Ukie Student Conference 2026

21 October 2026
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Get an inside look into the games industry 

Join Ukie and University of Staffordshire for a free day of talks, workings, networking and career advice, bringing together games students and industry professionals from across the UK. 

Get practical advice for your career, learn from people working in the industry and make connections that could help you take your next step.

Book your free place now
Event date

Wednesday 21 October 2026, 9.30am–5pm

Hosted at

University of Staffordshire for the full conference. Talks will be livestreamed for virtual attendees.

What to expect

Enjoy a full day of talks, workshops and opportunities to meet the people working in games. 

Meet your future network

Connect with games companies, industry professionals and other students in the Exhibitor Area and throughout the day.

Get hands-on

Take part in practical workshops designed to help you build your knowledge and develop useful skills.

Get career advice

Find out what employers are looking for and get practical tips to help you prepare for a career in games.

 

Meet the people behind the games 

Hear from professionals working across the games industry as they share their careers, experiences and advice. Get an inside look at careers in games and hear first-hand advice from people working in the industry.

The 2026 conference will feature speakers from studios and organisations with more speakers to be announced.

 

Talks and Q&As  

Hear about careers, experiences and opportunities from industry professionals.  

Workshops  

Build practical knowledge and explore new skills through interactive sessions.  

Exhibitor Area  

Meet games studios and organisations, ask questions and start building your professional network. 

Recruitment panel  

Get insight into the recruitment process and what employers look for when hiring. 

About Ukie 

Ukie is the UK’s games and interactive entertainment trade association, representing businesses across the games ecosystem, from indie developers and AAA studios to publishers and supporting businesses. The Ukie Student Conference is now in its 12th year and returns to University of Staffordshire in 2026. 

Modern University of the year

Daily Mail University Guide, 2027

University of the year

Academic Employability Awards 2026, Graduate Futures Institute

for overall student positivity

National Student Survey 2026

university in the UK

National Student Survey 2026

for Social Inclusion

The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026

in the UK for Games Education

Rookies Games Design and Development 2023, 2025

TIGA Best Games Institution 2024, 2025

of Research is “Internationally Excellent” or “World Leading”

Research Excellence Framework 2021

of Research Impact is ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Very Considerable’

Research Excellence Framework 2021