The World 100 Reputation Network Conference is the key annual opportunity for highly ranked universities - both members and non-members - to share reputational achievements.

The W100 Annual Conference 2014 took place at the University of Michigan, United States, from 7 – 8 October. Lee Doyle, Director of Communications Policy and Administration, University of Michigan, was our host. The conference focused on the theme of transformation and how universities must change and adapt to survive.

The theme ‘Transformation: where world-class universities have to change to survive’ allowed university leaders to discuss the often similar obstacles that world-class universities now face, and to share their varied and innovative adaptations for preserving and developing institutional reputation in the face of new challenges.

Those responsible for reputation management in a range of exceptional international universities led master classes on topics such as world-class brand-building, international strategy and leadership, rankings and recruitment, plus stakeholder engagement and social media.


Conference Highlights


House of Cards: Getting the politicians on your side | Tim Payne, The University of Sydney
A look at successful policy advocacy, drawing on lessons from Australia, including the current debate over fee deregulation.

Study in Germany: the beauty and the beef of a powerful country brand | Michael Harms, German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
Insights on the success of DAAD, the driving force behind the creation of a powerful brand for higher
education “made in Germany”, in using connotations of German high-tech to market its higher education.

Demonstrating the economic value of the university to the city | Kazuo Ogata, Kyushu University
Experiences of working with the city to create a university of the future that will foster cohesive and economically rewarding relationships between campus and community, and students and citizens.

Going for Gold: Opportunities for universities in major sporting events | Ailie Ferrari, University of Glasgow and Cor Jansen, Utrecht University
Using examples including the Commonwealth Games (2014) and Tour de France (2015), how have world class universities leveraged their brand in major sporting events?

Changing Places: the benefits and caveats of global partnerships  | Alessia Lefebure, Columbia University and Professor Andrew Coats, Monash Warwick Alliance
A look at the multilevel partnership within the Alliance Columbia University partners with, and the experiences of the Warwick-Monash partnership.

Our Speakers

Dr Michael Spence
The University of Sydney

Professor Andrew Coats
Monash Warwick Alliance

Professor Nancy Rothwell
The University of Manchester

Alessia Lefebure
Columbia University

Kazuo-Ogata-Kyushu University

Kazuo Ogata
Kyushu University

Karen Carriero
The University of Western Australia

Michael Harms
German Academic Exchange Servive (DAAD)

Er Meng Hwa
Nanyang Technological University

Lara McKay
The University of Melbourne

Miguel Lim
Aarhus University

Alan Ferns

Alan Ferns
The University of Manchester

Members Day | 6 October 2014

Our Michigan hosts put together a fantastic Members’ Day, starting with free time to explore the beautiful city of Ann Arbor. Early afternoon kicked off with a tour of ‘The Big House’, University of Michigan’s football stadium (and the largest stadium in the United States), and was followed by dinner at the Gandy Dancer, a restaurant known for its creative preparations of seafood, steaks and pasta dishes and situated in the beautifully restored 1886 Michigan Central Depot.

Study Tour | 9-10 October 2014

Before the conference, the first group of W100 members headed to Chicago to spend a couple of days at the University of Chicago – a top private research university. During the visit, members learned about how University of Chicago articulated its brand, its innovation at the Chicago Innovation Exchange, about its Urban Education Institute, and building a global university brand through a panel discussion. During the visit, members enjoyed a guided tour of Frank Lloyd Wright’s world-famous Robie House, walking tour of the campus, the Chicago Architecture tour and an intimate banquet dinner at the Quad Club, Solarium.

Study Tour | 9-10 October 2014

The second group of W100 members headed to London, Ontario, to spend a couple of days at Western University – a top public research university and member of the U15. Members learned about the university’s international strategy, the marketing of the Ivey Business School, the promotion of Western’s research strengths, plus the student experience and importance of residence to the Western Experience. During the visit, members enjoyed a walking tour of the campus and the Centre for Planetary Science, followed by a drinks reception and dinner at Museum London. A memorable trip to Niagra Falls concluded the tour.

Become a Member

The World 100 Reputation Network is a group of the best universities in the world, delivering research that enhances reputation and offering leaders the chance to develop their own careers on a global stage. Members benefit from events and study tours, training, monthly media monitoring, and unique reputation research to provide institutional advantage.

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