CIPD Festival of Work moves to London’s ExCeL for free, two-day event 

The CIPD Festival of Work returns this June at a brand-new venue: the universally beloved ExCeL London. The CIPD says the free, two-day event will be a jam-packed, interactive line-up that celebrates innovative ideas and discusses the dilemmas facing the world of work. The Festival will aim to bring together a wide range of exhibiters and over 150 international inspirational thought leaders and leading experts, across seven stages. They will be discussing a diverse range of topics that will ’empower everyone, no matter their profession or sector, to promote meaningful and positive change and create a better world of work’. 

This year, the CIPD is excited to bring the brand new ‘AI Lab’ to the festival floor, as well as the new Social Impact hub. The Wellbeing Village, Knowledge Exchange Hackathons, People Library, and free Law Employment Drop-in Clinic are all back by popular demand too. 

Headline artists at this year’s festival include documentary maker and journalist, Stacey Dooley MBE, who will discuss breaking barriers and igniting change in media, mind and society; Dex Hunter-Torricke, Head of Global Communications and Marketing at Google DeepMind, who will discuss the future of technology, leadership and society; and Alex Mahon, Chief Executive of Channel 4, who will discuss fearless leadership in a modern workplace. 

Attendees will be able to choose from an array of interesting, thought-provoking sessions across several stages including ‘Skilling up with an eye on AI’, ‘Neuroinclusion: A Smart business strategy’, ‘What does the future of work look like?’ and many more. 

Peter Cheese, chief executive of the CIPD, the professional body for HR and people development, comments: “We are proud to offer our 6th CIPD Festival of Work which has become a crucial gathering for people from different professional backgrounds to come together and explore the opportunities, and challenges, the world of work faces. We are committed to making work work for individuals and businesses, be that in flexible working, technology or wellbeing. Our Festival of Work embodies that commitment, with over 150 inspiring speakers, exhibitors, activities, and chances to connect with leaders across different fields.  In today’s rapidly changing world, we all need to work together and learn from each other to create a positive and inclusive future and this year’s event promises to help us do just that.” 

Doors open at 8:30 on Wednesday 12 June, for a 9:15 start, and close at 17:30 and on Thursday 13 June, doors open at 8:45, for a 9:30 start, and close at 16:30.  Guests can register for their free place at the CIPD Festival of Work 2024 here. For those who wish to attend virtually, they can purchase a special Content+ ticket, which for £95 plus vat, guarantees access to all the stage recordings, as well as other content online with access for 90 days afterwards.