National people priorities to take centre stage at upcoming CIPD conferences in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales

Tickets are now on sale for the CIPD’s UK nations conferences, taking place across Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland.  

Each event will bring people professionals together to explore local challenges, opportunities and trends shaping the future of work. It’s also a chance for you to build your skills, invest in your development and strengthen the networks that help good people practice drive performance and productivity. 

Bringing national and local perspectives to the issues shaping the people profession 

Across Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland, people teams are navigating different skills gaps, shifting labour market pressures and nation-specific policies – all of which shape how they add value and drive performance. 

Attendees at the conferences will get practical tools, valuable networking opportunities and space for meaningful discussion tailored to the unique challenges and opportunities of their home nation. 

Here are some of the highlights: 

The CIPD in Wales Conference 2026, Principality Stadium, 5 February 

• Risk, resilience and realising your potential with opening keynote speaker Tori James, the first Welsh woman to summit Everest. 

• A clear and practical update on recent and upcoming employment law changes affecting organisations across Wales. 

• The Improv Mindset – a practical toolkit for boosting connection, confidence, communication and creativity with Comedy Store Player and author Neil Mullarkey.  

The CIPD in Northern Ireland Annual Conference 2026, Titanic Belfast, 25 February 

• Boundary management for work–life balance, with advice and insight from wellbeing expert Sheila O’Malley. 

• An exploration of how organisations and people professionals in Northern Ireland must continually scan the horizon for the skills needed for the future. 

• Building human connection within the people profession, featuring award-winning speaker and TV magician Ben Hamlin. 

The CIPD in Scotland Annual Conference 2026, EICC Edinburgh, 17 March 

• A dedicated clinic on the UK Employment Rights Bill, outlining the sweeping reforms coming from 2026 and what this means for people professionals in Scotland. 

• A deep dive into the challenges of keeping pace with AI as it reshapes the workforce and accelerates across Scottish sectors. 

• Resilience, purpose and leadership lessons from the front line, with former Royal Marine Commando and Invictus Games competitor JJ Chalmers. 

Book your place today and support your CPD 

Attending any of our events is a great way to support your professional growth and keep your professional membership valid – if you log your learning reflections in the ‘My CPD records’ area of the CIPD Learning Hub, it counts towards your continuing professional development. 

Book before 9 January to benefit from our early-bird discounts across all three events:  

• CIPD Wales Conference 2026 

• CIPD Northern Ireland Annual Conference 2026 

• CIPD Scotland Annual Conference 2026 

If you’re studying for one of our qualifications, the CIPD Student Conference on 7 March 2026 is another great way to learn, connect and grow.  Book your place.