What an inspiring start to the CIPD Annual Conference and Exhibition 2026. The energy across Manchester Central was clear from the moment the doors opened. In his first opening address at the Conference as CIPD Chief Executive, Neil Carberry set an unapologetically ambitious tone for the profession. He reflected on the influence people professionals have on organisational strategy, workplace productivity and business performance.

That ambition carried through the day as attendees exchanged ideas, explored evidence-led insights and practical solutions, and made new connections across the Conference stages, Insight stages and exhibition floor. Across the Conference streams, the focus was firmly on execution, helping people professionals turn AI, legislative change, workforce development and organisational transformation into practical action. On the Insight stages, real-world case studies explored how stronger leadership, evidence-led decisions and future-focused skills can improve employee experience and organisational performance.

Throughout the exhibition features, attendees welcomed back the Mock tribunals and saw employment law brought to life through realistic workplace scenarios, gaining practical insight into fair decision-making, legal risk and effective people management.