History of CMN
Founded in 1987 by a visionary group of marketing managers within the Further Education sector, the College Marketing Network (CMN) began as an informal platform for sharing ideas and best practices. Over the years, this grassroots initiative evolved into a thriving membership organisation dedicated to advancing marketing excellence across colleges in the UK.
Central to CMN’s mission have been two cornerstone events: the CMN Conference and the FE First Awards. Both of these initiatives, which have been a part of CMN for over 20 years, continue to play a vital role in the network’s success. The CMN Conference brings together industry leaders to explore emerging trends, share insights, and celebrate achievements in FE marketing. Similarly, the FE First Awards honour outstanding contributions and innovations within the sector, highlighting the remarkable efforts of marketing teams and individuals across the country.
Today, CMN stands as a dynamic network that fosters collaboration, professional development, and innovation, making it an indispensable resource for marketing professionals within Further Education. Its focus on delivering tangible value to both members and business partners ensures its continued success and relevance in the sector.
Leading the network…
Meet Our Executive Director, Emma Wilde
Emma Wilde is a highly experienced marketing professional with over 20 years in Further Education (FE) marketing. Her career is distinguished by numerous awards, speaking engagements at major marketing conferences, and published work in leading industry outlets. Emma’s expertise spans marketing, admissions, customer service, curriculum planning, change management, organisational restructures, rebranding, and system implementation.
In early 2021, Emma transitioned to consulting, using her extensive knowledge to assist marketing professionals across UK colleges. She has also played a crucial role in business development for the College Marketing Network (CMN), enhancing the network’s impact and outreach with her sector-specific insights.
Since 2023, Emma has served as the Executive Director of the College Marketing Network. She leads the organisation with a strong passion for further education and marketing, focusing on supporting and empowering marketing professionals within the sector. Her leadership is marked by a commitment to excellence and advancing education marketing.
Connect with Emma on LinkedIn
Kathy McCormack
Kathy McCormack, Director of Marketing and Student Recruitment at South Bank Colleges, also serves as a Director at the College Marketing Network (CMN), where she supports Emma in her role. While CMN is not her primary responsibility, Kathy brings extensive experience and valuable insights from her college position, contributing significantly to the direction and growth of CMN.
Steering Group
The CMN Steering Group plays a vital role in guiding the College Marketing Network’s strategic direction. Comprising of experienced professionals in marketing, education, and leadership, the group provides Emma with valuable insights and advice. They collaborate to develop and implement initiatives that drive membership engagement, professional development, and the organisation’s long-term goals, keeping it at the forefront of innovation in college marketing.
Honorary Members
Rachel Smith and Alex Erwin, who have significantly shaped the College Marketing Network over the past 37 years, are honorary members. Their visionary leadership and dedication have been instrumental in the organisation’s growth and success. Though retired, Rachel and Alex remain deeply interested in the CMN’s future and continue to follow its development with great enthusiasm.
Join the College Marketing Network
The College Marketing Network is your partner in driving success and innovation in education marketing. Join us and be part of a community that thrives on sharing knowledge and fostering excellence.
Contact Us
Got a question, or want to know more about CMN? Drop us a note below and we’ll be in touch.