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 2017 took place at Utrecht University in Utrecht, the Netherlands, from 4 – 6 October. Cor Jansen, Director of Regional Co-operation and Strategic Alliances, Utrecht University, was our host. The conference focused on how universities work to influence on a global scale, which the world-leading Dutch are well-versed in.

The theme ‘Circles of Influence: Putting your University at the Heart of the Conversation’ recognises that in this dynamic environment, universities need to be at the very heart of the conversation and be proactive in contributing to its pace and rhythm.

We had a range of international speakers with other perspectives which shined a light on opportunities and challenges surrounding the topic of influence in different parts of the world. We examined how American universities are navigating changing times, new techniques in student recruitment, city influence, connecting with employers and industry and how leading academics are influencing global research.


Conference Highlights


Beyond degrees: NUS’ approach to attracting millennials | Arlene Tan, National University of Singapore
Insights and ideas on how to engage millennials wanting an education that is just beyond degrees, plus a look at NUS’ admissions publicity campaign.

American universities: navigating in changing times | Joanna Regulska, University of California, Davis
The challenges, but also the dynamic opportunities, American universities face in a constantly evolving environment.

City influence: Brand, engagement and civic power | Tania Rhodes-Taylor, The University of Sydney and Alan Ferns, The University of Manchester
Considering the role of place in reputation strategy, what are the challenges and opportunities presented by a City brand and in what way can universities leverage or overcome these?

Connecting with employers and industry to strengthen global influence | Dasha Karzunina, QS Intelligence Unit
How universities can best engage with employers in a meaningful way, in order to strengthen their influence.

Flexing social media: the use of Weibo | Katherine Ma, University of Hong Kong
How The University of Hong Kong uses Weibo, one of the most popular social media sites in China and fast rising in the western world, to engage mainland Chinese students.

Our Speakers

Bert van der Zwaan
Utrecht University

Saskia Kapinga
Royal Dutch Shell

Cor Jansen
Utrecht University

Joanna Regulska
University of California, Davis

James Kennedy
Utrecht University College

Diane Kenyon
University of Calgary

Rachel Sandison
University of Glasgow

Jessica Winters
Utrecht University

Denis-Ancion Maastricht University

Denis Ancion
Maastricht University

Andrea Farqhuar

Andrea Farquhar
McMaster University

Alan Ferns

Alan Ferns
The University of Manchester

Members Day | 4 October 2017

Our Utrecht hosts put together a fantastic Members’ Day, starting with a boat tour along the beautiful canals of Utrecht, followed by a buffet lunch at the Paushuize (House of the Pope). Members explored Utrecht with a guided tour around the city and a visit to the Central Museum. Those looking to network with colleagues could then visit the Partnership Lounge in the Karel V hotel, and the evening ending with the member’s dinner at Museum Speelklok.

Study Tour | 2-3 October 2017

Before the conference in Utrecht, a group of W100 members first headed to the city of Groningen for a couple of days at the University of Groningen – a top public research university and the second-oldest university in the Netherlands. During the visit, members learned about the University of Groningen brand and overseas expansion, plus the university’s campaigns, Nobel Prizes, and impactful research. Members also experienced a tour of historic university, explored the city and had drinks and dinner.

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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