The Media & Learning Conference Series and Its Growing Influence

The Media & Learning Association has long served as a vital hub for professionals dedicated to integrating media into education across Europe. Since its inaugural events over a decade ago, the annual conference has consistently drawn hundreds of educators, researchers, developers, and institutional leaders to explore practical applications of video, multimedia, and emerging technologies in teaching and learning. This longstanding series emphasizes evidence-based approaches, ensuring that media-supported resources genuinely enhance student outcomes rather than simply adding technological layers.

Media & Learning 2026: Dates, Location, and Core Focus

Scheduled for 17-18 June 2026 in the historic university city of Leuven, Belgium, the upcoming edition promises to build on this foundation with a sharp focus on video-based services in higher education. Organised jointly by the Media & Learning Association and KU Leuven’s Learning Lab, the two-day onsite event will take place at the Provinciehuis and centre on the theme of co-creating the future of learning. Participants from across Europe and beyond will examine how media choices can make a measurable difference in educational settings, with sessions designed to foster collaboration and shared learning.

Key Themes Driving Discussions at the Conference

Central to the programme are explorations of artificial intelligence as a supportive tool rather than a replacement for educators, alongside advancements in multimedia production, immersive technologies, storytelling techniques, and innovative assessment methods. Workshops will allow hands-on experimentation, including agentic production for multimedia learning where attendees can build and test new approaches using their own devices. Exhibitors such as Kaltura and AudioXL will showcase solutions for reliable learning environments and AI-powered video workflows that prioritise accessibility and engagement.

Projects like AI-Literate will feature presentations highlighting dimensions of AI literacy within higher education contexts, encouraging participants to consider responsible and evidence-informed integration strategies. These themes reflect broader shifts in European higher education, where institutions increasingly seek sustainable ways to leverage media amid rapid technological change.

Partnership with KU Leuven’s Learning Lab and Regional Context

The collaboration with KU Leuven’s Learning Lab brings a strong Belgian perspective to the event, drawing on the university’s expertise in educational innovation. Leuven itself, home to one of Europe’s oldest universities, provides an inspiring backdrop that underscores the deep roots of academic inquiry in the region. This partnership ensures sessions address practical challenges faced by European institutions, from resource allocation to cross-border collaboration on media-enhanced curricula.

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Programme Highlights and Opportunities for Engagement

With multiple keynotes, dozens of presentations, exhibitor stands, and interactive workshops planned, the conference offers varied formats for knowledge exchange. Attendees can expect discussions on navigating AI in teaching roles, creating future-ready learning spaces, and evaluating the real impact of media resources. Networking opportunities will connect academics and administrators with technology providers and fellow practitioners, fostering partnerships that extend beyond the event itself.

Registration remains open, and the official site provides full details on the schedule and participation options. Those involved in designing or delivering learning experiences in higher education will find targeted sessions that translate directly to institutional practice.

Implications for Teaching Practices Across European Universities

European higher education faces ongoing pressures to adapt to digital transformation while maintaining quality and equity. The conference directly supports these efforts by spotlighting media strategies that improve student engagement and outcomes. Insights shared here could influence how universities across the continent approach video integration, AI literacy training for staff, and the development of hybrid or immersive learning environments.

By prioritising evidence of what works, the event encourages a thoughtful evolution rather than reactive adoption of new tools. This approach aligns with wider European goals around skills development and lifelong learning.

Stakeholder Perspectives and Collaborative Potential

Educators, researchers, and institutional leaders attending the conference represent a diverse cross-section of the sector. Their collective input will shape conversations around challenges such as ensuring equitable access to media resources and measuring the effectiveness of technological interventions. The presence of international voices alongside European counterparts enriches the dialogue, offering comparative insights that can inform policy and practice at national and institutional levels.

Challenges in Media Integration and Practical Solutions

Integrating media effectively requires addressing issues like faculty development, infrastructure limitations, and data privacy concerns. Sessions at the conference will tackle these head-on, providing actionable frameworks and case examples from institutions that have successfully navigated similar transitions. Participants will leave with concrete ideas for piloting new approaches or refining existing ones within their own settings.

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Future Outlook for Media in European Higher Education

Looking ahead, the conference positions itself as a catalyst for ongoing innovation. As AI and immersive technologies continue to evolve, events like this help the community stay ahead of trends while grounding decisions in pedagogical value. The emphasis on co-creation suggests a collaborative future where educators, technologists, and learners work together to design more effective learning experiences.

Long-term impacts could include stronger networks across European institutions and more widespread adoption of proven media strategies that support both teaching excellence and student success.

How Academics and Administrators Can Get Involved

University staff interested in the intersection of media and learning are encouraged to register early. The onsite format in Leuven facilitates meaningful interactions that online alternatives often cannot replicate. Whether presenting work, attending workshops, or exploring exhibitor offerings, participation offers direct pathways to professional development and institutional advancement in this critical area.