The honest take: Exhibiting at UCISA26 (our first time)
Our honest take on exhibiting at UCISA26, sharing key conversations, data challenges, and insights from across the higher education sector.
Read time:
6 min
Team binary10 recently exhibited at the UCISA Leadership Conference for the first time and like most firsts, it came with a mix of excitement, uncertainty, and a lot of learning. However, this was our first time attending the UCISA Leadership Summit and it certainly won’t be the last!
Rather than a polished recap, we wanted to share an honest perspective on what the experience was really like, and what we took away from it.
Why UCISA26?
The UCISA26 brings together over 300 senior IT leaders and decision-makers from across UK higher education - the very audience shaping data strategy, transformation programmes, and system change within their institutions.
For binary10, that made it the right place to be.
As a team specialising in data migration, integration, quality, testing and archiving, these are exactly the conversations we want to be part of, understanding the real data challenges universities are facing, from integration and legacy systems to data quality and trust.
Exhibiting at UCISA26 gave us the opportunity to engage directly with those leading these initiatives, and to hear first-hand where the biggest challenges and opportunities lie.
What stood out.
Across the two days, we had the opportunity to speak with the IT leaders of a wide range of universities and while each conversation was different, a few clear themes emerged.
AI growth and data quality challenges
There is no doubt that AI is transforming conversations across higher education, from enhancing student experience to improving operational efficiency.
However, in many of our discussions, the focus quickly shifted to a more fundamental challenge- data quality.
Questions around accuracy, consistency, and trust in existing data are still front of mind for many institutions. Without a strong data foundation, the full potential of AI becomes significantly harder to realise.
Integration remains a major barrier
Many institutions have invested in multiple systems over time.The challenge is not a lack of technology, it’s how well those systems work together.
Disconnected data continues to create friction, whether in reporting, decision-making, or day-to-day operations.
The gap between ambition and reality
There is strong momentum behind digital transformation in higher education.
At the same time, legacy systems, data silos, and complex migration requirements mean that progress is often slower and more complex than expected.
What stayed with us.
Beyond the themes and trends, it was the honesty of the conversations that stayed with us. There was a clear openness from institutions about where things aren’t quite working yet, particularly when it comes to data challenges.
Our perspective as first-time exhibitors.
Exhibiting at UCISA was a valuable experience for us.
A few reflections stood out:
Meaningful conversations matter more than volume
Attendees are looking for discussion, not sales pitches
Being clear and focused in what you do makes a difference
Most importantly, it reinforced the value of listening. Some of the most useful insights came not from presentations or talks, but from open and honest conversations on the stand.
What this means for the sector
For us, UCISA26 highlighted something important.
Higher education is not lacking in ambition or innovation.But there is still a gap between what institutions want to achieve and what their current data environments allow them to do effectively.
Addressing that gap requires more than new systems. It requires a strong, reliable data foundation and a partner.
Looking ahead.
UCISA is just one of several important events shaping conversations across the sector.
If you are looking to attend Higher Education specific events. here are some examples to check out.
Final thoughts
For us, UCISA26 wasn’t just about exhibiting.
It was about engaging with the sector, understanding the challenges first-hand, and reflecting on how we can continue to support universities in building stronger, more reliable data foundations.