CIPD Annual Conference and Exhibition

Name: CIPD Annual Conference and Exhibition
Start: 2026-11-04
End: 2026-11-04
Location: Manchester Central Convention Complex

Event overview

Overview

The CIPD Annual Conference and Exhibition is designed for HR and L&D professionals to discover practical solutions to the biggest challenges facing their organisations. From AI implementation to employment law, this event brings together people professionals from around the world to share ideas and build lasting connections.

Join us to learn, connect, and celebrate our collective professional impact. CIPD Annual Conference and Exhibition takes place in Manchester, United Kingdom.

TL;DR

1Dates and Venue: CIPD Annual Conference and Exhibition (CIPD ACE) 2026 runs 4-5 November 2026 at Manchester Central Convention Complex, Manchester, United Kingdom.
2Format: A two-day HR conference programme plus a free-to-enter exhibition, with dedicated Insights stages carrying their own published timetable alongside the main conference agenda.
3Organiser: Delivered by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), the UK professional body for HR and people development, with Wonderly as event partner.
4Entry: Free exhibition tickets are available for the show floor and Insights stages; paid conference passes cover the full session programme, so check which tier matches the sessions you need.
5Who it is for: HR directors, people and culture leads, L&D, reward, talent acquisition and people analytics teams sourcing HR technology, training and advisory services.

Why visit

Attendees will gain access to over 28 hours of research-led learning, connect with peers, and explore innovative solutions from leading exhibitors. The event offers a unique opportunity to network with like-minded professionals and gain insights into the latest trends in HR and L&D.

Why exhibit

Exhibitors will have the chance to showcase their products and services to a highly engaged audience of HR professionals. Scale and Focus: This event is a key gathering for HR and L&D professionals, featuring over 130 exhibitors and 140 speakers. Buyer Authority: Attendees include HR professionals, L&D leaders, and decision-makers from various sectors.

Attendees, exhibitors & solutions

Who this event is for

Visitor profile

Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.

CIPD members and HR generalists attending the annual conference programme

Learning and development managers sourcing training providers and platforms

Talent acquisition and resourcing leads comparing recruitment technology

Reward, benefits and people analytics specialists

HR directors and chief people officers setting multi-year people strategy

Equality, diversity and inclusion leads

Organisational development and change consultants

HR technology and people analytics buyers assessing the exhibitor floor

Exhibitor profile

Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.

HR technology and people analytics software vendors

Recruitment and applicant tracking platform providers

Learning, training and e-learning content suppliers

Employee benefits, wellbeing and reward providers

Employment law, compliance and HR advisory firms

Payroll, background-check and workforce data services

Organisational development and leadership training consultancies

HR membership bodies and professional institutes

Product categories

Key solution areas showcased across the event.

HR software and HRIS platforms

Recruitment, applicant tracking and assessment technology

Learning management systems and corporate training providers

Employee engagement and internal communications tools

Reward, benefits and payroll platforms

People analytics and workforce planning software

Employee wellbeing and occupational health services

Employment law, HR compliance and advisory services

Leadership development and executive coaching providers

Diversity, equity and inclusion consultancies

Onboarding and talent management solutions

HR outsourcing, shared services and consultancy

Location & Facilities

Venue

Open in Google Maps

Manchester Central Convention Complex

Windmill St, Manchester, M2 3GX

Facilities

Parking

Manchester Central Convention Complex in Manchester typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.

Food options

On-site catering

On-site dining

Parking: Manchester Central Convention Complex in Manchester typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.

Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at Manchester Central Convention Complex for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.

Attend

Entry & tickets

Free registration

Who runs the show

Organisers

CIPD

Wonderly, a division of Haymarket Media Group Ltd

How the last edition performed

Previous edition

Last edition

2025

Completed

Next edition

Not announced yet

Edition recap

The CIPD Annual Conference and Exhibition 2025 took place in Manchester and focused on navigating future challenges for the people profession. The programme highlighted HR's role in making business decisions, with day-one coverage published by HR Magazine and People Management. CIPD published post-event highlights alongside a news summary following the conference in November 2025.

Impact

A bigger and stronger platform

Intelligence

Market context

Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.

Manchester, United Kingdom

Why it matters

Attending CIPD Annual Conference and Exhibition on 2026-11-04 to 2026-11-04 in Manchester lets buyers and specifiers benchmark suppliers, see live demonstrations, and compress months of vendor meetings into one focused trade visit — worthwhile when your category roadmap aligns with the official exhibitor profile.

Industry trends

Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.

Digital buyer journeys

What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.

Sustainability in procurement

What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.

Automation and labour efficiency

What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.

Regional supply-chain resilience

What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.

Hybrid engagement models

What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.

Market news

Latest updates from across the market.

HR Magazine - Articles - HR Magazine

Read

Learning News - Learning and development (L&D) news

Read

Learning & Development - HR News

Read

Learning & development news and guidance for employers - Personnel Today

Read

Training News | Latest Insights in HR & Workplace Training

Read

UK Corporate Training Market Growth, Size, Trends, Share, Demand ...

