

Choose one of two parallel sessions. You will be asked to make a selection during the booking process.

Option 1, Channels, audiences, & social media – communications for your alumni group

Workshop
How do you get the right message to the right people and keep them engaged? In this session, we’ll explore how to tailor your group’s communications to different audiences, make the most of social media, and build a consistent voice across platforms. You’ll leave with tips, tools, and ideas to strengthen your group’s reach and impact.

Option 2, Events that work

Peer-led facilitated discussion
What does a successful year of events look like for your group? We’ll explore how to build a balanced event programme that reflects the interests, needs, and demographics of your alumni community. Through a group discussion, we’ll uncover common challenges, creative solutions, and fresh ideas to try. Whether you’re looking to boost attendance, try something new, or troubleshoot a tricky format, this is your chance to learn from each other and leave with practical inspiration.

4:00pm to 4:20pm, Closing remarks

Part of Alumni Festival weekend

The conference takes place on the Sunday of the Alumni Festival, so you can make the most of your time in Cambridge. Why not stay for the weekend and enjoy the full Festival Experience?

Find the programme on the Alumni Festival website.

FAQs

Have a question? Email the Alumni Engagement Volunteers Team.