The 2025 CMN Roadshow has proven to be an exciting and valuable new addition to CMN events calendar, offering further opportunities for professional development for marketers in Further Education (FE). While the CMN Conference remains the pinnacle event of the year, this new series of Roadshow events has been specifically designed to reach a wider audience of FE marketing teams across the UK.
Spanning five cities – Manchester, Bristol, London, York, and Birmingham – this year’s Roadshow delivered dynamic, relevant content to 161 marketing professionals from 86 colleges across the UK, providing a unique platform for sharing knowledge, networking, and enhancing the professional skills of FE marketing teams nationwide.
The Roadshow series was designed to give marketing professionals in the FE sector an opportunity to exchange ideas, gain invaluable insights, and connect with industry experts. With support from 16 businesses, including leading speakers and exhibitors, the Roadshow has become a key event in the calendar for anyone in FE marketing.
Each of the five events offered a packed agenda with a diverse range of speakers, covering the latest trends and pivotal topics shaping FE marketing today. The event format was designed to be engaging and interactive, allowing attendees to participate in focused, 30-minute presentations that kept things concise yet full of value.
A Leader in CPD for Marketing Professionals in FE
Continuous Professional Development (CPD) opportunities for marketing professionals in Further Education are limited, with many struggling to find relevant training tailored to their needs. CMN is proud to be leading the way by providing a platform where marketing professionals can access expert-led sessions, connect with peers, and gain practical knowledge that is directly applicable to their roles.
The Roadshow series was developed to fill this gap, helping marketing professionals in FE stay up-to-date with the latest tools, trends, and strategies that are shaping the future of their sector.
“The 2025 CMN Roadshow has been a remarkable success, providing a platform for FE marketing professionals to exchange ideas, gain invaluable insights, and forge meaningful connections. We are delighted to see such strong participation from colleges across the UK. We’re already planning the 2026 events!”
Emma Wilde, Executive Director of CMN
The Power of Partnerships
The success of the Roadshow wouldn’t have been possible without the collaboration of 16 businesses that supported the events as speakers and exhibitors. These companies brought forward new ideas, tools, and solutions specifically designed to help FE colleges thrive in today’s ever-changing landscape. Their contributions played a significant role in creating an event experience that was both educational and practical.
Some of the businesses that supported the Roadshow included:
What Attendees Had to Say
The feedback from those who attended the Roadshow has been overwhelmingly positive. Many delegates expressed appreciation for the high-quality sessions, the opportunity to meet like-minded professionals, and the valuable ideas they took away.
Harriet Haworth, Digital Marketing Manager at United College Group (UCG), shared her experience:
“I just wanted to say a big thank you for organising the CMN Roadshow. It was such a well-run and valuable event – a great opportunity to connect with colleagues across the sector and take away some fresh ideas and inspiration.”
Stef from the National College for Digital Skills also praised the event:
“This was the first CMN event I attended, and I found the range of speakers so very useful. Some great new contacts for us! I also really liked the format—short, engaging presentations. Emma did a brilliant job with preparations, hosting, and creating a really comfortable, fun, and accessible atmosphere at the event. I’m looking forward to the next one!”
Looking Ahead: The CMN Conference 2026
CMN is excited to announce the next event in its calendar, the annual CMN Conference, which will be held on Monday 2 February 2026 in Birmingham. This event promises to be packed with insightful presentations, networking opportunities, and practical takeaways for FE marketing professionals. Delegates will gain valuable knowledge on the latest trends, strategies, and tools needed to succeed in the evolving marketing landscape.
As the Further Education sector continues to grow and adapt, CMN remains committed to supporting marketing teams with the resources, knowledge, and connections they need to succeed. The success of the 2025 Roadshow is a testament to the vital role CMN plays in fostering collaboration and innovation within the FE sector.
