Summary: Through expert speakers, immersive learning zones and curated itineraries, the CIPD Festival of Work 2026 offers meaningful learning opportunities for people professionals.
The people profession stands at a critical juncture. As organisations grapple with the rapid integration of AI, evolving leadership demands and a heightened focus on employee wellbeing, the role of HR has never been more central to business success. The CIPD Festival of Work, taking place on 10–11 June 2026 at Excel London, is designed to meet these challenges head-on.
By positioning the HR profession at the heart of the future of work, this landmark event inspires and equips professionals to lead transformation, unlock people potential and shape thriving, future-ready organisations.
A mission rooted in productivity
At its core, the 2026 festival is driven by a clear mission: to equip people professionals and organisations with the tools to increase productivity and improve business outcomes. This is not a theoretical exercise but a bold, human-led initiative focused on measurable impact.
The programme defines workplace performance and productivity through practical lenses, such as helping people understand how their roles contribute to outcomes, setting realistic objectives and enabling managers to connect day-to-day work to overarching strategy.
By supporting professionals in these areas, the event reinforces the authority of the people profession and drives sustainable growth.
This landmark event inspires and equips professionals to lead transformation, unlock people potential and shape thriving, future-ready organisations
Seven stages of strategic insight
The 2026 festival floor is an evolution of content and connection, featuring seven dedicated stages designed to address the most pressing challenges facing the profession today.
1. Main Stage
This is where big ideas create real impact. Headline thinkers and global innovators explore the forces reshaping society, business, and an AI-driven world.
It’s here that Peter Cheese will deliver his final welcome address as chief executive of the CIPD before his retirement. This will be followed by a keynote from Professor Alice Roberts. Roberts will explore the biological anthropology of difference, explaining how organisations can harness diversity to drive innovation and resilience.
2. Tech Innovations Stage (NEW for 2026)
New for 2026, this stage is dedicated to tech that supports better work and better outcomes. The focus is on demystifying AI and automation to enable data-driven decision making.
On day two, Sharon Doherty, Chief People Officer at Lloyds Banking Group, will share strategic insights into the bank’s AI adoption journey for its 67,000 staff, revealing the leadership habits required to accelerate workforce transformation.
3. Practical Solutions Stage (NEW for 2026)
Recognising the need for actionable guidance, this new stage offers ‘how-to’ sessions for junior to mid-level professionals. Attendees can expect hands-on advice on handling grievances, planning redundancies, and implementing measures from the Employment Rights Act.
4. Leadership Stage
Focused on empowering leaders to drive productivity, this stage explores how to build leadership capability that creates high-performing, inclusive teams.
5. Wellbeing Stage
Effective wellbeing strategies are the bedrock of performance. This stage tackles burnout and, importantly, explores the wellbeing of the people profession itself, ensuring HR teams have the resilience to lead continuous change.
6. Employee Experience Stage
Sustainable growth starts with the employee experience. Sessions here focus on reducing turnover and designing work environments that boost engagement and long-term performance.
7. Skills, Learning and Development Stage
In a workshop-style environment, attendees will hone the future skills required for stronger results. This stage serves as a hands-on space to share best practices and build the workforce of the future.
Immersive features and meaningful connections
Beyond the stages, the festival floor offers immersive learning zones designed to turn intention into action.
- The AI Lab: A dedicated space for practical workshops focused on using AI safely and responsibly to enhance human skills
- The Wellbeing Village: A welcoming area to pause and recharge through mindful talks, yoga, and breathing sessions
- Social Impact Hub: A space to reflect on how everyday business decisions shape positive outcomes for communities and the environment
- Employment Law Clinic: Attendees can access free, confidential 15-minute consultations with legal experts to solve specific workplace challenges.
The festival floor offers immersive learning zones designed to turn intention into action
Personalising the experience
With over 130 speakers and 150 sessions, navigating the festival is made easier through curated Festival Trails. Whether you are a senior leader, line manager or L&D specialist, these trails help you fine-tune your itinerary to ensure you leave with a clear plan for your organisation.
For those who cannot catch every session live, the Festival on demand pass provides 90 days of on-demand access to all recorded sessions, exclusive interviews and strategic resources from the event platform.
A professional community leading change
The festival embodies the creativity and collaboration found in great organisations. It’s where the people profession comes to deepen expertise, strengthen practices and find the solutions needed to drive better business outcomes.
As Richard Osman OBE closes day two by sharing his personal journey with anxiety and the importance of inclusive workplaces, the message is clear: the future of work is being shaped today by people professionals committed to excellence.
Shape organisational success. Claim your free ticket here.
