About the event
Can I view all sessions on-demand?
Conference sessions are available to watch live and on-demand for both in-person and online conference delegates.*
You can access these by visiting the online event platform, which will be shared with you 4-7 days before the event. Exhibition sessions are not being recorded and are available to watch in-person only.
*Subject to speakers’ permission
Certificates of attendance
Please contact cipdevents.tickets@wonderly.agency and they will send them out electronically after the event.
Contactless event
Please note this is a card payment only event, cash is not accepted. You will need to purchase a conference ticket to attend conference sessions.
How do I access the online event platform?
This will be shared with you one week prior to the event taking place. A link will be emailed to the email address you use to register for the event.
How do I get to the venue? Is there parking onsite?
Travel
Please see advice on our venue and travel page. There are strong commuting links in and around the venue, with many public transport options and ample parking options.
Parking
To book your parking space at Manchester Central, please follow these steps:
Download the ParkPass NCP app from the Apple Store or Google Play
Register if new to the app or login
Add MCEXHIB16 as the SaverID
I think I have received a scam email, what shall I do?
Exhibitors are being targeted by organisations claiming to be, or work with the CIPD. They offer misleading directory services, accommodation recommendations and show guide services – sometimes they use existing CIPD branding which may appear genuine.
Please be aware and remain vigilant when contacted by these organisations. We recommend not responding to these communications and to circulate examples of scam emails to make the appropriate teams aware of the risk.
The CIPD Annual Conference and Exhibition is not in any way associated with these organisations and does not engage in the sale or trade of any customer lists or charge for show guides/profiles. If you are ever in doubt about a piece of communication received in relation to the CIPD Annual Conference and Exhibition, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with your Account Manager.
You can also contact our support team on: cipdevents.tickets@wonderly.agency OR our commercial sales team on: cipdevents.sales@wonderly.agency
Is accommodation included?
Accommodation is not included, however, special accommodation rates have been negotiated at a range of hotels within easy reach of Manchester Central Convention Complex. Visit our accommodation partner’s website to book.
Is there a cloakroom/luggage storage at the venue?
There is a cloakroom in the entrance lobby. The cloakroom will be busy at peak times. If possible, we advise you to leave your luggage at your hotel. This cloakroom is provided at no charge to visitors however, please note that items are left at your own risk.
Is there a nursing room?
There will be a dedicated nursing room on site
Phone charging
There are free charging points at the Connect and Recharge Bar. Charging stations are also available near the cloakroom for a fee.
Security procedures
As part of the security procedures for this event, bag checks will be conducted as you enter the show. Please ensure that you wear your badge and keep your personal belongings with you at all times.
Subtitles
All stages and sessions will have subtitles available
When is the CIPD Annual Conference and Exhibition 2025?
Wednesday 5 November | 08:30-17:10
Thursday 6 November | 08:30-16:00
*Please note: Last entry to the venue is 17:00. Networking drinks commence at 17:10 and finish at 18:10, taking place in the Gallery.
Where can I connect with other attendees on social media?
Where can I pre-book my conference sessions? Can I change the sessions I’ve booked onto if I change my mind?
- Conference sessions are bookable for in person attendees due to seating capacities. Conference delegates are able to pre-book sessions (subject to availability) during the online booking process. You can change your sessions by logging back into your booking until 26 October.
- After this date, please enquire about swapping sessions by speaking to the conference room steward onsite. Providing there are spare seats they will be able to accommodate you.
- Online ticket holders are not required to pre-book their sessions
Where is the CIPD Annual Conference and Exhibition 2025 being held?
Manchester Central Convention Complex
Petersfield
Manchester
M2 3GX
UK
Exhibition and sponsorship
I think I have received a scam email, what shall I do?
Exhibitors are being targeted by organisations claiming to be, or work with the CIPD. They offer misleading directory services, accommodation recommendations and show guide services – sometimes they use existing CIPD branding which may appear genuine.
Please be aware and remain vigilant when contacted by these organisations. We recommend not responding to these communications and to circulate examples of scam emails to make the appropriate teams aware of the risk.
The CIPD Annual Conference and Exhibition is not in any way associated with these organisations and does not engage in the sale or trade of any customer lists or charge for show guides/profiles. If you are ever in doubt about a piece of communication received in relation to the CIPD Annual Conference and Exhibition, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with your Account Manager.
You can also contact our support team on: cipdevents.tickets@wonderly.agency OR our commercial sales team on: cipdevents.sales@wonderly.agency
What sponsorship and exhibition opportunities are there?
Please contact us on this enquiry form and a member of the team will be in touch.
Booking and cancellation
Am I eligible for a visa invitation letter?
If you have a Conference pass in your name, you can request a visa invitation letter upon full payment. We sadly cannot provide a visa invitation letter for the free Exhibition tickets.
Can I cancel my registration?
Cancellations for paid tickets will be accepted until Monday 6 October, subject to a fee of £45. We cannot accept cancellations after this date however a substitute delegate can attend at no extra cost. Read the full event terms and conditions.