Read

Plan your trip

Travel & logistics

Local currency · GBP

Hotel tiers

A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.

Britannia Sachas Hotel Manchester

3-star

Manchester city centre

Google Hotels price sample around EUR 49 for the searched 4-5 Nov 2026 dates; 3-star with free Wi-Fi, bar, restaurant and indoor pool.

Travelodge Manchester Central

3-star

Manchester city centre

Google Hotels price sample around EUR 72 for the searched dates; 3-star with paid Wi-Fi and parking, bar and restaurant.

a&o Manchester City Centre

4-star

Manchester city centre

Google Hotels price sample around EUR 83 for the searched dates; 4-star with free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, bar and restaurant.

Premier Inn Manchester City Centre West hotel

3-star

Manchester city centre (west)

Google Hotels price sample around EUR 93 for the searched dates; 3-star with paid breakfast, free Wi-Fi and parking (paid).

Leonardo Hotel Manchester Central

4-star

Manchester Central area

Listed in the Google Hotels results near Manchester Central (rating 4.3); price not captured in the excerpt.

Local transport

Get around the city with these convenient transport options.

Train

Estimated costGBP 9-20 airport or regional rail single journey

Best forManchester Airport (MAN) to Manchester Central Convention Complex

Trainline lists Manchester Airport to Manchester fares from about GBP 2.10.

Public transport / driving

Estimated costGBP 30-70 taxi or rideshare to the venue district

Best forGreater Manchester local journeys to Manchester Central

Transport for Greater Manchester (Bee Network) journey planner covers tram, bus and rail options into the city centre; venue is served by Manchester Central Getting Here directions.

Car

Estimated costGBP 30-70 taxi or rideshare to the venue district

Best forManchester Central Convention Complex parking

NCP and Q-Park operate car parks at/near Manchester Central; check operator pages for current tariffs.

taxi

Estimated costGBP 30-70 taxi or rideshare to the venue district

Best forLiverpool John Lennon Airport (LPL) to Manchester Central Convention Complex

Plan your trip

Visa & entry documents

Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.

Visa not required

ATA Carnet: check with organiser

Official visa page

Weather

Manchester in November is cool and changeable, with frequent rain; visitors should plan for damp, breezy conditions around the Manchester Central district.

Plan for the climate

Check temperatures and pack accordingly

Venue connectivity

UK mobile networks offer prepaid SIM and eSIM options for visitors; venue Wi‑Fi availability varies - confirm with the organiser.

Ride-hailing

Taxis

Public transit

Car rentals

Cultural notes

Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.

Business dress

Smart business or smart casual dress is usual at UK conferences; check the CIPD ACE programme if a session requires formal attire.

Language and currency

The event operates in English and the local currency is GBP sterling; contactless card payment is widely accepted across Manchester.

Arrival

Collect your badge early on day one at Manchester Central and allow extra time for UK autumn weather and city-centre traffic.

Practical guides

Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials

Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.

Flights

Compare flights to the nearest international gateway serving Manchester; confirm ground transport on the organiser site.

Visa

Many visitors need a UK Standard Visitor visa to attend a business event; GOV.UK guidance states you can visit the UK on business, including attending conferences and trade fairs, under the Standard Visitor route.

Processing: Varies by nationality; apply several weeks before travel.

GOV.UK lists 'Visit the UK on a business trip' and 'Visit the UK as a Standard Visitor: Visit on business' as the official routes for business visitors, including conference and trade fair attendance. Check your nationality against the UK visa requirements list before booking.

Official

Transport

Get to the venue and around the city with these options.

Airport → venue: Use the nearest international airport serving Manchester; Metro, train or taxi links are typically available to the venue district.

Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Manchester Central Convention Complex: Manchester city centre: Britannia Sachas Hotel Manchester; Manchester city centre: Travelodge Manchester Central; Manchester city centre: a&o Manchester City Centre.

Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in Manchester; confirm local availability before travel.

Public transit: Check local bus/metro options for routes to Manchester Central Convention Complex.

Parking: On-site parking is available at Manchester Central Convention Complex; confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.

Weather

Plan and pack for the event climate.

Month: November 2026

Temperature: Cool November conditions typical for Manchester; check a live forecast before travel

Seasonality: November falls in Manchester's wetter, darker autumn period, with regular rainfall and short daylight hours.

Packing: Pack a waterproof outer layer, an umbrella and warm layers for a November Manchester visit; comfortable shoes suit walking between hotels and Manchester Central.

Plan your trip

Planning

Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)

Mid-show days at CIPD Annual Conference and Exhibition usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.

T-1

Register through events.cipd.co.uk/cipdace and choose your ticket tier; decide between a paid conference pass and a free exhibition ticket covering the show floor and Insights stages.

T-2

Open the CIPD ACE schedule page and map the sessions you need across 4-5 November, noting clashes between keynotes, track sessions and the Insights stage timetable.

T-3

Book Manchester city-centre accommodation early; hotel rates near Manchester Central rise as November approaches, so compare the city-centre options before committing.

T-4

Check GOV.UK visa guidance if you are travelling to the UK from outside the country, and confirm your passport validity covers the trip.

