The CIPD Annual Conference and Exhibition reflected a profession that’s evolving, ambitious and equipped to make a real impact on people, productivity and performance
Nearly six thousand people professionals joined us in Manchester last week for two days of insight, debate and inspiration at the CIPD Annual Conference and Exhibition. Together, we tackled the big questions shaping the future of our profession.
From policy discussions on employment rights to sessions on technology, leadership and skills, the conference reflected a profession that’s ambitious, forward-looking and ready to make a tangible impact on people, productivity and performance. A collective sense of pride, ambition and confidence in our profession’s role in shaping the future of work shone through across a rich variety of conference content and interactive features.
Between sessions, the exhibition floor buzzed with ideas and peer-to-peer learning, while informal meet-ups and networking events gave delegates the chance to share challenges and solutions from across sectors and geographies.
“It’s been really informative with brilliant speakers and great insights on AI and neurodiversity. It’s amazing to see so many engaged people in one place – it makes me proud of our profession.”
In the opening keynote, Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon MBE explored how to lead, adapt and innovate for what’s next. She challenged people professionals to embrace emerging technology without losing sight of the human experience at work – highlighting the role of HR teams in ensuring AI is deployed ethically and inclusively.
“As HR professionals you have quite a lot of influence to ask questions and to challenge at the right time so, 50 years down the line, we can be proud of the decisions we made and the way we deployed technology.”
Later in the conference, Ben Redshaw, founder and director of Orchard Tree Consulting AI told the audience that AI is at an inflection point in the workplace, creating a major opportunity for the people profession to take the lead. He said HR teams play a vital role in balancing risk and growth through effective governance. As AI begins influencing workforce planning, pay and skills, Redshaw stressed that “responsible AI” and human-centred governance were key areas where the people professional could have a meaningful, proactive impact within organisations.
Katie Obi, Chief People Officer (CPO) at software company OneAdvanced, told delegates that being a CPO is the “hardest and most rewarding” position in the C-suite. She reminded the audience what being a good chief people officer means.
“A really clear understanding of the legacy and impact that you want to make on an organisation [..] is what gets you through the difficult times, it’s what people want to follow and it’s what ensures you stay focused on the things that have the biggest impact.”
Elsewhere, sessions on workforce planning, leadership and organisational culture offered practical insights into building agile, resilient and inclusive organisations. In the “Evidence Lab Live” feature, CIPD experts demonstrated how research and data can be turned into action to improve outcomes for people and business.
And at our careers hub on the exhibition floor, people professionals came together to share experiences, insights and reflections – with sessions focusing on different career paths and progression points, and speakers offering their own personal stories to inspire others.
A key highlight of the event was when CIPD chief executive Peter Cheese sat down with Kate Dearden MP, the UK’s Minister for Employment Rights and Consumer Protection, to discuss the government’s flagship Employment Rights Bill and what it means for employers, employees and the HR profession.
“I don't want to pass a big bill that doesn't work in practice, which is why I am really keen to be here and listen to all your reflections."
The minister acknowledged that lots of employers are already doing what’s in the bill – or going above and beyond it. But she asked the audience: how do we bring up the standard and level the playing field for all employers? She highlighted the people profession’s important role in getting the details right and ensuring the bill’s successful implementation.
Our Annual Conference and Exhibition is designed to fuel your professional growth – and your learning and development doesn’t stop when the event closes. Now’s the time to reflect on what you’ve learned and capture it in your CPD log - helping you to turn insights and inspiration into meaningful change at work.
To spark your thinking, review the highlights from People Management magazine:
Conference ticket holders can replay all the conference content on the event platform.
We’ll also be bringing you two special episodes of the HR People Pod recorded at this year’s event. The first, dropping on 19 November, features keynote speaker Professor Kevin Fong. In this episode, we'll explore themes of leading under pressure and the profession’s appetite for risk.
The second episode will feature HR Most Influential Thinker 2025, David Liddle. Look out for this one later in the year.
Don’t forget, your commitment to continuing professional development is what sets you apart as a people professional – it gives you the capability, confidence and credibility to drive change.
We’re looking forward to hosting you all again at next year’s Annual Conference and Exhibition, taking place in Manchester, UK on 4-5 November 2026.
Register your interest today and we’ll be in touch as soon as tickets are on sale.
Keep up to date with what will change under the Employment Rights Bill, the Equality (Race and Disability) Bill and the plan to Make Work Pay
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