ASRA News

Connecting People, Cultures, and Ideas at Conference 2026

By Jordan Meates • 05 February 2026

With a strong background in intercultural competence and the international student experience, Jo is looking forward to ASRA Conference 2026 as an opportunity to reconnect with colleagues, make new connections, and explore ways to support positive relationships within student accommodation teams.

Jo Bloxham

Founder, Kynfolk

Jo Bloxham

Founder, Kynfolk

https://kynfolk.com/contact/

What are you most looking forward to about Conference 2026?

I’ve been working in intercultural competence and international student experience in the student accommodation sector for some years, so ASRA conference is always a great opportunity to make some new connections and to reconnect (face-to-face!) with established contacts.

I think the conference training programme gives us all a chance to upskill and upgrade our skills and knowledge.

How do you plan to make the most of networking opportunities at the event?

I use the ASRA Cvent Events app and social media to encourage people to come and say hi at the conference, if they are interested to find out more about Kynfolk and my work. If I see other trainers that I don’t know yet and we have shared passions, I will reach out. But if I’m being really honest while I will chat to anyone anywhere, I’m not a hugely strategic networker as it can sometimes feel a bit forced, which I don’t like that much.

Can you give us a brief overview of your talk/topic for ASRA 2026?

Line managers in student accommodation are often working with incredibly diverse student communities and staff teams. My session this year will help line managers (or those interested in a similar role in the future) to think about how they can support positive intercultural relationships, and resolve intercultural conflicts within their teams.

What inspired the topic of your session at this conference?

I’ve had a few fairly deep conversations with staff in UK universities that highlighted the need for more support in this area. I’m keen to build capabilities to reduce the amount of conflict, stress and hurt that can result from intercultural misunderstandings and mishandlings.

What’s the key message or takeaway you hope to share?

Work on your intercultural competence, and that of your team, as you go. Don’t wait for a problem to arise and then try to learn. It’s harder that way.

Are there any other sessions or speakers that you’re excited to see?

I think the live Student Takeover this year sounds very exciting! Nothing beats listening to our students; it’s a great way to constantly inform our practice.

Describe your speaking style in three words.

People usually say engaging, friendly and funny!

Have you got a favourite Liverpool landmark or something you’re excited to experience?

Many moons ago I studied in Liverpool so I might go and see if the old haunts are still there!

If you could invite any historical figure to the ASRA Conference, who would it be and why?

I think it would have to be Desmond Tutu. He’s been a hero of mine since I was a kid. I’d ask him to do a key note speech on ‘Ubuntu’, about how we are the best humans when we connect with others’ humanity. His warmth and infectious laugh, would just be so good to be around, too.

What’s one thing you never travel to a conference without?

Honestly, it would probably be my slide clicker. I don’t like to be pinned to one spot in a workshop and like to avoid the “Next slide, please” thing if at all possible.

What’s your favourite thing to do when you’re not speaking at a conference?

Tending my veg patch with my ageing but faithful chicken, nerding out at a museum or watching a film from a part of the world I don’t know well.

Don’t miss Jo’s interactive session, ‘Intercultural Competence for Line Managers: Peer Discussions,’ where she’ll share practical strategies to help teams thrive across cultures.