T-5

Plan arrival via Manchester Airport (MAN) with onward rail, tram or taxi to Manchester Central, download the Bee Network journey planner, and pack a waterproof layer for a cool, damp Manchester November.

Sample visitor itinerary

Route-optimised day

Day 1 · morning

Registration and hall orientation at Manchester Central Convention Complex

Day 2 · core sessions

Supplier meetings and product demos

Day 3 · wrap-up

Final negotiations and follow-up

Networking spots

CIPD Annual Conference and Exhibition registration concourse

Manchester Central Convention Complex

Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.

Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)

Manchester Central Convention Complex

Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.

Budget

Costs & budget

Build your working budget

Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.

Hotel tier

Budget£95.00/nightMid-range£150.00/nightPremium£230.00/night

Number of nights

Estimated budget

Live estimate

Hotel × 2 nights£190.00
Per diem × 2£150.00

Estimated total£340.00

This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.

Decision

Visit, exhibit, or skip?

Should you go?

Use this quick check to decide whether CIPD Annual Conference and Exhibition fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.

QUESTION 1 OF 6

What is your primary role?

Decision matrix

Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.

visit

Your category focus aligns with the official product themes.

Best for

Buyers, researchers, and delegates evaluating the programme and networking value.

Min. budget

$400.00

Timeline

4-8 weeks before opening day for registration and travel.

Risks

Limited session times published - confirm agenda before booking.

exhibit

You have a clear lead-generation or launch goal for this market.

Best for

Suppliers and brands seeking qualified meetings with the event audience.

Min. budget

$2,500.00

Timeline

3-6 months for stand booking, freight, and marketing prep.

Risks

Booth pricing not published in captured sources - confirm with organiser.

skip

Programme, audience, or commercial goals do not match your plan.

Best for

Teams whose category or region fit is weak this edition.

Timeline

N/A

Risks

No major risks listed.

Gallery

Photos

Official imagery from CIPD Annual Conference and Exhibition

Official CIPD Annual Conference and Exhibition event branding

FAQs & glossary

Answers

Frequently asked

Where is the CIPD Annual Conference and Exhibition held?

The event is held at Manchester Central Convention Complex in Manchester, United Kingdom. The venue's Getting Here page lists rail, tram, bus, car and taxi options into the city centre.

How do I register for CIPD ACE?

Registration runs through the official CIPD events site at events.cipd.co.uk/cipdace, which lists tickets, timetables, speakers and exhibitors for the 2026 edition.

What is the CIPD ACE 2026 programme made up of?

The official site publishes a conference agenda and timetables, plus free content on the insights stages, alongside a speaker line-up page and an exhibitors and sponsors directory.

Can I attend as a business visitor from overseas?

GOV.UK guidance confirms you can visit the UK on business, including attending a conference or trade fair, under the Standard Visitor route; check nationality-specific requirements before booking travel.

Glossary

CIPD: The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, the UK professional body for HR and people development; it owns and runs the CIPD Annual Conference and Exhibition (CIPD ACE).
CIPD ACE: The common shorthand for the CIPD Annual Conference and Exhibition, the Institute's flagship UK HR event, held at Manchester Central.
Manchester Central: Manchester Central Convention Complex, the city-centre venue on Petersfield hosting CIPD ACE 2026; the venue Getting Here page details rail, tram, car and taxi access.
Insights stages: Free-to-attend content stages at CIPD ACE, with their own published timetable on events.cipd.co.uk/cipdace/insights-stages, separate from the main paid conference sessions.
Exhibition-only ticket: Free entry to the CIPD ACE exhibition floor without a conference pass; useful for buyers comparing HR technology, training and advisory suppliers.
CPD: Continuing Professional Development, the structured learning hours HR practitioners record; CIPD members log CPD activity as part of their professional standing.
HRIS: Human Resources Information System, the core software platform for employee records, payroll interfaces and reporting; a frequent product category on the CIPD ACE exhibition floor.
People analytics: Using workforce data on hiring, retention, engagement and performance to support HR decisions; a recurring conference theme and exhibitor category at HR events such as CIPD ACE.
Employee value proposition (EVP): The combined pay, benefits, culture, flexibility and development offer an employer presents to attract and retain staff; a common conference and exhibition topic at CIPD ACE.
Reward management: The design of pay structures, benefits, recognition and incentive schemes; one of the CIPD profession areas covered in the conference programme and by reward-focused exhibitors.
Learning management system (LMS): Software used to deliver, track and report employee training; typically represented among the learning and development suppliers exhibiting at CIPD ACE.
Standard Visitor visa: The UK immigration route that GOV.UK states covers business visits, including attending conferences and trade fairs; check the current requirement for your nationality.

Also known as

Alternate names and search phrases for this event.

CIPD Annual Conference and Exhibition 2026
CIPD Annual Conference and Exhibition Manchester
CIPD Annual Conference and Exhibition Manchester 2026
CIPD Annual Conference
CIPD Annual Conference 2026
CIPD Annual Conference Manchester
CIPD Annual Conference Manchester 2026
CIPD
CIPD 2026
CIPD Manchester

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