The CIPD’s Annual Conference and Exhibition will return to Manchester Central on 4–5 November 2026, with a programme focused on the practical decisions facing HR and learning and development teams.
The professional body has identified four themes: skills and capability, AI and digital change, employment rights, and leading organisational change. The programme is intended to connect these issues with how employers improve performance and support their people.
“Work is changing quickly, but saying that is the easy bit. The harder question is whether organisations have the skills, leadership and confidence to respond.”
Neil Carberry, chief executive, CIPD
Speakers and practical sessions
Keynote speakers include Octopus Energy founder and CEO Greg Jackson; London Business School professor Herminia Ibarra; performance psychologist Jamil Qureshi; and AI entrepreneur Priya Lakhani. Neil Carberry will also give his first ACE address as CIPD chief executive.
The exhibition programme includes employment law support and mock tribunals, a careers hub, live AI workshops and membership assessment support. A new Member Central space will provide guided networking and learning sessions for CIPD members.
Free exhibition and separate conference passes
A free exhibition ticket provides access to the exhibition and its learning programme. The main conference sessions require a conference pass. The official event programme advertises more than 28 hours of free content and over 130 product and service providers.
The event runs from 08:30 to 17:10 on Wednesday 4 November and from 08:30 to 16:00 on Thursday 5 November. Ticket options and session details are available from the organiser.
Why it matters
For HR teams planning their development time, the distinction between the free exhibition programme and paid conference sessions makes it easier to choose the relevant format. The combination of employment law, skills and AI sessions also offers an opportunity to consider connected workforce challenges together.
Related reading: why everyday judgement matters for AI governance, and preparing for proposed trade union access changes.
Image: CIPD Annual Conference and Exhibition promotional artwork.
