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 2015 took place at The University of Sydney, Australia, from 28 – 29 September. Marian Theobald, Director of Marketing and Communications, The University of Sydney, was our host. The conference focused on how place can impact university reputation.

The theme ‘The Power of Place: Communicating Global Universities as Destinations & Experiences’ recognises that place holds weight with university reputation, and allowd us to explores how universities can use their city and community to attract top students, how to reflect the brand in the built environment and how to reassure people about safety and security when things go wrong.

With had a range of international speakers, the conference showcased how experts in destination marketing from the world’s best universities make the most of their cities and campuses.


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 | 27 September 2015

Our Sydney hosts put together a fantastic Members’ Day, starting with a private, special access tour of the iconic Sydney Opera House. This was followed by a lazy Sydney Harbour cruise, taking in the sights of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Royal Botanic Gardens while enjoying typical Sydney refreshments. After some free time to explore the city, members experienced dinner on Bondi Beach at one of Sydney’s best loved beachside restaurants.

Study Tour | 24 -25 September 2015

Before the conference, a group of W100 members headed to Canberra for a couple of days at the Australian National University – one of the world’s leading research universities. During the visit, members learned about how the challenges and responsibilities of being Australia’s only national university influence the ANU brand and communications. Members experienced roundtable discussions and presentations on strategies for maximising impact, increasing influence and building reputation, as well as a walking tour of the campus, afternoon tea overlooking the Uriarra Valley and dinner at Monster Kitchen and Bar.

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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