Herefordshire Skills Conference 2026
About this Event
Connect. Learn. Influence.
The Future of Work Starts Here.
The world of work is changing rapidly. Employers are facing challenges around skills shortages, productivity, workforce planning, wellbeing, inclusion, leadership development and the growing impact of AI and digital technologies.
The Herefordshire Skills Conference 2026 will bring together employers, business leaders, HR professionals, education providers and workforce partners to explore these challenges and identify practical solutions that will help businesses thrive and grow.
Why Attend?
This year's conference has been designed to be more interactive, more employer focused and more forward looking than previous events.
What's Different This Year?
Last year's conference focused on understanding current labour market issues, recruitment challenges and workforce support.
This year, we are taking the conversation a step further.
Together, we will explore:
- How businesses can prepare for the workforce needs of the future
- How AI and digital innovation are changing the workplace
- How employers can improve productivity and performance
- How organisations can attract, develop and retain talent
- How wellbeing and inclusion contribute to business success
- What support businesses need to grow and succeed in Herefordshire
Most importantly, delegates will not simply listen to presentations. Throughout the day there will be opportunities to:
- Participate in live discussions
- Share experiences with other employers
- Join interactive Business Insight Zones
- Contribute ideas and feedback
- Help shape future skills priorities for Herefordshire
This is not a traditional conference. It is a business led conversation about the future workforce needs of Herefordshire.
Keynote Speaker
Christine Armstrong
Future of Work and Leadership Expert
Christine Armstrong is a recognised, highly regarded speaker who focuses on the future of work, leadership, workplace culture and workforce transformation. Her keynote will challenge delegates to think differently about leading people, embracing change and building resilient organisations that can thrive in an increasingly complex world.
What You'll Experience
Understanding Herefordshire's Future Economy by exploring;
- Future skills requirements
- Labour market trends
- Growth opportunities
- Productivity challenges
- Workforce demand
Helping businesses better understand the economic context in which they will operate over the next decade.
Interactive Business Insight Zones
Rather than traditional workshops, delegates will be able to move freely between a series of facilitated discussion zones and join conversations that matter most to their business.
- Health & Wellbeing
- Workforce Development and Planning
- AI for Business Growth
- Creating Inclusive Workspaces
Employer Panel Discussion
What Does Business Need from the Skills System?
Hear directly from employers, education providers and workforce specialists discussing:
- Future skills priorities
- Workforce challenges
- Talent development
- Business growth
- How the local skills system can better support employers
Insights gathered throughout the conference will help shape the discussion.
Reserve Your Place
Join employers and partners from across Herefordshire for an engaging and practical event focused on the opportunities and challenges that will shape the future workforce.
Places are limited. Register early to secure your place.
Event Programme
🕑: 09:00 AM - 09:45 AM
Registration, Refreshments and Networking Marketplace
🕑: 09:45 AM - 10:00 AM
Welcome & Opening Address
🕑: 10:00 AM - 10:25 AM
The Future Economy of Herefordshire
🕑: 10:25 AM - 10:50 AM
AI, Digital Adoption and The Future Workplace
🕑: 10:50 AM - 11:20 AM
Building a Workforce Ready for 2030
🕑: 11:20 AM - 11:40 AM
Networking Break
🕑: 11:40 AM - 12:15 PM
Interactive Business Insight Zones
🕑: 12:15 PM - 01:00 PM
Lunch & Networking
🕑: 01:00 PM - 01:45 PM
Keynote Speaker
Host: Christine Armstrong
🕑: 01:45 PM - 02:15 PM
Employer Panel Discussion
🕑: 02:15 PM - 02:30 PM
Conference Commitments & Closing Remarks
🕑: 02:30 PM
Close
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
GBP 0.00
