Kinetic Live:
Our Unmissable Annual Conference
24th – 25th February 2026
East Midlands Conference Centre, Nottingham
Our partners
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Know What You Want?
About Kinetic Live
Thought-provoking keynote speakers
Interactive sessions on Student Accommodation and Wellbeing, Conferencing, Events & Commercial Bedroom Sales
Networking opportunities with industry-leading professionals
Evening entertainment after the Kinetic Awards event
Programme
Our educate track focuses on providing opportunities to learn something new – from new tools and Kx capabilities to sector performance, data, and global trends. It will educate and bring value to teams and individuals, including insights and reflections from the sector with SMEs and guest speakers.
Overcoming sector challenges
The sector faces evolving challenges, from rising costs to shifting student expectations. This interactive panel session explores experiences and strategies organisations have used to navigate uncertainty and maintain resilience. Attendees will gain insights into market trends, operational efficiencies, and real-life reflections that have helped teams to remain effective.
Approaching student accommodation with a commercial mindset
Universities are more than educational establishments. Student accommodation is more than housing. For both, it’s a business. This session examines how adopting a commercial mindset can drive profitability without compromising customer experience. Attendees will discover approaches to pricing, revenue optimisation and strategic investment that deliver sustainable growth. Perfect for leaders seeking to balance financial performance with quality and for identifying every commercial opportunity.
Mental heath first aid & wellbeing: Building safer, stronger teams
This short, impactful session introduces the essentials of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) and employee wellbeing, and why it matters to your organisation. Led by our partner Wendy from Garrett Learning (an accredited MHFA training provider to the HE and PBSA sector), attendees will gain strategic ways to support their teams who deal with student incidents, and practical tips for recognising signs of distress and supporting students effectively. A quick, powerful way to explore how your teams can build confidence and create safer, more supportive communities.
Learn more about Garret Learning by visiting: https://www.garrettlearning.co.uk/
First steps with AI: A beginners toolkit
Curious about AI but not sure where to start? This is your starter pack for turning AI into your work sidekick – no jargon, no tech overwhelm, just practical tips you can use straight away. This session will cover AI adventures (bloopers included) and demonstrate the importance of good prompting utilising simple frameworks you can keep in your technology tool belt. Learn about the essential caveats – safety, accuracy and ethics. Finally, the session will demonstrate the simple process of setting a custom GPT with instructions to speed up your use of AI in your role.
Stay compliant with KxInspections
Streamline your inspection process with KxInspections. This session demonstrates how digital tools can simplify compliance, improve accuracy, and save time. Attendees will see how automation reduces risk and enhances operational efficiency, with a live demo, customer case study and a practical check-list. If inspections are part of your world, this is your opportunity to make them smarter and easier.
Kinetic LMS -launch and live demo
Join us for an exciting session as we unveil our brand-new Customer Learning Management System (LMS) – designed to transform the way you access training, resources and support. This interactive workshop will showcase the platform’s powerful features and intuitive design, giving you a first-hand look at how it simplifies learning and engagement for your teams.
What’s new in KxWelcome (2025 feature showcase)
Get an overview of the most significant KxWelcome enhancements released over the past year and understand how they support the evolving needs of university housing teams. This session will showcase key updates such as room selection, student group bookings, booking entire spaces, and more. We will focus in on why these changes were made, the challenges they address, and the value they deliver for universities.
KxWelcome sector challenges and opportunities discussion
University housing teams are navigating a period of significant change, from demand volatility and affordability pressures to rising student experience expectations and evolving compliance requirements. In this peer-led discussion, we’ll explore both the challenges and opportunities facing the sector in 2026 across the UK and North America, share practical approaches, and learn how others are adapting their processes and technology to respond.
This track focuses on innovation and leveraging experimentation and curiosity to prepare for tomorrow. You’ll hear from our leaders about how Kinetic is adopting AI, meet the innovation team and be part of expert-led discussions on emerging trends. Learn innovative new ways to get the most out of Kx, and even get creative yourself!
