CIPD Festival of Work returns next week with over 150 sessions
Join thousands of people professionals at Festival of Work 2026 to hear from leading speakers, explore the latest thinking on HR and work, and connect at the CIPD stand.
Join thousands of people professionals at Festival of Work 2026 to hear from leading speakers, explore the latest thinking on HR and work, and connect at the CIPD stand.
The eighth CIPD Festival of Work returns on 10–11 June 2026 at ExCeL London. Thousands of people professionals will come together to explore how organisations can become more productive, resilient and prepared for the future.
The CIPD stand will be a hub for practical learning, professional development and meaningful conversations about the future of work.
Stop by the CIPD stand to learn how CIPD membership can help accelerate your professional development and enhance your workplace impact. Find out about member benefits designed to support your growth, wellbeing and career success.
From accredited qualifications to flexible learning programmes we can help your HR and people teams build capability, close skills gaps and support performance. Whether your focus is talent, leadership or organisational development, speak to the team about learning approaches that fit your goals.
Find out how CIPD membership gives your team access to expert insights and practical guidance, professional tools and resources, learning content and podcasts, and a global professional community. During the Festival, we'll be waiving the £40 joining fee for new members who sign up at the stand. (Terms and conditions apply.)
Festival of Work is full of ideas and inspiration. The CIPD stand is also an opportunity to think about how that learning translates into day-to-day practice. Visitors can explore how a structured approach to CPD helps with reflection, identifying development goals and keeping pace with change across the profession. The members' lounge will offer space to pause enjoy a complimentary hot drink, recharge and think about making CPD part of everyday working life.
The CIPD Trust team will be at the stand to explore the powerful role people professionals can play in creating opportunities and driving positive change. Discover how your influence can help break down barriers to employment through inclusive hiring, volunteering and employability initiatives, while delivering meaningful outcomes for individuals, organisations and communities.
You can also hear from the CIPD Trust across the festival programme, with sessions showcasing the impact of people professionals in action, from supporting women with convictions into work and championing inclusive hiring practices, to leading HR volunteering and employability programmes. Learn how creating social impact can strengthen organisational capability, develop leadership skills and demonstrate the value of the people profession.
This year's festival explores the theme of shaping future-ready organisations, with 130+ speakers, 150+ sessions, 140+ festival activities, 210+ exhibitors and seven dedicated stages.
Two new stages focus on some of the profession's most pressing priorities.
The Practical Solutions Stage tackles the day-to-day issues landing on HR desks, including grievances, redundancies and the implications of the Employment Rights Act 2025.
The Tech Innovations Stage explores the practical realities of AI and automation in the workplace, with sessions focused on responsible decision-making and people-centred implementation.
The wider programme also includes dedicated stages on leadership, employee experience, skills and learning, and wellbeing.
This year's keynote speakers include Professor Alice Roberts, Richard Osman OBE, Tim Harford OBE and Diana Osagie. Alongside keynote sessions, you can take part in workshops, interactive discussions and festival activities including the AI Lab, Wellbeing Village and Employment Law Clinic.
More than 12,500 people professionals attended last year, from organisations including Amazon, Barclays, the BBC, the NHS, Tesco and UNICEF UK.
If you're attending, visit the CIPD stand to reconnect with the profession, explore practical support and focus on your development.
Can't make it in person, or want to revisit sessions after the event? The Festival on Demand Pass includes access to the live festival and 90-day on-demand access to session recordings, giving you flexibility to keep learning at your own pace.
Festival tickets are free. For those that are unable to attend, the Festival on Demand Pass is available for £125 + VAT.
