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BR45929 Bluestorm - Monthly marketing retainer - October 2026 - Blog for AoC - 2560x1100px

Class is almost in session for AoC 2026!

4 minutes

With the big day approaching, we’re pleased to announce that Bluestorm will be attending one of the biggest events in the further education (FE) calendar – the Associations of Colleges Annual Conference and Exhibition 2026!

You’ll find us on stand 31 across both days. We’re ready to say hello and help you discover more about Bluestorm: the experts in education marketing.

So, while you press your shirts and get all those last-minute supplies, here’s what you need to know.

About the conference

Labelled as the ‘premier event for the FE sector’ by Association of Colleges, the conference and exhibition provides opportunities for sector leaders and staff to come together. With a handful of inspiring keynote speakers and breakout sessions for attendees to take part in, it’s always a highlight of the annual calendar.

Here’s a sneak peek at some of the topics that will be discussed:

  • Community cohesion

  • Tackling the number of young people not in education

  • Employment or training (NEETs)

  • Strengthening local partnerships

  • Navigating evolving policy landscapes

Your timetable

We’re handing out timetables early, so you can be prepared for where to find us!

When: Tuesday 10th – Wednesday 11th November

Where: The ICC, Birmingham

Stand: 31

Meet your tutors

Dan, Vicky, and Kat from the Bluestorm will be hosting the Bluestorm stand at the AoC Annual Conference 2026 – and there’s no homework required!

As our Digital Director, Dan oversees all aspects of our digital services, from website development to social media advertising and SEO.

Our friendly Account Managers, Vicky and Kat, look after a range of our clients, many of whom will be joining us at the conference. With a background in web design, Vicky specialises in web projects, while Kat’s work spans digital marketing campaigns, SEO retainers and more.

Our campus and facilities

We know our students well, which is why we’ll be offering lunch hour, every hour.

With a mini fridge bursting with chocolates, fizzy drinks, and other refreshments, we’re providing a sugar rush to keep you energised during the conference. Plus, take a taste of Hull home with you and learn how to elevate your chips with our Bluestorm chip spice.

Why not pop over and grab a brochure or two – you’ll find them next to the coffee…

Entry requirements

Good news: you’ll only need a lanyard, a spare 10 seconds, and questions galore – no prior qualifications required!

We offer a challenging course

We’re taking a hands-on approach, giving you a chance to unleash your competitive side in our 10-Second Challenge. It’s back and better than ever, but we’ll let you see for yourself when classes begin.

With a £100 Amazon voucher up for grabs and the chance to call yourself the Bluestorm 10-Second Challenge champion, get ready to start counting!

P.S. It’s a great chance to get to know us, tell us about your goals and challenges, and find out how we can help.

Why study with us?

We’re proud to be a full-service marketing agency with over 25 years of experience in the education sector. Our tutors always have their thinking hat on! Interested? Delve into how we approach college and further education marketing.

Everything we do is in-house, including website design, digital marketing, advertising, creative, print and video (Explore all our services here).

What’s more, we have an impressive track record working with numerous colleges across the country, bringing a wealth of expertise to the desk. We’ve honed our skills, developed deep insights in the education landscape and delivered consistent results that have helped our clients thrive.

See you at the #AoCConf26

We’ll tell you the rest at the event, where we’re eager to connect with old friends and new. Not got your tickets yet? Visit the Association of Colleges' website.

Class dismissed. See you at the stand!

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