Effortless space optimisation: Let your commercial tools do the work
Discover how optimising space can boost your revenue! This panel brings together experts to explore innovative approaches to space utilisation with commercial tools. Hear from institutions who are maximising their spaces profitability and efficiently utilising Customer Hub to streamline bookings, automate availability updates and removing the pain of booking administration. Learn how these tools help institutions balance commercial goals with smart tools, creating vibrant campuses that work smarter for you.
From curiosity to confidence: AI in leadership, the Kinetic way
Join us for an open and insightful conversation on how Kinetic leaders have successfully implemented AI across the organisation. This session isn’t about technical AI tools; it’s about sharing best practices, lessons learned, and the cultural shifts that made it possible at Kinetic. Hear about the evolution from curiosity to confidence and the impact of creating a safe space for exploration and experimentation. We’ll discuss the mindset changes, governance principles and collaborative approaches that enabled AI adoption without compromising trust or safety. A must-attend for leaders looking to understand how to balance innovation with responsibility and safely navigate the future.
Commercial café – where ideas come to life
This interactive forum invites Commercial teams to engage in meaningful conversations that will shape product evolution for the Kx Commercial platform. Contribute to new and emerging themes and roadmap ideas, shaping Kinetic’s priorities for the next commercial solutions. This is a collaborative session to spark innovation and shape the future together.
Mission innovation: Co-creating the student roadmap
Get your creative hats on! This interactive forum invites KxStudent users from across HE and PBSA to hear about the roadmap direction, and contribute thier ideas, challenges and priorities. Discuss new and emerging themes and roadmap ideas, shaping Kinetic’s priorities for all things ‘student’. This is a collaborative session to spark innovation and shape the future together.
KxWelcome roadmap forum
Join the KxWelcome product team for an interactive roundtable discussion focused on where the platform is heading next. We’ll share near- and mid-term product direction, then open the floor to hear your challenges, priorities, and regional considerations. This session will help ensure future development reflects the needs of housing teams across the UK and North America.
AI in action – panel discussion
Artificial intelligence is transforming industries, and HE is no exception. This panel discussion, chaired by Mark Atkinson, VP Innovation Acceleration at Kinetic Software, brings together AI specialists from Kinetic, Ingram Micro and Celcat to explore how AI is driving innovation, efficiency, and enhanced experiences. Panellists will unpack emerging trends, practical applications, and the strategic considerations shaping AI’s future. David Wilkes, CEO of Celcat and Bullet Solutions, will share his lived experience of transforming his timetabling solutions company to an AI-first organisation, whilst Henry Wadge, Head of IA Engineering at Kinetic, will provide insights into practical AI implementation and development workflows. Gain a strategic perspective on how to integrate AI into your organisation and unlock its full potential.
KxRequests – discovery workshop
Join us for an interactive discovery session focused on shaping the next evolution of KxRequests. Instead of a product demo, this workshop is designed to gather insights from our customers on what matters most in request management. Together, we’ll explore challenges, priorities, and opportunities to improve service delivery, response times, and overall satisfaction. Your input will help define how KxRequests can deliver real value and operational excellence. Be part of the conversation that influences the future of this solution.
KxPayments – The evolution of payment experiences
Join us for an engaging Kinetic Live Fireside Chat on the evolution of payments, featuring guest speakers and Kinetic experts. This interactive session will explore how various payment solutions are transforming payment experiences, driving security, and delivering frictionless transactions for businesses and consumers alike. Expect candid insights on the future of account-to-account payments, real-world perspectives, and practical guidance from Kinetic on leveraging these solutions for growth. The conversation will conclude with a live Q&A, giving you the opportunity to ask questions and gain actionable takeaways.
Innovation inside KxWelcome
Discover how KxWelcome is partnering with universities to tackle real housing challenges through collaborative product design and modern delivery techniques. This session includes a look at KxCreate, our workflow and custom form builder, and shows how institutions are shaping flexible, compliant processes without custom development.
