Jessica O'ConnorThe CIPD Festival of Work 2026 is set to return on 10th to 11th June at ExCeL London, bringing together more than 130 speakers and over 12,000 attendees for one of the UK’s largest events dedicated to the future of work.
Organised by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), the two-day festival is now open for registration and will showcase a wide range of speakers, exhibitors and interactive features designed to help organisations build more productive, resilient and future-ready workplaces.
This year’s programme will focus on the most pressing priorities shaping the modern workplace, including leadership, learning and development, employee experience, wellbeing, and the growing role of technology and artificial intelligence (AI).
Alongside a packed speaker agenda, attendees will have access to more than 210 exhibitors, offering practical tools, insights and solutions across the people management landscape.
The keynote line-up features prominent figures from across science, business and media, including Alice Roberts, Diana Osagie, Richard Osman and Tim Harford.
The event will also include the final conference address from Peter Cheese ahead of his retirement at the end of June 2026.
In addition to the main stages, the festival will feature a series of immersive and interactive zones designed to bring key themes to life.
The AI Lab will provide accessible demonstrations from experts on how organisations can harness artificial intelligence to improve innovation and productivity.
A dedicated Social Impact Hub will enable attendees to connect with charity partners and take part in practical initiatives, while the Wellbeing Village will host mindful talks, breathing exercises and other wellness-focused activities.
Curated festival trails will guide visitors through specific themes such as learning and development, technology and management, helping them navigate the breadth of content on offer.
The event will also host the CIPD HR30 on 10th June, an invite-only gathering that recognises senior HR professionals who have delivered measurable, positive change within their organisations over the past year.
Cheese said: “We look forward to welcoming everyone to the eighth Festival of Work, which has become a major event in the calendar for employers and employees alike.
“The world of work is changing more rapidly than ever in response to technological advancements like AI, changing global contexts, and the introduction of the new Employment Rights Act 2025.
“It’s vital that business and people professionals are able to keep up and navigate these changes to optimise outcomes for business, for people, and for our wider communities.. The Festival of Work is where we can all come together to learn, share insights, and be inspired to help shape a positive future of work for all.”