Can I transfer my place to someone else?
If you have booked a free exhibition ticket, you will need to cancel your registration and your colleague will need to register for their own ticket. If you have paid for a conference ticket, please email cipdevents.tickets@wonderly.agency if you need to transfer your place to someone else.
Does it cost to attend?
The exhibition and the insight stages are free. A conference pass needs to be purchased to attend the conference sessions and will include lunch and refreshments. You can purchase your conference ticket here.
Is it possible to register onsite?
You can register on-site, but to ensure you get a seat at your chosen conference session or insight stage, we would recommend securing your ticket in advance, as this allows us to allocate appropriate resources.
When will I receive confirmation of my booking?
You should receive your booking confirmation the same day that you complete your registration. Please save cipdace2025@livebuzzreg.com as a safe sender and check your junk mail if you haven’t received it. Please email cipdevents.tickets@wonderly.agency if you would like your confirmation email to be resent.
When will I receive my badge and joining instructions?
You should receive your booking confirmation the same day that you complete your registration. Please save cipdace2025@livebuzzreg.com as a safe sender and check your junk mail if you haven’t received it. Please email cipdevents.marketing@wonderly.agency if you would like your confirmation email to be resent.
Where can I pre-book sessions? Can I change the sessions I’ve booked onto if I change my mind?
Conference sessions are bookable for in person attendees due to seating capacities. Conference delegates are able to pre-book sessions (subject to availability) during the online booking process. You can change your sessions by logging back into your booking until 26 October. After this date, please enquire about swapping sessions by speaking to the conference room steward onsite. Providing there are spare seats they will be able to accommodate you.
Online ticket holders are not required to pre-book their sessions.
Venue, Travel and Accommodation
How do I book a hotel?
Get exclusive offers by booking your accommodation for the CIPD Annual Conference and Exhibition 2025 in Manchester. Accommodation is not included as part of your registration, however, special accommodation rates have been negotiated at a range of hotels within easy reach of Manchester Central Convention Complex. Visit our accommodation partner’s website to book.
How do I get to the venue?
Please see advice on our venue and travel page. There are strong commuting links in and around the venue, with many public transport options and ample parking options.
Where is the event held?
The event is held in Manchester Central Convention Complex, with a Conference pass, you can stream conference content online.
Manchester Central Convention Complex
Windmill St,
Manchester,
M2 3GX,
UK
What 3 words: ///when.award.blaze
Where can I park?
To book your parking space at Manchester Central, please follow these steps:
- Download the ParkPass NCP app from the Apple Store or Google Play
- Register if new to the app or login
- Add MCEXHIB16 as the SaverID
Accessibility
Do I need to alert staff of any requirements?
During registration, you can volunteer any information about how we can best acommodate you. Anyone with an accessibility requirement will be offered a green lanyard so that stewards may easily identify and offer support. (Please ask staff at registration or the help desk for a green lanyard when you arrive onsite).
How do I access the online event platform?
This will be shared with you one week prior to the event taking place. A link will be emailed to the email address you use to register for the event.
Is there a quieter space on site?
There is a quiet room onsite located near the main registration area / the Visitor help desk for anyone who needs it, please feel free to come here to regulate and de-escalate. Please be mindful of others while using this space. This is not a meeting space. If you require an area to hold a meeting please use the networking areas.
What if I can't attend in person?
The hybrid delivery of our conference content means that anyone who doesn’t want to attend in person, for whatever reason, can view the content wherever they like.
What we are doing to make the event more accessible?
We ask all our attendees if they have any additional requirements as part of the registration process and make every effort to accommodate them. We're committed to making this event accessible to everyone.
We ask all our attendees if they have any additional requirements as part of the registration process and make every effort to accommodate them. We're committed to making this event accessible to everyone — here are some examples of what this means in practice:
Our chosen venue Manchester Central Convention Complex Is designed for maximum accessibility for all events, this includes full accessibility to wheelchair users and two step-free train platforms. Read more about the venue’s accessibility on the Manchester Central website.
There is a quiet room onsite located near the main registration area for anyone who needs it, please feel free to come here to regulate and de-escalate. Please be mindful of others while using this space. This is not a meeting space. If you require an area to hold a meeting please use the networking areas in the Connect and Recharge Bar.
There is a multi-faith prayer room located near registration for anyone who needs it.
There is no formal dress code, please dress as you feel comfortable.
Anyone with an accessibility requirement will be offered a green lanyard so that stewards may easily identify and offer support. (Please ask staff at registration or the help desk for a green lanyard when you arrive onsite).
There is priority seating at the front and back of each content stage and conference room. Please note that seats are allocated on a first-come-first-served basis so please arrive at the session early. There are floor stickers indicating where wheelchair spaces are.
Event staff will be wearing green t-shirts in the conference rooms and content stages to be more easily identified and approached for help.
