Take a good look at this picture.

It was taken at our very first User Group Meeting back in 2014, hosted at the Royal College of Music in London. If you look closely, you might even recognize some familiar faces (or necks!) – several of whom remain at the core of the ASIMUT community, and whom we look forward to seeing again next week.

Since that first gathering, the UGM has grown into something quite special and become an important part of how we work.

For us in ASIMUT, the UGM is where we meet our clients in person, where conversations happen naturally, ideas are challenged and new perspectives emerge. It is where we hear directly about experiences, needs and ideas, and where ASIMUT continues to evolve. The input we take home doesn’t stay in the room; it helps shape what we build next, for both current and future users.

In just one week, we will meet again – this time in Manchester at the Royal Northern College of Music for UGM 2026, bringing together more than a hundred delegates from many of the world’s top schools of music, drama and art. With its strong musical tradition and vibrant cultural scene, Manchester provides an inspiring setting for a few days of conversations, ideas and shared experiences, and we are very grateful to be hosted by the Royal Northern College of Music – a leading conservatoire and a long-standing ASIMUT client. Thank you to Jack Trubshaw and Eldad Diamant, who truly live and breathe ASIMUT and continuously challenge us with thoughtful and well-considered ideas, and to Joanne Dooley for the tremendous work behind the scenes in preparing the event.

It also means a lot to us that our clients play such an active role in shaping the ASIMUT community. Through their engagement and collaboration, they help inspire and welcome new institutions. We have seen this time and again, including how RNCM has helped spark interest in ASIMUT at institutions such as LAMDA and the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, now also part of the ASIMUT community.

Right now, we are putting the final pieces in place: finalizing the program, preparing breakout sessions and making sure everything is ready for two inspiring days.

We’re looking forward to seeing many of you soon – and to welcoming new faces along the way.