Expect a warm welcome as the international education sector’s saints and scholars descend on Dublin once again for The PIE Live Ireland conference. Here are eight reasons to be excited.
1. Policy changes are coming
Following Ireland’s higher education minister James Lawless’ recent comments challenging the traditional model of bringing large numbers of international students into the country, it is clear that change is in the air.
We will hear from university leaders about balancing domestic and overseas opportunities, political headwinds and the financial fallout of rising student visa refusals. With new policy incoming, what can we predict and prepare for?
2. Will Ireland have a transnational education strategy?
We’ve gathered the brightest minds in global partnerships to speak about the governance and strategy required for Irish universities to collaborate on the global stage.
From branch campuses to pure TNE, our sessions will be mapping key activity in territories such as the US, Canada, India, China, MENA and Southeast Asia.
Delegates will also gain an understanding of how Indian IBCs are funded and why Ireland is well placed if Canada and the UK rejoin the EU. Enterprise Ireland will be in attendance, canvassing stakeholders to inform the national TNE strategy and direction of travel.
3. Nothing is impossible
Our keynote speaker this year is Bernie Hollywood OBE, the British explorer and philanthropist who has sailed the Atlantic solo, travelled to both Poles, and everything in between! As an ambassador for Made Impact, the global advocacy organisation promoting international education as a driver of peace and prosperity, he is now exploring the power of storytelling to help champion the sector. Ordinary people can achieve extraordinary things, so let’s get to work!
4. AI takes over Dublin
As part of the EU-wide European AI Innovation Month, running from Dublin to Brussels in October, The PIE Live Ireland dovetails Dublin AI Week (October 2-9), the International AI Summit (October 14) at the Royal Dublin Society (RDS) and the AI in Science Summit (October 15–16 ) coordinated by University College Dublin and Research Ireland.
It means some big hitters in the tech world are in town to discuss Ireland’s new Office for AI and the opportunities for industry and graduates in the Irish economy, and we’ve assembled a few to bring their future-gazing to The PIE stage.
5. Agent management, admissions and marketing
The holy trinity of recruitment is being dissected in a series of workshops for international officers, as we bring a global perspective to the student journey. Which markets are working and why? How is AI interfering with student choice? Will my partnerships suffer if they are financially under pressure?
The usual student pipelines are under serious pressure due to visa refusals and increased competition around the world. Refresh your knowledge and reset your radar for success.
6. Balancing reputation, trust, and public scrutiny
Trust in public institutions is eroding. The gap between the education sector and public sentiment is widening. This panel will explore what social licence means for educators and how to communicate the value to both local communities in Ireland and international graduates on the world stage.
Expect The PIE Live to deliver some case studies, public polls and a sobering dose of reality that will help our universities stay relevant to the communities they serve.
7. The land of a thousand welcomes
The Irish hospitality is world famous, and The PIE believes in the power of bringing people together! Enjoy the wide range of networking opportunities with colleagues from the Irish sector along with international delegates who are seeking stronger connections.
Our drinks receptions are the perfect chance to catch-up, take pictures and share insights as part of the conference. Look out for additional invitations to the various fringe events that take place in and around the main event each year.
8. Close knit and collaborative
The thing we love about the Irish sector is the spirit of camaraderie amongst the sector and the desire to connect with the world. Join the debate, get on the app and leverage the expertise in the room.
While the conference venue is at UCD we have stakeholders joining from QQI, Enterprise Ireland, HEA, English Education Ireland, Trinity Global, NCI, University of Galway, CCU, RSCI, CEG OnCampus, ATU, City University Dublin, Griffith College, Maynooth University, Irish Council for International Students (ICOS) and many more…
Check out the agenda and speakers in full here.
The PIE Live Ireland takes place on October 12-13, 2026. Interested in attending? Book your tickets here.