Hearing loops are located at the front of content stages and rooms for anyone hard of hearing. Look out for the hearing loop sign and reserved priority seating within the green taped zone, marked out on the floor.
All content stages and rooms will have closed captions.
The hybrid delivery of our conference content means that anyone who doesn’t want to attend in person, for whatever reason, can view the content wherever they like.
In order to support visitors wishing to bring personal support animals to the venue and to ensure smooth entry for those animals permitted, please email cipdevents.tickets@wonderly.agency, copying in accessibility@manchestercentral.co.uk, prior to arriving onsite.
For a list of accessible food vendors and restaurants in the area, please use AccessAble, for ease in finding suitable food.
Should you have any queries or concerns please visit the help desk if you’re attending in person, or email cipdevents.tickets@wonderly.agency if you’re a conference delegate attending online.
Manchester Central Accessibility
Accessing the venue
- The venue has three entrances which are all accessible, sensor-activated and feature Paxton Intercoms for assistance from the Control Room if required.
- Onsite signage will direct you to the relevant entrance.
Assistance Dogs
- Assistance dogs are welcome at the venue.
Hearing Loops
- The venue has Induction Loop facilities in Central and Charter Foyers as well as Exchange Auditorium.
- A Deaf Alerter® fire warning system has been installed throughout the entire venue, compatible with Deaf Alerter® pagers which operate nationally and internationally.
- The venue has a limited number of site specific Alerters available from the concierge desk.
Getting to the venue
- The venue can be easily accessed by public transport or by car.
- There is parking beneath the venue (provided by the NCP) including 15 disabled spaces on the Upper Level of the Car Park, with lift access to the venue*.
- Blue badge parking is also available near the venue on Mount Street.
Toilets
- Manchester Central has accessible toilets in each of the main event spaces across the venue. These facilities include emergency pull cords.
- The venue also has a Changing Places Toilet which can be accessed via Central Foyer.
- To access the toilets, you will need a Radar Key which can be collected from the concierge desks.
Wheelchair Access
- The exhibition space is on the ground floor/street level. The Conference sessions on the first floor can be accessed via the lifts.
- The venue has lots of room for wheelchairs and several self-propelled wheelchairs (not mobility scooters) available for use within the venue.
- To enquire, contact the Event Safety Team on +44 (0)161 834 2700 ext. 2211 or email them at firstaid@manchestercentral.co.uk. Bookings should be made in advance as availability cannot be guaranteed otherwise.
Press
How do I register for a free press ticket?
Please contact press@cipd.co.uk to register as a member of the press to attend. Please note that press registration is restricted to journalists, editors, publishers, broadcasters and bloggers associated with the HR industry and related fields. Press applications may be required to produce accreditation. Non-editorial representatives are not eligible – these interested parties are invited to book a conference ticket.
Where can I view the CIPD’s latest press releases?
Head over to the CIPD’s Media Centre, where you’ll find latest press releases and information on spokespeople.
Sustainability
What we are doing to make this event more sustainable?
We are working with the venue and all of our suppliers to reduce the environmental impact and increase the positive social and economic contribution of this event.
We work with the venue and all of our suppliers to reduce the environmental impact and increase the positive social and economic contribution of this event.
Here are some of the things we do:
- Our venue, Manchester Central has diverted waste from landfill for over a decade. Any waste that cannot be recycled is compacted into bales and transported to a combined heat and power facility. Energy is harvested from the residual waste to produce electricity and also steam which produces thermal heating.
- The venue's produce is resourced sustainably, supporting the local economy and reducing food miles. Menus are inspired by North West produce.
- The venue donates leftover packaged foods to local charities.
- All plate waste is sent to a process called Anaerobic Digestion (AD) which speeds up the natural breakdown of food inside a large sealed tank. This process emits a methane-rich gas which is captured and used to generate electricity.
- The venue has dimmable LED lighting and passive infrared sensors (PIRs) to reduce electricity usage. Our chosen venue location is easy to reach by public transport. Our procurement process requires our suppliers to demonstrate the steps they are taking to make their own operations sustainable.
- The venue purifies and bottles water onsite using reusable glass bottles, and they provide water refill stations so that you can refill water bottles rather than rely on disposable packaging.
- You’ll receive a discount on your coffee if you bring your own cup.
- Your badge is made of paper (FSC certified) and no plastic badge wallets are used. Our lanyards are made from recycled plastic water bottles and the clip from recycled POM plastic. The majority of the signage we use onsite is returned to a depot and entered into specialist recycling. Our signage supplier is ESSA Tier 5 accredited for Sustainability.
- We are working with sponsors and exhibitors to minimise materials they dispose of whilst at the conference.
- We have reduced the amount of printed materials which we provide to attendees by switching to digital.
- We ensure that the carpet and paper used at the event are made from recycled materials and it is recycled or reused at the end of the event.
?
Still have a question?
if you can't find what you are looking for or would you like to speak to someone directly, please contact the Customer Services team on +44 (0)20 8267 3200 or cipdevents.tickets@wonderly.agency.