Wittenborg Strengthens Global Connections at Record-Breaking EAIE 2026 in Glasgow

22.09.2026

Wittenborg Expands Global Network as Stephen Orme Steps into EAIE Vice-Presidency

Wittenborg recently joined more than 7,300 higher education professionals from 107 countries at the European Association for International Education (EAIE) Conference and Exhibition 2026 in Glasgow, the largest conference and exhibition in the Association's history. For Wittenborg, the week provided an opportunity to strengthen existing partnerships, explore new collaborations and engage with the latest developments shaping international education.

For the team, the four-day event combined partnership meetings, sector discussions and countless networking opportunities. It also marked an important milestone for the institution, as Stephen Orme, Head of Business Development and Operations at Wittenborg, officially assumed the role of EAIE Vice-President during the closing stages of the conference.

Reflecting on the week, Orme described the event as a valuable mix of relationship-building, professional development and engagement with the wider higher education community.

"It was a real mix of activities," he said. "We achieved good visibility for Wittenborg, connected with existing partners, established new contacts and networked with the wider EAIE community."

Building and strengthening partnerships remained a key priority throughout the week. Alongside meetings with long-standing partners from across Wittenborg's international network, the conference also created opportunities for new collaborations.

One of the most significant outcomes was the signing of a bilateral cooperation agreement with Necmettin Erbakan University in Türkiye. The agreement was signed by Peter Birdsall, President of Wittenborg, and Prof. Dr. Cem Zorlu, Rector of Necmettin Erbakan University, following discussions at the Turkish national pavilion.

Initial conversations focused on business and tourism education, with both institutions expressing an interest in exploring wider opportunities for cooperation in the future.

Beyond partnership development, members of the Wittenborg team, including Kejsi Hoxha, Aydan Holtrigter, Maike Zürcher and Sinem Dosdogru, took part in conference sessions covering topics such as internationalisation, sustainability, artificial intelligence and emerging trends in higher education.

For Orme, being present at those discussions was just as valuable as the networking opportunities.

"Being involved in these conversations is important for Wittenborg," Orme said further.

Among his personal highlights was the opening keynote by neuroscientist and TED speaker Beau Lotto, whose engaging and often humorous presentation encouraged delegates to think differently about change, innovation and collaboration.

Away from the conference sessions, Glasgow also provided opportunities to connect with colleagues in less formal settings. One memorable highlight was an evening event at the Glasgow Science Centre, where participants enjoyed networking activities and a planetarium show.

Sustainability remained another prominent theme throughout the conference. Representing EAIE, Orme took part in a symbolic tree-planting ceremony organised with Life Terra, Glasgow City Council and the Clyde Climate Forest initiative. Several members of the Wittenborg team also attended.

The initiative formed part of EAIE's wider sustainability efforts, which include supporting the planting of a tree for every conference participant through its partnership with Life Terra.

For Birdsall, one of the most valuable aspects of the conference was the experience gained by colleagues attending EAIE for the first time.

"The most significant outcome for the Wittenborg team at EAIE was that staff members who had never been before were able to gain a good insight into the international higher education environment in which they are working," he said.

According to Birdsall, the experience provided an opportunity to see how institutions around the world approach the opportunities and challenges of internationalisation while reflecting on Wittenborg's own strengths.

"Our colleagues fundamentally expressed a feeling of satisfaction at understanding that Wittenborg is, in many aspects, ahead of the game and is definitely working with best-practice procedures and methodologies," he added.

Having attended EAIE conferences for more than 25 years, Birdsall also stressed the continued evolution of the sector. "It was a pleasure to see how dynamically the sector continues to develop and demonstrate its value to society as a whole," he said.

Birdsall further highlighted the significance of Orme's appointment as EAIE Vice-President.

"With Stephen taking on the role of Vice-President, this represents a confirmation of Wittenborg's contribution to international higher education and society as a whole."

With Glasgow now concluded, the Association is setting its sights on the next EAIE Conference and Exhibition, which will take place in Lisbon, Portugal, in September 2027.