UK Trade Delegation Trip in November

LINK Strategic Partners’ (LINK) UK Branch, founded in Manchester in 2019, is thrilled to have both sponsored and participated in the United Kingdom Town and Gown Association’s (UKTGA) 2024 Conference. The UKTGA’s mission is to bridge the gap between universities and their local communities, aligning perfectly with LINK’s goal of hyperlocal connection and communications.

At the UKTGA pre-conference workshop, LINK’s UK Branch Manager, Matt Helfrich, and Director of Standards and Accountability, Poppy Humphrey, alongside Amanda Jackson from the University of Leeds, led the training on “Studentification and Town and Gown Relations: Strategies for Harmonious Coexistence.” Participants learned how increased student populations impact towns, including the ongoing housing crisis across the UK. They learned strategies for effective communications and for building bridges between students, residents, and local councils.

During the conference, Poppy and Matt were joined by LINK President, Michael Akin, and Chief of Staff, Jamal Holtz , to advise the hundreds of attendees about communication strategies around frequent town and gown issues.

On the first day, Michael Akin and other panelists of "Forging Connections through Planning, Architecture, and Policy—Best Practices in Navigating the Complex Spaces of Town and Gown," discussed how intentional design can balance the unique needs of students, staff, and the broader community.

LINK team members also presented “The Ten Principles of Strategic Planning for Effective Town-Gown Relations.” Poppy Humphrey leveraged her MBA in Strategic Planning to share practical insights on improving town-gown relationships, especially during times of crisis.

On day two, Michael chaired “Civic Engagement and the University: Impact on Hyperlocal Communities,” a panel that explored whether universities’ civic engagement efforts truly impact the local landscape.

Then the full LINK team presented “Innovating Together: Harnessing Tech and Comms for Stronger Town and Gown Connections,” which included case studies from both sides of the pond and practical advice on engaging students, local authorities, and residents both in-person and virtually.

Beyond the conference, LINK continued local engagement in Manchester, volunteering with UKTGA attendees and playing football with Families Against Violence’s “Can You Kick It?” program, which teaches youth ages six to 18 football skills as an alternative to street life.

The last two days of the trip, Michael Akin attended the International Town and Gown (ITGA) board retreat with fellow members from across the US and UK, while the rest of Team LINK attended programming and a leadership reception hosted by the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce.