The annual AoC conference is a key forum for CBHE institutions to come together to share and discuss innovative and effective teaching and learning strategies, to share best practice, and to further enhance communities of research and scholarly activity within college based HE. NCUC hosted the Northern arm of the conference on May 2019 and welcomed over 100 delegates from neighbouring institutions to our campus. The papers given provided fascinating insights into pedagogy, action research and the unique position of college based higher education.