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CIPD Festival Of Work

CIPD Festival Of Work

10 Apr 2024

CIPD Festival of Work 2026 Review: Key Info, Preview & Insights

The CIPD Festival of Work 2026 takes place on 10th & 11th June 2026 at ExCeL London, one of the UK’s premier venues for HR and business events. Whether you’re a business owner, HR professional, or startup founder, this festival is a must-attend for insights, networking, and professional growth.

As a business coach and executive mentor, I attend the Festival each year to spot trends, learn from global leaders, and discover actionable strategies to help SMEs and startups thrive. My name Kieran Perry and here are my recommendations for the CIPD Festival Of Work 2026.

CIPD Festival of Work 2026: Show Details

Dates & Times

  • Wednesday 10th June: 8:30 am – 5:30 pm

  • Thursday 11h June: 8:45 am – 4:30 pm

Location

ExCeL London, Royal Victoria Dock, 1 Western Gateway, London, E16 1XL

Ticketing

  • Free entry for industry professionals – reserve early to secure your spot

  • Content+ Pass available for exclusive on-demand content and speaker sessions

Accessibility

  • Wheelchairs & mobility scooters available free of charge

  • Fully accessible walkways and parking at ExCeL London

Food & Drink

  • Wide variety of cuisines available, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, Halal, and international options

  • Recommended venues nearby: Zero Sette (Italian), Prime Burger, Rotisserie Chicken

Why Attend the CIPD Festival of Work 2026?

The Festival attracts HR professionals, business owners, and leaders from across the UK and Europe, offering:

  • Networking with over 12,500 attendees from multiple sectors

  • Access to hundreds of exhibitors, over 130 speakers and innovative business solutions plus 140 festival activities and 7 stages.

  • 150 plus workshops and expert talks on leadership, HR strategy, business growth, and employee engagement

  • Inspiration and insights that SMEs, startups, and corporates can immediately apply

As a business coach, I always highlight leadership and business growth takeaways for my clients. The Festival is a prime opportunity to see what’s working for top HR teams and how it can impact sales, operations, and team performance.

Exhibitors and Speakers

The CIPD Festival of Work 2026 will host over 210 exhibitors, companies and organisations across multiple sectors, including tech, finance, healthcare, retail, and manufacturing. Past exhibitors include:

  • Age UK, Amazon, Apple, Barclays, BBC, BP, Deloitte, GlaxoSmithKline, HSBC, John Lewis Partnership, Lloyds Banking Group, Marks & Spencer, Nestle UK, NHS, PwC, Samsung Electronics, Tesco, Virgin Media

This year, expect new innovative exhibitors focusing on HR technology, employee engagement, DEI, and leadership development.

How a Business Coach Can Maximise Your Festival Experience

Attending the Festival is valuable, but applying the insights strategically can make it transformative:

Leadership Development

Learn new approaches to motivate and retain teams

Growth Strategies

Spot trends that can accelerate business development

Networking

Build partnerships and client leads across the UK

Sales & Operational Improvements

Apply HR best practices to improve productivity and efficiency

Tip: Bring a notebook, business cards, and a clear plan for which exhibitors and sessions are most relevant to your business.

CIPD Festival of Work 2026 Content+ Pass

For those wanting a deeper experience:

  • Gain access to recordings from all stages for 90 days post-event

  • Exclusive interviews, podcasts, and articles from leading HR experts

  • Access to curated resources from CIPD Work Magazine

This is especially useful for business leaders and HR managers who want to implement changes in their organisation based on what they learn.

Getting There

  • Docklands Light Railway (DLR): Onsite stations for easy access

  • London Underground: Jubilee Line via Canning Town

  • London City Airport: 5-minute drive from ExCeL

  • Car: Ample parking available; check accessibility options

My 2026 Business Coaching Insights

Attending the Festival gives me fresh perspectives on how to:

  • Implement leadership development programs in SMEs and startups

  • Improve team performance and productivity

  • Boost sales and client engagement through effective HR practices

  • Stay ahead of trends in employee engagement, wellbeing, and organisational culture

Every year, I share these insights with my clients in one-to-one coaching sessions, helping them convert HR and leadership knowledge into measurable business growth.

FAQs for Attendees

Is the Festival free to attend?

Yes, entry is free for industry professionals. Booking early is recommended.

Who should attend?

HR professionals, SME owners, business leaders, and startups looking to scale.

Can I attend virtually?

Content+ pass holders get access to on-demand content after the event.

Do I need a CIPD membership?

No, the Festival is open to all professionals interested in HR, leadership, and business growth.

My Recommendation

As a business coach and mentor, I always encourage clients to attend. The CIPD Festival of Work 2026 is not just an event—it’s an opportunity to:

  • Gain strategic insights from industry leaders

  • Expand your professional network across the UK and Europe

  • Apply actionable strategies to grow your business and leadership skills

Make sure to arrive early, plan your day, and identify key exhibitors to maximise the value of your visit.

Contact Me

For support in leadership development, business growth strategies, or sales coaching, reach out today:

Kieran Perry – Business Coach & Executive Mentor

 

 

 

 

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