A Day at the CIPD Festival of Work 2025: Learning, Networking, and Exploring

By Debbie Chalk (Kiwi CIPD HR Trainer)

Yesterday, I had the incredible opportunity to attend the CIPD Festival of Work 2025 at the London Excel. Known as a hub for innovation and insight in the world of work, this annual event promised a day brimming with discovery, connection, and inspiration—and it certainly didn’t disappoint.

The Heart of the Event!

The Festival of Work is a mecca for HR professionals, learning and development enthusiasts, and business leaders alike. As soon as I stepped into the expansive venue, the buzz of excitement was palpable. With vibrant exhibitor stands, numerous presentations hosted across 7 stages – Workplace Transformation, Employee Experience, Employee Engagement, Learning and Development, Wellbeing, Leadership and Management, and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, and clusters of professionals chatting and exchanging ideas, the air was alive with possibility.

Reconnecting with Learners

One of the highlights of my day was meeting up with one of my learners, Andreea, and her manager, Michelle from SME Group. It was a joy to see her in a professional setting, applying the knowledge and skills we’ve discussed in our sessions. We spent some quality time together, attending presentations and reflecting on how the insights from the day could align with her professional growth and their team’s objectives. Witnessing her enthusiasm and drive was a reminder of why I love being in this field—it’s all about empowering people to realise their potential.

Presentations that Sparked Ideas

The presentations were nothing short of extraordinary. Covering a mix of topics from the future of hybrid work to the role of AI in employee engagement, I found myself constantly jotting down notes and ideas. Each speaker brought a unique perspective, challenging the status quo and inspiring new ways of thinking. It was fantastic to see this year also that some of the stages were using hearing loop headphones, and every stage had subtitles on a screen, demonstrating the feeling on inclusivity for everyone who was attending.
A few standout sessions for me were:

Get ready for Gen Alpha: a look at health and wellbeing priorities for the next generation of workers – by Dr Amy Pressland, Head of talent and Performance at Benenden Health, discussing the different expectations teenagers have for when they start their working lives after education and how HR can help prepare for them;

Leading with confidence in times of crisis and uncertainty – by Sarah Armstrong Smith, Chief Security Advisor at Microsoft, exploring actionable insights on making critical decisions under pressure, strengthening workplace culture, and supporting people through difficult times.
a fireside talk on the talent crunch – securing and retaining your talent pipeline with Same Westwood, People Experience Director at KFC UK&I, Nicholas Williams, Deals HR Leader at EY Parthenon Middle East, and Simon Davies, People Director at MHR Global. In this discussion they shared insight into the power of aligning your career development programs with your talent pipeline strategy to secure future roles, creating a proactive succession plan to identify key positions and prepare for future leadership positions, and the need to conduct talent mapping to identify current and future skills gaps across the organisation enabling targeted recruitment and development strategies.

Adapting to workplace trends – modernising benefits and rewards to engage and retain a multi-generational workforce – by Chris Ronald, EMEA Region Head, Incentives, Rewards and Benefits at BHN – this presentation shared numerous statistics from their latest research into generational expectations and wants around rewards, navigating economic and legislative challenges, boosting engagement with flexible and scalable rewards, and achieving measurable ROI.

and the closing presentation of the day with Alex Horne from Task Master, engaging us with a hilarious real Task Master challenge, sharing his experience of taking a festival one off idea and turning it into an international sensation, the process he uses to create ideas and problem solve, and ultimately how embracing humour can lead to extraordinary outcomes and to try and include that within the workplace when possible.

Networking: Connections That Matter!

The networking opportunities were equally remarkable. From chance encounters in the coffee queue to more structured meet-and-greet sessions, I met a diverse range of professionals, each with their own fascinating stories and expertise. Conversations flowed effortlessly, and I found myself exchanging contact details with people whose paths I hope to cross again soon. The sense of community at the event reminded me why gatherings like these are so valuable—they bring people together to connect, collaborate, and grow.

The Exhibitor Stands: A Treasure Trove

Exploring the exhibitor stands was like stepping into a world of innovation. Each booth showcased something unique, from cutting-edge HR technology to creative L&D solutions. I found myself collecting brochures, scanning QR codes, and engaging in enlightening conversations with exhibitors.

And of course, there were the freebies! I walked away with an impressive haul, including branded pens, notebooks, tote bags, and even a stress ball and a re-useable coffee mug. Beyond the fun giveaways, the resources I gathered and that will be shared from the exhibitors post the festival are sure to prove invaluable in my work moving forward.

Reflections on the Day

The CIPD Festival of Work 2025 was more than just an event; it was an experience that left me inspired and energised. I walked away with a wealth of knowledge, meaningful connections, and tangible resources to bring back to my work. But more than that, it was a day that underscored the importance of lifelong learning and the power of collaboration.

As I look back on the day, I’m filled with gratitude for the opportunity to attend and for the people who made it so enriching. This year’s festival was a testament to the exciting direction the world of work is heading—one that is innovative, inclusive, and deeply connected. I can’t wait to see how these ideas take root and thrive in the months to come.

Here’s to another year of growth and discovery—see you at the next Festival of Work!

For further insights and guidance on maximising your apprenticeship funding, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at:

Tel: 023 8017 0380

Email: hello@kiwieducation.co.uk

Kiwi & Yuzu Ltd is committed to empowering businesses and individuals through quality education, training, and skills development.