The CIPD Festival of Work returns next week from 7 – 8 June at Olympia, London, and there’s still time to sign up for your free event pass on the Festival of Work website. 

Now in its fifth year, the conference and exhibition has even more content than ever before and for the first time, it’s free for all to enjoy. There will be a variety of talks and exhibitors covering topics across HR, L&D, internal communications and the wider world of work. 

It’s not to be missed and by signing up to your free pass today, you will have access to all stages, tents and the free Festival of Work app to navigate your itinerary for the two day event. 

What to expect:

Guest Speakers

There are over 100 artists presenting over the two days and you’ll be able to hear from industry professionals, thought leaders and celebrities on a range of topics from embracing equality to managing tension and conflict.

Headline speakers include: 

• 7 June - 10:00 - 11:00, Main Stage: acclaimed journalist and documentary film maker Louis Theroux takes part in a fireside chat on tension and conflict management.
• 7 June - 15:00 - 16:00, Main Stage: Kanya King CBE, Founder & CEO of MOBO Group, discusses the importance of diversity and supporting underprivileged groups.
• 8 June - 14:00 - 15:00, Main Stage: comic, writer, presenter and actor Katherine Ryan presents a keynote speech on embracing equality, diversity and empowering yourself.

CIPD Trust 

Visit the CIPD Trust stand and learn about the work the Trust is doing to tackle barriers to work and create inclusive workplaces through the power of the people profession. Find out how you can get involved with mentoring opportunities and hear about the programmes available to help people access work. The CIPD Trust will also hosting the following talks:

• 7 June - 1.30-2pm, ED&I Tent: Leah De Silva, Senior Programme Manager at CIPD Trust, will be hosting a discussion with Russell Butcher, Director of Strategic Programmes at Starbucks, about creating inclusive workplaces by helping refugees into work.
• 7 June - 5pm-5.30pm, ED&I Tent: Sally Eley, Head of CIPD Trust, hosts a discussion on the importance of social mobility in the workplace with Leon Marseglia, Chief Operating Officer at The Youth Group, Eddie Fletcher, Head of Social Mobility at Ministry of Justice and Sarah Atkinson, Chief Executive Officer at The Social Mobility Foundation.
• 8 June - 10.15am-10.45am, Main Stage: Sally will also host a conversation Jacob Hill, Managing Director of Offploy, Beckie Rowland, Head of Fresh Start Community Placements at Greggs and Darren Burns, Director of Diversity & Inclusion at The Timpson Group about strengthening workforces by supporting people with convictions into work.

Experiences

The Festival has a huge range of experiences to get involved in. From networking and wellness to free legal advice from trained professionals and one-to-one knowledge sessions. Some of the highlights include:

• The Wellbeing Village hosts talks, workshops and exercises to promote and support employee wellbeing. It’s the perfect place to relax, reflect and if you’re feeling more energetic, you can take part in one of the free chair yoga classes.
• Our People Library features human ‘books’ where you can speak to and gain first hand knowledge on a wealth of subjects throughout the festival.

Exhibitors

Over 150 exhibitors will span the festival floor where you’ll be able to browse stands in between sessions. Come visit the CIPD stand (E30) where you’ll be able to hear the latest research on hot topics impacting the world of work and if you’re a CIPD member, you’ll also have exclusive access to the members lounge where you can relax with a free hot drink.

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