This track is about elevating – whether that’s performance, revenue, experiences, or even people. It demonstrates how our customers have seen elevated results from different products and services, through case studies and success metrics. We welcome our guest speakers as well as audience participation
Women in Leadership
Celebrate and empower women shaping the HE and PBSA industry. This session highlights inspiring stories, challenges, and opportunities for gender diversity and leadership, featuring the winners of ‘Best PBSA Leader 2025’ (International Best in Class awards) and ‘Woman of the Year’ 2025 (IWIP). Attendees will hear from trailblazers driving talent development and inclusion, and gain actionable insights on the benefits of mentorship, allyship and fostering equality within organisations. Join the conversation to learn how you can champion progress and build a more inclusive future for the sector.
Power of partnerships
Collaboration is the cornerstone of success. This session showcases how strategic partnerships can unlock growth, innovation, and resilience in the sector. Attendees will hear real-world examples of how partnerships between PBSA, Kinetic & HE are driving impact, and learn how to build alliances that deliver mutual value. Discover why working together is the ultimate competitive edge, and how it is more important than ever in the current climate.
Inclusive student portals
Accessibility and inclusion matter more than ever. This session explores how student portals can be designed to meet diverse needs and create equitable experiences. Attendees will gain insights into best practices for usability, accessibility standards, and inclusive design. Build digital spaces where every student feels welcome and supported.
Maximising how the world knows you
In a digital-first world, your professional presence is your brand. Maximising how the world knows you is a practical learning session designed to help you harness LinkedIn and other platforms to amplify your message and build a standout profile. This masterclass will cover strategies for crafting compelling content, engaging the right audience, and positioning yourself as a thought leader in the sector. Learn how to turn your online presence into a powerful tool for influence, connection, and career growth.
Reigniting Connection with KxEngage
Universities face mounting pressure to enhance the student experience for a digital-native generation. Retention rates, satisfaction scores and mental health challenges are front and centre. Students crave connection, yet traditional engagement methods often fall short in creating meaningful, blended experiences. This session invites attendees to reimagine the future student experience: the perfect marriage between digital engagement and real-life moments. Discover how KxEngage centralises communities, events, polls, and analytics to boost participation and retention. If you want to elevate your brand and student relationships and get exclusive access to preview new features, this is a must-attend.
Making campus sticky
Explore strategies for creating a “sticky campus” where students and conference delegates choose on-campus services over external alternatives. Join our expert panel as they share real-world approaches to transforming facilities into genuine destinations of choice through innovative amenities, engaging experiences and strategic partnerships that enhance convenience and community. This interactive session covers how strong brand identity and seamless technology drive loyalty and maximise localised amenity spend across catering, meetings and accommodation.
Kx Think Tank sessions
Join our interactive Think Tank sessions designed to connect peers facing similar challenges. Explore expert tips, share feedback and ideas for future innovations, and get hands-on with our product alongside specialist SMEs. Expect practical insights, best practices, and collaborative discussions that help you get more from your products.
This track focuses on celebrating our Kinetic community; especially through our people and partnerships. We share in our successes and invite customers to have their moment in the spotlight, bringing their experiences to life
KxEncore
Gala dinner and awards
Pip’s running club
Join Pip for a gentle 30-minute morning jog around the Nottingham campus on Wednesday 25th February , setting off from The Orchard Hotel Reception at 7am. This is a relaxed, conversational-pace run designed to wake up the body, clear the head, and ease into the day ahead. It’s not a race and definitely not about speed!
Whether you’re a regular runner, an occasional jogger, or just fancy moving a little before breakfast, you’re very welcome. We’ll keep things sociable, inclusive, and enjoyable, with plenty of chat along the way. Expect an easy loop and a great way to see the campus while getting some fresh air.
All abilities welcome. No pressure, no pace goals – just a friendly start to the day.
What’s NEW this year?
