Symposium Network Huddle
From: Jan 13, 2026 @ 10:00 AM
To: Jan 13, 2026 @ 5:00 PM
Timezone: UTC +00:00
Location: London
Join us for an exclusive member huddle focused on connection, collaboration, and growth. This is your chance to engage with peers, experts, and new contacts in an intimate, pro-learning environment.
The local time of the event is 10:00 - 17:00 GMT
Why you should attend
The aim of the day is to work collaboratively with your peers to overcome the challenges keeping you awake and get answers to the burning questions causing you angst. As the day’s agenda is built around what the attendees want to cover, and is finalised just a week before the Huddle, the conversations are guaranteed to be of immediate benefit.
Who should attend
Members of the Expat Academy Symposium Network, i.e. Global Mobility professionals managing an expatriate population in excess of 100 people
If you are not an Expat Academy member and would like to find out more please contact tony@expat-academy.com
What will be covered
- Small roundtable sessions to discuss current issues
- Feedback from other tables to learn from wider experiences
- Corporate updates from members on their latest challenges and projects
- Mix, mingle and chat during regular breaks & over lunch
- Networking drinks bring the day to a close
Agenda
Day 1
Networking and Refreshments
09:30 - 10:00
Arrive from 9:30 am to register and gain access to the Huddle to meet fellow Global Mobility professionals and enjoy some morning refreshments.
Welcome and Introduction
10:00 - 10:15
Enjoy a warm welcome from the Expat Academy team. We will run you through the agenda and facilitate networking on your tables with our icebreaker!
Going in Circles
10:15 - 11:15
Are we witnessing genuine innovation in global mobility, or simply recycling solutions through predictable cycles? This interactive session explores whether trends in GM are truly groundbreaking or part of familiar patterns we've seen before. We'll examine what drives these cycles, discuss what might constitute the next genuine breakthrough, and consider whether finding comfort in proven solutions is more valuable than chasing novelty. Join us for an open-ended exploration that challenges assumptions about innovation in our field.
Networking Break
11:15 - 11:45
Corporate Updates and Hot Seat
11:45 - 12:45
Corporate Updates
Get exclusive insights into fellow members’ global mobility programmes and stay informed with the latest developments, policy changes, and industry insights.
Hot Seat
An interactive problem-solving session where we tackle real challenges facing our community. We'll address pressing concerns and complex scenarios that GM professionals are navigating right now, creating a collaborative space to share strategies and solutions that work.
Lunch
12:45 - 13:45
What is it that you do Again?
13:45 - 14:45
That familiar question we face at dinner parties and even within our own organisations - but can we answer it clearly anymore? As global mobility evolves beyond traditional relocations, this session examines whether GM is still truly "GM" or something entirely different. We'll explore what should fall under GM's remit today, debate reporting structures that actually work, identify the key partnerships that drive success, and tackle the critical question: whose side are we really on? A candid discussion about defining our role in an increasingly complex business landscape.
Networking Break
14:45 - 15:15
Huddle Discussion
15:15 - 16:00
Join us for an engaging discussion on current trends and emerging issues shaping the global mobility landscape. This session will tackle timely topics that matter most to GM professionals right now, with collaborative ideas and fresh perspectives on the challenges and opportunities we're all navigating. Details to be confirmed closer to the event - but expect thought-provoking conversation and actionable insights as always.
GM on Trial
16:00 - 16:45
Put your decision-making skills to the test in this engaging courtroom-style debate. The room will be split into defence and prosecution teams to argue a complex GM scenario that balances policy compliance, cultural considerations, and employee needs. Come prepared to think on your feet as we explore the nuanced decisions that define our profession. The case details remain under wraps until the session begins - no easy answers guaranteed!
Wrap up and Networking Drinks
16:45 - 17:00
Sponsors
Testimonials
Expat Academy really is a fantastic community, offering an opportunity to meet with fellow GM professionals and discuss the emerging trends. There are always little nuggets of information after an event that can be taken back to the wider team.
Will Scrupps
The best thing about the Expat Academy membership is the community, everyone is very willing and able to help and support - it’s such a great resource to be able to tap in to. I really love the benchmarking service, we can submit a question and get responses from a huge range of companies which we can then feed into our policy development, our decision making and our negotiations with the business and it helps us to be competitive.
Fiona Shaw
In-house Global Mobility teams really need help right as we are being asked to provide instant updates and solutions to the business, however as the challenges are new, it is a time that we are heavily reliant on our peers and you at Expat Academy are the gateway in allowing this to happen… not only are you sharing your own advice but are also connecting us to others in the industry. You really are the ‘enabler’ and I personally cannot thank you enough for all the support you have provided.
Khadeeja Islam
An excellent range of relevant topics pitched at the right level. Have taken away a few golden nuggets so a day well spent!
Sonal Wadher
In this huddle, we have discussed the views and challenges on streamlining, sustainability and survival for Global Mobility. It is interesting to hear other companies views on this, what challenges they are facing and most importantly the steps from the companies to overcome the challenges. We also discussed the importance to maintain the client and vendor relationship for an effective business partnering where we have joked this is like a “marriage” partnering.
It is really great to have people from different companies, industries to share their experience and knowledge. It is very insightful and some great tips were shared which may be applied in my company's business and operations. It is also interesting to learn the technologies that each company is using where I can leverage on the experience they have to apply for RFPs in the future.
Irene Lim