Attending the GOETEC25 Conference at the Universities at Medway Campus, Kent was a refreshing reminder of why I love working in the higher education technology space. It was a full day, packed with insightful sessions, conversations with sector leaders, and an atmosphere of genuine collaboration.
The theme this year, Optimal Innovation for Digital Transformation, was reflected not just in the keynotes and panels, but in the energy of the room .
Unlike other conferences I’ve attended, exhibitors were in the main room where the sessions were held, which meant we could listen in and gain valuable insights into the sector while engaging with attendees. It was a great way to stay connected to the conversations shaping the industry.
It felt like a true meeting of minds: senior executives, digital leaders, operational teams, vendors, and partners, all working towards smarter, more sustainable transformation across higher education.
One of the standout moments for me was the keynote speech from the Jisc’s Group CTO, Bella Abrams: – “Perspectives on Transformation and Seeking Opportunities for Collaboration”. Her perspective on transformation was refreshingly grounded. Not the overused “caterpillar into butterfly” metaphor, but rather a more realistic vision: planting seeds and watching them grow at different rates. It reminded us that transformation isn’t always dramatic or immediate. It’s often about patient evolution.
That theme of trust came up again during a thoughtful moment from the audience. Our Senior Accounts Executive, Andy McGinn posed a great question: How can vendors help? The answers hit home. It’s not just about what your product does, but what it means for the institutions you support. Authenticity, openness and honesty in pre-sales conversations, and flexibility in implementation, matter more than ever.
Bella described herself as an “incrementalist,” which really resonated. At Thesis SM, we also believe in steady, meaningful progress. It’s not about reinventing the wheel. It’s about improving what’s already in motion and meeting institutions where they are. That’s exactly what our Higher Education Model (HEM) is designed to support: enabling institutions to progress through their implementation with our incremental workstreams, building up knowledge and using our with configurable, sector-aligned tools. I appreciated her emphasis on asking better questions - not “What new tech can we use?” but “What are our people struggling with?” That’s where the real opportunities for transformation lie.
Another highlight was the panel discussion - "Perspectives on Shared Approaches to Procurement, Shared Services and Collaboration". Hearing from leaders like Deborah Green (UCISA), Brian Henderson (HEFESTIS), and Liam Earney (Jisc) gave a well-rounded view of how our sector is evolving. The shared message? Trust is the foundation, whether in procurement partnerships or tech adoption. I also really enjoyed hearing from Felicity Bingham, Senior Consultant – Business Intelligence at Jisc, on “Data Maturity: What to Know and What to Do” y - what data maturity means, why it matters, and what institutions can do to progress with purpose.
As a sponsoring exhibitor, I had the opportunity to present alongside Andy on behalf of Thesis SM, and it was such a proud moment. We showcased what a modern Student Records System looks like in 2025, and why we believe our approach stands apart.
The live demo covered everything from our no-code tools like query lists, rulesets, flexi fields, through to progression/classification rules, reporting, and even a walk-through of the applicant and student journey. The feedback we received confirmed we’re solving real problems, and doing so in a way that empowers users, not just IT teams.
Beyond our session, I found so much value in the chance to speak with other vendors and colleagues across the sector. These informal conversations often spark the best ideas and remind us how many of the challenges we face are shared.
What struck me most at GOETEC25 was the value of the Consortium itself. It’s more than a network. It’s a space where universities and FE (Further Education) colleges can test ideas, support one another, and tackle digital transformation in a way that’s cooperative, not competitive.
I'm walking away from the conference feeling inspired - not just by what’s possible, but by what’s already happening. And I’m even more convinced that, as a strategic partner to higher education institutions, our role is to build with them, not just for them.
Thanks to the GOETEC team and all the attendees for such a thoughtful and engaging day. I’m already looking forward to what GOETEC26 will bring.
About the author:
Alison Tesh
Implementation Manager
Alison joined Thesis SM in 2018 after a decade of experience in UK higher education. As Implementation Manager, she leads the UK team in delivering smooth rollouts and refining implementation methodology.
Alison values the passion and dedication of the Thesis team and takes pride in how Thesis SM empowers users through its Student Information System with intuitive interface and no-code workflow.