KxKnowledge lab
For two days, the KX Lab brings together Training, Products, Professional Services, and Customer Support to give you a unique experience with our KeXperts: turn up, ask anything, try new features and leave with practical next steps.
Expect short walk‑up sessions (typically 5-10 minutes), feature try‑outs on demo stations, and the option to book follow‑up time for deeper dives. No appointment needed, just drop in with a question or curiosity and we’ll take it from there.
Professional Services Lab
Bring your challenges and to-do list!
PS consultants, Project Managers, QA experts and Developers will offer solution design guidance, integration advice, and optimisation ideas – and they’ll help get you started!
Training Lab
Get hands‑on mini‑lessons and quick tips tailored to your role.
Our trainers will help you get the most out of the platform, from sharing best practices to answering your ‘how do I?’ questions – an exclusive opportunity for a quick 1-2-1 with our training team.
Support Lab
Get real-time troubleshooting and expert answers. Support analysts will be available to triage issues, share shortcuts and knowledge, and advise on the best path to resolution, including feedback pathways.
Products Lab
See what’s new, what’s next, and how it works. Product specialists will run live demos, show feature deep dives, and capture your feedback so you can understand the value of upcoming releases and how they map to your goals.
Join our think tank
Join our interactive Think Tank sessions designed to connect peers facing similar challenges. Explore expert tips, share feedback and ideas for future innovations, and get hands-on with our product alongside specialist SMEs. Expect practical insights, best practices, and collaborative discussions that help you get more from your products.
Kinetic Live awards: it’s time to cast your votes
Kinetic Live 2024 Highlights
Cutting-edge features tailored to take your operations to the next level while providing an exceptional experience for the students.
Speakers
Hear from and engage directly with industry experts and customers.
Collaboration
Attend Kinetic Live workshops, idea forums, and breakout sessions, where you can collaborate actively with our Products experts and the Kinetic Community.
Networking
Forge new relationships, share best practices, and tap into a living knowledge hub of seasoned industry experts.
Zone
Explore the latest solutions in management technology, visit the Green Team, or have a 1:1 session at our Support Surgery desk.
Kinetic Awards Gala
Join us for a gala dinner and awards ceremony, where we recognise and celebrate the best of the best in our industry.
Venue
Kinetic Live is based in the UK but welcomes the world! Find us at the East Midlands Conference Centre in the University of Nottingham, which you can access via bus, train, or plane.
East Midlands Conference Centre
University of Nottingham,
Nottingham NG7 2RJ,
United Kingdom
Kinetic Live Award Winners
Conferencing Team
of the Year 2024
Keele University Events and Conferencing
Student Team
of the Year 2024
University of Kent
Evolution
of the Year 2024
Brunel University
of London
Innovation
of the Year 2024
King’s College,
Cambridge
Kinetic Community Champion
of the Year 2024
Pete Duncan
The University of Edinburgh
Wellbeing Champion
of the Year 2024
Lowri Edwards
Student Roost
Special Recognition
of the Year 2024
Reina Lewis
Birmingham City University
Pricing & Packages
Cutting-edge features tailored to take your operations to the next level while providing an exceptional experience for the students.
Early Bird
Conference Rate
£599
+VAT
-
Limited early bird tickets available.
Early bird offer ended 31st October. - What’s Included:
- 2-day conference with access to all sessions (24th and 25th February)
- Full conference catering – lunch & refreshments (24th and 25th February)
- Gala dinner and awards ceremony (24th February)
- 1 night accommodation (24th February) including breakfast
Save £40 as a customer of the full conference cost of £639.
Standard
Conference Rate
£639
+VAT
- Standard rate tickets live from 1st November.
