WHERE BIG IDEAS CREATED REAL IMPACT

The annual CIPD celebration brought together everyone invested in the value people bring to their work. Leaders came together to solve their business challenges. People managers explored how we can bring out the best in teams. Alongside the people professionals, across all roles, we explored what it means to drive the success of organisations through building a thriving workforce.

At the CIPD Festival of Work we learnt and connected through unforgettable experiences. The Festival shared insights with our community of leaders and professionals.

12,500+ Festival-goers

Whether they were a line manager, head of department, C-suite level, or worked across the people profession, attendees found like-minded peers ready to network and share knowledge.

210+ Exhibitors

Leading product and service providers gathered to help professionals in their world of work. Attendees discovered the latest in workplace technology, learning platforms, HR software solutions, and business management tools. From expert services to innovative products, organisations found the support available to them. Dedicated trails helped participants identify specific types of product and service solutions to support their needs.

150+ Sessions of content

Curated to showcase the best and brightest from leading organisations and the people profession across 2 days, these sessions delivered insights on people, business, and leadership. Global leaders, industry experts, journalists, and celebrities ignited thinking and sharpened focus.

130+ Speakers

Attendees were inspired and challenged by the lineup of speakers. Stepping into new perspectives. Learning vital lessons from other industries.

140+ Festival activities

From yoga sessions to AI workshops, there was something for everyone to engage with or take part in.

7 Stages

The stages addressed the most pressing business challenges and workplace opportunities: Main stage, Practical Solutions stage, Tech Innovations stage, Leadership stage, Wellbeing stage, Employee Experience stage and the Skills, Learning & Development stage.

Practical Solutions

Provided hands-on guidance for HR professionals on handling grievances, planning redundancies, and implementing the Employment Rights Act.

Tech Innovations

Demystified AI and automation to enable data-driven decision-making and supercharge productivity.

Leadership

Built leadership capability that drove inclusion and created high-performing teams.

Wellbeing

Tackled burnout and explored the wellbeing of the people profession itself.

Employee Experience

Focused on reducing turnover and improving organisational performance.

Skills, Learning & Development

Provided workshop-style sessions to spark ideas and build the workforce of the future.

STRATEGIC

INSIGHTS

Embodying the creativity and collaboration of great organisations, this event connected business leaders and people professionals determined to strengthen the value their people delivered. From tech innovations to practical solutions, attendees discovered new ways to invest effectively in their people and drive better business outcomes.

MEANINGFUL CONNECTIONS

The CIPD Festival of Work connected business leaders and people professionals determined to strengthen the value their people delivered. From sharing ideas with peers to engaging with expert speakers, these were the face-to-face interactions that drove professional growth and had a positive business impact.

IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCES

Curating a Festival experience that supported both professional growth and personal wellbeing. Alongside strategic content, attendees explored inclusive features like the Wellbeing Village and Quiet Room, which were designed to provide a sustainable, accessible environment where people could pause, recharge, and reflect on driving positive, sustainable change.

In good company

The Festival welcomed organisations of all sizes and sectors, such as:

Allianz, Amazon, American Express, Aon, Apple, Argos, B&Q, Barclays, BBC, Birds Eye Limited, Bolt, Boots, British Airways, British Heart Foundation, Cancer Research UK, Center Parcs, Christian Dior, Co-op, Costa Coffee Limited, Domino's, Dyson, E.ON, EasyJet, eBay, Environment Agency, Estée Lauder, Eurostar International, Financial Times, Foot Locker, Glassdoor, Guide Dogs, H&M, Harrods, Hilton Hotels, HMRC, Indeed, Ipsos, Jaguar Land Rover, John Lewis, KFC, King's College London, KOKORO, L'OCCITANE, Lidl, LinkedIn, ME+EM, Ministry of Defence, National Theatre, Netflix, NHS, Philips, Primark, RAF, Royal Navy, Salesforce, Starbucks, Tesco, The Ivy Collection, UNICEF UK, V&A, Virgin Media O2, Vodafone, WHSmith, Wickes

WHAT'S HAPPENED IN 2026 ?