BlueSky Media Connect

What Attendees Say

"The BlueSky Media Connect Conference in Brussels really delivered. Great panels of journalists from the heart of Europe, all ready for a kind word and a subtle pitch.  And my favourite, the Deans of Vlerick and Corvinus telling us what it’s like to run a business school. Great two days."  - Danielle Baan, Rotterdam School of Management

"A very well-organised conference. The discussions felt very timely and practical, especially in terms of understanding the Brussels Bubble and how academic research and expertise can better connect with journalism. The speakers were outstanding, and I left with valuable insights and new connections."  - Rosa Arando Barrio, IE University

"Huge thanks to Peter, Matt, Kerry, Stephanie and the entire BlueSky Education team for two exceptionally well-organised days. Everything ran seamlessly, the atmosphere was fantastic, and it was a great opportunity to meet so many inspiring people from across the communications and media world. I especially loved the journalist meet & greet concept – such a simple but effective idea." - Kristina Hansen, Centre on Regulation in Europe (CERRE)

"I came away with a better understanding not only of the Brussels media scene, but also of European policy making. The conference offered two days of invaluable insights and connections to help our research and professors have greater impact." - Michelle Wallin, IESE Business School

"The Media Connect event in Brussels provided the perfect platform to network with communication professionals from a number of European business schools, allowing us to discuss compelling story ideas and collaborate on honing those concepts into powerful narratives.
 
The entire experience was flawlessly organised by the friendly, knowledgeable team at Blue Sky Education, striking exactly the right balance between insightful industry commentary and community building. I’m already looking forward to meeting new in-school PR contacts at the next event in London this October!" - Colette Doyle, AMBA

About the event

BlueSky Media Connect is Europe’s premier event for higher & business education communications experts who are looking to connect with the world’s leading global media outlets, network with other communications professionals, and learn from industry experts.

In 2026, we return with two media conference events. The first was be hosted in Brussels at Vlerick Business School, this two-day conference was designed to foster stronger, smarter, and more strategic relationships between higher education and global media - grounded in real conversations, honest insights, and meaningful connections.

This conference is about real talk with the media, and networking and learning from your peers. We delivered:

• Candid discussions with editors and journalists from the world’s most trusted news brands, including Bloomberg, the Financial Times, Reuters, Euronews, Handelsblatt and more
• Unfiltered insight into how editorial decisions are made, what makes a story resonate, and why some pitches succeed while others fail
• Direct access to media decision-makers, with dedicated opportunities to network, ask questions, and build lasting professional relationships in a relaxed, professional environment

Workshops & Strategy Sessions

Alongside media discussions, attendees benefited from interactive workshops and strategy sessions led by BlueSky Education’s expert consultants, as well as other industry experts.

Evening Networking

BlueSky Media Connect places strong emphasis on connection beyond the conference room.

• The conference included the BlueSky Media Connect Conference Dinner, offering an exclusive opportunity to deepen relationships and exchange ideas
• Dinner venue: La Bellone 

Meet Your Hosts: Matt Symonds & BlueSky Education

Few people understand the intersection of business education and global media better than Matt Symonds.

A former journalist for the BBC, The Economist, Forbes, and Bloomberg, Matt is also the S in QS Quacquarelli Symonds, co-founder of CentreCourt with Poets & Quants, and a long-standing expert in facilitating meaningful dialogue between higher education and the media.

With over 15 years of experience organising high-profile media conferences across Europe and beyond, Matt brings unparalleled insight into what makes stories resonate—and how communications professionals can earn their place in the global news cycle.

BlueSky Education, the team behind BlueSky Media Connect, is a leader in education public relations. With more than 15 years’ experience, BlueSky has partnered with top business schools, universities, and education-focused organisations to elevate their media profiles across key international markets.

Known for excellence in strategic PR, media outreach, crisis communications, and content creation, BlueSky Education helps institutions ensure their stories reach the right audiences and create lasting impact.