CIPD outlines plans for Festival of Work 2026

The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) has announced details of its Festival of Work 2026, which will take place at ExCeL London on 10th and 11th June.

The event is expected to bring together thousands of HR and people professionals to discuss how organisations can improve productivity, resilience and readiness for future workplace challenges.

This year’s festival will feature more than 130 speakers, 150 sessions, 140 activities and over 210 exhibitors across seven dedicated stages.

New additions for 2026 include a Practical Solutions Stage, focusing on issues such as grievances, redundancies and the Employment Rights Act 2025, and a Tech Innovations Stage examining the impact of AI and automation in the workplace.

The programme will also include sessions on leadership, employee experience, skills and learning, and wellbeing.

Keynote speakers include Alice Roberts, Richard Osman, Tim Harford and Diana Osagie.

Alongside keynote presentations, attendees will have access to workshops, interactive discussions and activities including an AI Lab, Wellbeing Village and Employment Law Clinic.

The organisation will also use the event to highlight the work of the CIPD Trust, including initiatives focused on employability, inclusive hiring and volunteering.