WACREN NREN Members have decided on a bold shift for future WACREN conferences: move from hotel venues to university campuses. At the just-ended NREN CEO Academy, the NREN CEOs acknowledged that hosting the flagship event on campuses is strategic and inherently valuable. During a presentation on this, the WACREN Marketing and Communication Officer said, “The impact of RENs is most visible on campuses. That’s where the real users of the services we promote live, study, and work. Bringing our conversations home simply makes sense in every way”. The NREN CEOs acknowledged that holding conferences on campuses would help host-NRENs to foster deeper connections with universities, demonstrate the value of their services in real time, and drive awareness directly among end users. For example, hosting on campus opens the opportunity for hands-on deployment of eduroam and other digital services, network audits, and even the handover of equipment—all of which enhance the visibility and technical capabilities of host institutions. Campuses that host future events would also benefit from an enhanced profile within the regional research and education community, creating a ripple effect that encourages more universities to engage with their respective NRENs. The move is expected to redefine the tone, reach, and impact of future WACREN gatherings, making them more inclusive, relevant, and transformative for the communities they aim to serve.
