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Upcoming In-Person Event

Copenhagen Executive Roundtable

2 November, 2026 | 11:00 AM CET | Copenhagen



The higher education sector is experiencing an era of profound transformation. Fluctuating student enrolments, the emergence of generative AI (GenAI), and the rapid shift to online and blended learning are redefining the landscape. Against this backdrop, university leaders are grappling with an urgent and complex challenge

"How can institutions remain resilient, human-centred, and sustainable while adapting to a rapidly changing environment and supporting student success?"

This exclusive roundtable forum, designed for university executives, will bring together thought leaders and senior decision-makers for a high-level, strategic discussion.

Joining the conversation will be:

  • John Baker, CEO and Founder of D2L, sharing his unique insights into global trends shaping the future of education.

  • Dr. Cristi Ford, Chief Learning Officer at D2L, offering her expertise in digital transformation and institutional growth strategies from the US.


The forum will explore the pivotal role of digital strategy in ensuring institutional resilience and long-term sustainability.

Register Now

Speakers

John Baker

Founder and CEO, D2L

John Baker

Founder and CEO, D2L

John founded D2L in 1999, at the age of twenty-two, while attending the University of Waterloo. He strongly believes that learning is the foundation upon which all progress and achievement rests.

He is a member of the Business Council of Canada, board member of the Business Higher Education Roundtable, member of the Industry Strategy Council in Canada, Chair of the Digital Economic Strategy Table in Canada, has served on the Governing Council of the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, is the Past Chair of the board of Communitech, and is a board member of Canada’s National Ballet School.

John was awarded the Meritorious Service Cross, the EY Entrepreneur of the Year (Ontario for Software and Technology), Young Alumni Achievement Medal from University of Waterloo, and Intrepid Entrepreneur of the Year in Waterloo Region Hall of Fame.

John graduated from the University of Waterloo with an Honours B.A.Sc. in Systems Design
Engineering, with First Class Honours and an option in Management Sciences.

Dr Cristi Ford

Chief Learning Officer, D2L

Dr Cristi Ford

Chief Learning Officer, D2L

Dr. Cristi Ford serves as the Chief Learning Officer at D2L. She brings more than 20 years of cumulative experience in higher education, secondary education, project management, program evaluation, training and student services to her role. In this role, she offers thought leadership and direction to the academic affairs unit of the organization. Her previous roles have allowed her to have impact in education from secondary and higher education settings within North America and as part of the international landscape. Her reach has allowed her to focus on building online education in the US and in Africa.

In addition to her experience building new online learning programs and research related to online teaching and learning, Dr. Ford possesses significant experience in the design and delivery of integrated educational support, training and transition services for young adults and children with neurodevelopment disabilities.

Dr. Ford was selected by the Online Learning Consortium as the 2022 OLC Fellow (the highest professional distinction offered by the association). She is a tireless advocate for quality online education and has leveraged her passion and expertise in many realms in the education space. She is known for utilizing her leadership in extraordinary ways to help institutions build capacity to launch and expand online programming through effective faculty development, instructional design and pedagogical practices.

Dr. Ford holds a PhD in Educational Leadership from the University of Missouri-Columbia and undergraduate and graduate degrees in the field of Psychology from Hampton University and University of Baltimore, respectively.

Key Discussion Points

  • Harnessing GenAI in Higher Education
  • Building Digital Resilience
  • Student retention and success
  • Adapting to Shifting Learner Demands
This interactive day will provide a collaborative space to share insights, discuss best practices, and identify actionable solutions for generating sustainable growth in an increasingly dynamic environment.

Who Should Attend?

This executive event is designed for senior leaders responsible for shaping strategy, transformation, and technology-enabled learning, including:

  • Deputy and Pro Vice-Chancellors
  • Directors of Strategy, Digital Transformation, and Digital Education
  • Deans and academic leaders with strategic oversight
  • Heads of Learning Technology and Digital Learning
  • Heads of IT, Digital Services, and Technology
  • Senior leaders responsible for the strategy, governance, investment, or implementation of learning technology

Register Now

Where?

Matrikel 1

Højbro Pl. 10, 1200 København, Denmark.

Location

Agenda

11:00 am – 11:30 am

Registration & Coffee

  • Attendee arrival, registration, coffee and informal introductions

11:30 am – 12:15 pm

Lunch

  • Buffet-style lunch served, sit down & networking

12:15 pm – 12:30 pm

Welcome note

  • Opening remarks and agenda overview

12:30 pm – 1:30 pm

Session One: Advancing Student Success with Brightspace and Lumi AI

This executive level product demonstration will showcase how D2L Brightspace can support institutional priorities including student retention, learner engagement, academic success, and personalised learning.

The session will explore how Brightspace provides a connected digital learning environment that enables institutions to deliver more engaging, accessible, and consistent learning experiences. It will also demonstrate how Lumi’s AI capabilities can help educators create and personalise learning content, support more meaningful interactions, and enhance the teaching and learner experience responsibly.

1:30 pm – 2:30 pm

Session Two: The Future is Human: Reimagining Learning, Leadership, and Connection in Changing Times

Higher education is evolving fast — but beneath the disruption lies a deeper invitation: How do we remain places where people flourish?

This session explores what flourishing looks and feels like for students, faculty, and staff in a time of technological acceleration with AI. Through story, reflection, and shared dialogue, we will consider how presence, belonging, purpose, and partnership show up across teaching, advising, leadership, and institutional culture. Rather than debating tools, we will focus on the conditions that help people thrive — and what it takes for campuses to remain human-centered, resilient, and future-ready. Participants can expect inspiration, conversation, and practical insight into cultivating learning environments where every person has space to grow.

Host:

  • Dr. Cristi Ford, Chief Learning Officer, D2L

2:30 pm – 3:00 pm

Coffee break

3:00 pm – 3:45 pm

Session Three: Fireside Chat with Cristi & John

Cristi Ford and John Baker will sit down to discuss the changing higher education landscape, the role of technology and AI in supporting student success, and how institutions can remain human-centred, resilient, and future-ready. The conversation will offer executive perspectives on leadership, innovation, and creating meaningful learning experiences in times of change. 

3:45 pm – 4:00 pm

Closing remarks

4:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Optional networking drinks

Register to attend