Alex Scott MBE, Jamie Laing and Alex Horne to headline CIPD Festival of Work 2025

The CIPD Festival of Work is the place to go for anyone invested in the value people bring to the world of work. The two-day event gives visitors a unique opportunity to learn and connect through unforgettable experiences, share insights with other professionals, and enjoy space to think, reflect and plan. 

This year the CIPD Festival of Work will take place from 11 to 12 June at Excel London, and you can register for free today. 

Why attend the CIPD Festival of Work? 

The CIPD Festival of Work celebrates everything our organisations can achieve when we invest in our people. From those at the start of their career to senior leaders and business owners, the line-up and festival features ensure all career stages are catered for. And, the challenges explored will be equally relevant whether you work in the private or public sector. 

More than 11,500 professionals are expected to attend in 2025. They’ll enjoy over 150 sessions across seven stages from inspirational artists, including global leaders, industry experts, journalists and celebrities. 

Expert line-up set to inspire and challenge us to rethink how we work, lead and learn

The CIPD Festival of Work is set to bring together an incredible line-up of experts, offering unique insights into the future of work. From leadership and innovation to resilience and creativity, this year’s ‘artists’ will inspire and challenge attendees to rethink how we work, lead and learn. Confirmed headline artists include a mix of household names and experts in the world of work, such as: 

• Alex Horne, comedian and creator of the hit TV show Taskmaster, will lead an exclusive on-stage Taskmaster challenge, bringing all the hilarity, ingenuity and friendly chaos of the series to life. 
• Alex Scott MBE, renowned sports broadcaster and trailblazer in women’s football, will share her insights on breaking down barriers in sport, the importance of diversity and inclusion and her role in elevating women’s football. 
• Alison McGovern MP, the UK's Minister of State for Employment, will be live on stage with CIPD Chief Executive, Peter Cheese, discussing the Get Britain Working Review and the people profession's vital role in supporting the government’s efforts to get more people into work.
• Jamie Laing, broadcaster and entrepreneur, will take part in a thought-provoking discussion on why businesses should prioritise hiring for skills, mindset and cultural fit over traditional experience.  
  
• Jess Bamtefa, Head of Talent Acquisition, Netflix UK, joins a panel of experts to explore how AI will impact the labour market in the near future.
  
• Matthew Syed, writer, journalist and broadcaster known for his insights on high performance and mindset, will explore the psychological and cultural factors that drive high performance in individuals and organisations. 
  
• Sarah Armstrong-Smith, Chief Security Advisor at Microsoft, will explore what it takes to lead effectively during uncertainty and crisis. 

Our biggest-ever range of festival features  

This year, festival-goers will experience seven distinctive features across the festival floor. Whether you’ve got a keen interest in AI, wellbeing, strategy or social impact, don’t miss your chance to build new skills with our biggest-ever range of activities: 

• AI Lab: Your one-stop shop to demystify AI across the people profession. Get hands-on through interactive expert demonstrations on how to harness AI to boost innovation and productivity.  

• Employment Law Clinic: Back by popular demand, CIPD HR-Inform will be running a free legal drop-in clinic. Drop in for a 15-minute chat with an advisor on legal matters affecting you or your organisation.  

• Networking: HiBob will be hosting 30-minute speed networking events so you can explore any issues, expand your network and create new partnerships. 

• Quiet Room: Designed to help you manage sensory overload, triggers or stimulation or simply take a short brain break. 

• Wellbeing Village: Offering a selection of mindful talks, breathing exercises and wellness initiatives, as well as yoga and a fully qualified masseuse. 

• Social Impact Hub: Think beyond your day-to-day workplace challenges to consider what you or your organisation can do to have a positive impact on people, communities or the environment. 

Enjoy a seamless experience thanks to festival trails 

Whether you’re a business leader, team leader or HR professional, our carefully designed festival trails will help you navigate the wealth of stages, features, speakers and exhibitors at the event.  

Each trail will offer a unique experience across the CIPD Festival of Work. They include artist, feature and exhibitor recommendations to ensure you get the most value from your attendance.  

Find out more: https://www.festivalofwork.com/Festival-trails  

From expert services to innovative products, find the support you need from our exhibitors

Over 180 exhibitors will span the festival floor where you’ll be able to browse stands in between sessions for a hands-on demo or the chance to ask all your practical questions. Discover the latest in workplace technology, learning platforms, HR software solutions and business management tools.  

And don’t forget to come and see us on the CIPD stand where you’ll be able to hear the latest research on hot topics impacting the world of work.  

We look forward to welcoming you to the CIPD Festival of Work 2025. Register for your free two-day pass today!