12 June 2025 
Emma Walton-Pond, Communications Officer
Attending the 2024 CUPA-HR conference in Florida was an incredible experience and a brilliant opportunity that pushed me outside of my comfort zone, especially co-presenting to an international audience. It helped me grow in confidence and reinforced the value of taking on new challenges. While stepping into such a large international event was initially daunting, the welcoming atmosphere and creative networking approaches made it easy to connect and share experiences with peers across the U.S.
The experience also really brought home just how much I’ve gained from the Trailblazers programme. It had already encouraged me to develop my influence, curiosity and adaptability, but this conference put those skills to the test in a completely new environment. I had to communicate across cultural contexts, shape our UK narrative for a US audience, and be as open to learning as I was to sharing.
Presenting alongside Margaret Ayers, now UHR Chair, on UK approaches to career development was a true highlight. The audience’s engagement and feedback were incredibly encouraging, and I was proud to share insights shaped by Trailblazers and also my experience of UHR’s Trailblazer programme. I saw firsthand how relatable our challenges and innovations are, even across quite different higher education systems, and received great feedback from both US peers and UK colleagues.
On return, I presented my key learnings and reflections at UHR Connects 2024 Scotland, again receiving incredibly positive feedback from peers. The whole experience broadened my perspective, built my confidence, and strengthened my drive to bring forward-thinking, people-focused ideas into our HR work.
CUPA also expanded my thinking around HR in higher education. Sessions on culture, AI in talent development, and inclusive leadership really stood out. I was struck by the emphasis on human-centred values; empathy, trust and connection and how relevant those felt to the challenges we’re facing in the UK sector. It’s motivated me to keep learning and bring fresh thinking into our work. Overall, the experience left me inspired, more confident, and excited to apply innovative ideas around culture, resilience, and personalised development.
Getting to experience Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort was a definite bonus. Where else do you go from a keynote on burnout to spotting Mickey Mouse by the coffee station? Only at CUPA!
I’m so grateful for this opportunity, it’s been a real highlight in my career so far. I’m excited to pass the baton to the next Trailblazer, Tom Jones, and I know they’ll make the most of this brilliant experience.