- What’s Included:
- 2-day conference with access to all sessions (24th and 25th February)
- Full conference catering – lunch & refreshments (24th and 25th February)
- Gala dinner and awards ceremony (24th February)
- 1 night accommodation (24th February) including breakfast
Non-Customer/ Partnership Rate
£849
+VAT
- Not a customer, but keen to join us? Get in touch with us to learn more at events@kineticsoftware.com
- What’s Included:
- Partnership opportunities available. Get in touch to learn more
- 2-day conference with access to all sessions (24th and 25th February)
- Full conference catering – lunch & refreshments (24th and 25th February)
- Gala dinner and awards ceremony (24th February)
- 1 night accommodation (24th February) including breakfast
Optional Add-ons
Early arrival (23rd Feb)
-
For anyone traveling from afar, or if you want to beat the traffic, you have the option to arrive the night before with our early arrival add-on.
You will see this option after you select your ticket. - 1 night accommodation (23rd February) including breakfast
Kx Encore (24th Feb)
- We heard you shouting ‘encore, encore’, so let’s do just that! Join us after the conference for dinner, and an evening of great conversation and continued entertainment. If you have a longer journey, don’t fancy the late travel, or simply aren’t ready to leave us yet, we’d love you to join us for one more night
- Dinner and evening entertainment (25th February)
- 1 night accommodation (25th February) including breakfast
Book Your Tickets
What Did Our Community Say About Kinetic Live 2024?
Evelyne Mulinge
University of Northampton
“The blend of a relaxed atmosphere and effective continuous learning makes this conference valuable to everyone one who has that opportunity to attend. Kinetic Live provided an opportunity of working towards growth and enhancement of our individual institutional strategy whilst learning from each other and having fun while at it.”
Robert Goulding
University of Liverpool
“The team at Kinetic just amaze me every single year, infact every day. Their passion for their products and their customers is inspirational. They actually listen to what their customers want. They have created not only amazing award winning software, but have created a whole community, a sense of belonging. It’s more than just a software solution.”
Liam Thompson
Royal Holloway, University of London
“I enjoyed Kinetic Live because of the networking opportunities with peers and Kinetic staff. This event was a great opportunity for making new contacts, knowledge sharing and developing best practice. I was able to gain valuable insight and ideas about how we can develop our own and my own ways of working.”
Ashley Mayo
International Residence Hall
“It’s hard to find where to start – The brilliant presenters, opportunity to meet your team and other Kinetic users, learn more about the Kinetic products we are implementing plus the innovative solutions coming soon – Kinetic LIVE 2024 was undoubtedly one of the best experiences either of us have had. We could not be more proud or excited to begin using KxWelcome and KxEngage and tell everyone we know about it!”
Elisa Aylott
University Of Essex
“I enjoyed Kinetic Live because of the ability to network throughout and the positive outlook the Kinetic Team had in drawing all delegates together.”
Daryl Dowding
Durham University
“The best networking opportunities of any conference I have attended. Lots of Kinetic staff are there which is great as you have the opportunity to meet them in person and develop those relationships with the team.”
Lorna Street
Now Student Living
“I enjoyed Kinetic Live because I got to meet industry professionals who inspired me to carry out similar ways of working in my own role.”
Mike Marshall
University of Exeter
“I thought it was very positive that many of the sessions were very interactive, with lots of opportunities to express ideas and things we would like to see in future products.”
Mathew Woodham
Royal Holloway
“I most enjoyed Kinetic Live because of the networking opportunities and all the inspirational talks and ideas presented…I most valued the opportunity for Kx team and their clients to be very transparent together. There were some excellent opportunities for networking and sharing good practices/ideas. Some of the case studies presented in the workshops equipped us with some ideas that would be very beneficial to implement.”
Fraser Dowie
University of St Andrews
“It was insightful to see the direction Kx is heading in and what new products are on the horizon. The sessions and keynote speakers were on point along with the evening entertainment on the Tuesday night. Altogether, it was a thoroughly enjoyable and informative conference.”
Kinetic Live 2024 Gallery
FAQs
When and where is the event?
24th to 25th February 2026 at the East Midlands Conference Centre, University Park, Beeston Lane, Nottingham, NG7 2RJ
What are the start and finish times for each day?
- Tuesday: Registration from 09:00, sessions until 17:00, followed by Gala Dinner and Awards Night
- Wednesday: Sessions from 09:00 to 17:00, followed by KxEncore evening entertainment
What is the dress code?
Comfort is key at Kinetic Live!
For daytime events, you can opt for smart casual attire. The only real dress code is for the gala dinner, where you need to dress to impress.
Is accommodation included in the ticket?
Yes, your ticket includes accommodation for the night of 24 February 2026.
Can I book additional nights?
Yes. You can add extra nights (23 and/or 25 February) during your booking. Availability is limited, so early booking is recommended.
Can I book accommodation for my team?
Yes, but rooms are limited. The earlier you book, the better chance your team has of staying on campus.
What are the booking terms and conditions?
Booking Confirmation: A booking for a residential conference is only confirmed once Kinetic receives full payment. Kinetic reserves the right to cancel any booking which does not comply with this condition.
Cancellation Policy: In the event of a cancellation, the following charges will apply:
More than 90 days before the start of the conference: 100% of the fees will be refunded.
Fewer than 60 days before the start of the conference: 30% of the fees paid will be refunded.
Fewer than 30 days before the start of the conference: The full conference fee will be charged, and no refunds will be available. Substitute delegates will be accepted until noon on 10th February 2026.
Liability: Kinetic accepts no responsibility or liability for any loss, damage, or injury sustained by conference attendees or their property during the conference. Attendees are advised to obtain suitable insurance.
Media Consent: Photography and videography will be taking place throughout the event and your image or likeness may be used for marketing purposes.
Force Majeure: Kinetic shall not be liable for any failure to perform its obligations under these terms and conditions if such failure is due to circumstances beyond its control, including but not limited to strikes, lockouts, acts of God, war, or terrorism.
Governing Law: These terms and conditions are governed by the laws of England and Wales, and any disputes arising out of or in connection with them shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts.
Entire Agreement: These terms and conditions, together with any booking confirmation and any amendments agreed in writing, constitute the entire agreement between Kinetic and the conference attendees, and supersede all previous agreements and understandings, whether written or oral.
Severability: If any provision of these terms and conditions is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.
Acceptance: By booking a residential conference with Kinetic, attendees acknowledge that they have read, understood, and agreed to these terms and conditions.
What happens if I buy a ticket and can’t attend?
You can transfer your ticket to a colleague. If that’s not possible, the cancellation policy will apply.
Is there a document I can use to justify my attendance?
Yes! We’ve prepared this document to help justify your attendance at Kinetic Live. You’ll need to update the cost details to include your travel and tailor it to your organisation’s approval process.
Are group discounts available?
We love seeing teams attend together! For group bookings (e.g. 5+ delegates), please contact your Customer Experience Manager or email events@kineticsoftware.com to discuss options.
Which airport should I fly into?
| Airport | Transport Option | Approx. Duration | Approx. Cost (GBP) |
|---|---|---|---|
| East Midlands (EMA) | Taxi | 15-20 min | £25-£40 |
| Bus (Skylink) | ~45 min | £4-£7 | |
| London Heathrow (LHR) | Train/Tube & Taxi | ~3 hr 15 min | From £60+ |
| Taxi (Pre-booked) | ~2.5 hours | £185-£250 | |
| London Gatwick (LGW) | Train & Taxi | ~3 hours | From £50+ |
| Taxi (Pre-booked) | ~3 hours | £200+ |
Is there on-site car parking?
Yes, complimentary parking is available at the East Midlands Conference Centre.
Are there accessible parking spaces?
Yes, accessible parking is available on-site.
I drive an electric car. Are there charging points?
Yes, electric vehicle charging points are available at the venue. We recommend checking availability in advance.
Do attendees have access to leisure facilities?
Yes! You can enjoy complimentary access to the on-campus David Ross gym.
How do I get in touch with the organisers?
Email us at events@kineticsoftware.com. We’re happy to help!
