BlueSky Media Connect

Brussels 2026

Connecting business and higher education expertise with the world's leading global media outlets

Who Should Attend

BlueSky Media Connect is tailored for communications, PR, media relations, marketing, and branding professionals working within:

Business schools
Universities and higher education institutions
Thinktanks and research institutes
Corporate organisations operating in the education sector

If your role involves shaping institutional narratives, pitching stories to the media, or building visibility and credibility in the global education space, this conference is designed specifically for you.

What Previous Attendees Say

"It truly was the Glastonbury of PR conferences, you guys did an incredible job." - Thomas Pilsworth, Media & PR Manager, Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment - University of Oxford

"We were delighted to participate in the BlueSky Connect conference, bringing many of our industry peers together with journalists, media and communications experts.” - Rachel Maguer, Executive Director of Communications - INSEAD

"The conference was excellent and provided me with valuable contacts at top tier media outlets that I will definitely use in my media work." - Laura Singleton, Media and PR Manager - Imperial Business School

"The BlueSky team were an absolute pleasure to work with. They thoughtfully introduced me to fellow speakers—connections I’ve continued to maintain—and even facilitated time after the session to engage with attendees. Truly professional and supportive from start to finish." - Orianna Royle, Success Associate Editor - Fortune

Registration Details

Business School / University Rate
Brussels - £1,525 / €1,795 / $2,045

Special 2026 Early Bird Package - Brussels and London for £2,900 / €3,380 / $3,890 (a saving of £300 / €350 / $400 )

BlueSky Education will also offer a 10% discount for every additional person from an institution to purchase a ticket.

Corporate Rate
£1,975 / €2,345 / $2,550

Registration includes:
Full conference access, panel discussions, workshops, lunches, refreshments, and the conference dinner.

Travel and accommodation are not included.

Please fill out the form to sign-up to either or both events. If you have any questions, please contact Events Director, Peter Remon via email at peter@bluesky-pr.com

Register Now

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 will be hosted in Brussels at Vlerick Business School, this two-day conference is designed to foster stronger, smarter, and more strategic relationships between higher education and global media - grounded in real conversations, honest insights, and meaningful connections.

What to Expect

This conference is about real talk with the media, and networking and learning from your peers. You can expect:

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, you’ll benefit from interactive workshops and strategy sessions led by BlueSky Education’s expert consultants, as well as other industry experts.

Drawing on years of experience in education PR and media relations, these sessions provide practical, hands-on guidance to help you:

Refine your media outreach strategy
Strengthen storytelling and messaging
Navigate today’s fast-moving global media landscape with confidence

Evening Networking

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

The conference will include 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.

Provisional Schedule

Day 1 - Monday 22nd June 2026

11 AM – Arrival & Coffee

11:30 AM – Welcome talk

11:45 AM – Best Practice Comms Panel – How to successfully promote your Dean in the media

12:30 PM – Lunch

1:15 PM – European Affairs Journalists Panel

2:30 PM – Coffee Break

2:45 PM – Technology Journalists Panel

4 PM – Coffee Break

4:15 PM – Fireside Chat

5 PM – Closing Remarks

7 – 10:30 PM – Drinks Reception & Gala Dinner at La Bellone

Day 2 - Tuesday 23rd June 2026

8:30 AM – Arrival & Breakfast

9 AM – European Affairs Journalists Panel

10:15 AM – Coffee Break

10:30 AM – Best Practice Session with Graham Richmond, Co-Founder of Clear Admit

11 AM – Sustainability Journalists Panel

12:15 PM – Lunch

1 PM – European Economy Journalists Panel

2:15 PM – Fireside Chat

2:45 PM - Closing Remarks & Announcement for Next Conference

Terms & Conditions

Registration Deadline
To guarantee inclusion in conference materials, registration must be completed no later than 15 days before the event.

What’s Included
Registration fees cover access to all conference sessions, scheduled meals, refreshments, and the conference dinner. Travel, accommodation, and related expenses are not included.

Accommodation
Preferential hotel rates may be available near the venue. Delegates are responsible for booking and managing their own accommodation and are encouraged to book early.

Cancellation Policy

Substitutions are permitted with written notice up to 15 days prior to the event
Cancellations must be received in writing no later than 30 days before the conference start date to qualify for a refund (minus an administrative fee of £90 / €105 / $125)
No refunds will be issued for cancellations received after this period

In the unlikely event that BlueSky Education cancels the event, registered delegates may transfer their registration to another BlueSky event or request a full refund. BlueSky Education is not responsible for any travel, accommodation, or other costs incurred.

All registrations are subject to availability and acceptance at the organiser’s discretion.

This is your chance to sit down with the people shaping the stories that shape the world.

We look forward to welcoming you to BlueSky Media Connect Brussels 2026.

Brussels campus infrastructure

BlueSky Media Connect