The Future of Adult and Lifelong Learning in the Age of AI

The Future of Adult and Lifelong Learning in the Age of AI
About this Event

The Future of Adult and Lifelong Learning in the Age of AI

Learning, Working and Thriving in the Age of AI

Join The Open University's flagship, in-person AI conference at 2026.

Bringing together leaders from education, industry, government, research and technology, this conference explores how AI is transforming learning, skills and the future of work. Through keynote speakers, practical case studies and cross-sector discussion, delegates will examine the opportunities and challenges AI presents for lifelong learning, workforce development and organisational transformation, with a focus on responsible, ethical and inclusive innovation.

Why Attend?

• Hear from leading voices in AI, education and workforce transformation
• Discover practical examples of AI innovation in action
• Explore the future skills and capabilities needed in an AI-enabled world
• Learn how organisations are approaching responsible and human-centred AI adoption
• Connect with professionals from education, industry, government, research and technology

Register Now

Places are free but limited, and advance registration is required. Secure your place today.

Previous Conferences

This conference builds on a successful series of Open University events exploring AI, lifelong learning and the future of work.

• 2025:
• 2024:

Partners

Hosted by The Open University as part of and sponsored by

Agenda

🕑: 09:00 AM - 09:30 AM
Registration and coffee
🕑: 09:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Welcome and introduction
Host: Professor John Domingue (Chair)

Info: Welcome to the event by the Chairs, and then introduction to the importance of Adult and Lifelong Learning in the Age of AI by The Open University Pro-Vice-Chancellor Learning, Teaching and Student Experience - Professor Ian Pickup and Pro-Vice-Chancellor Research and Innovation - Mark Brandon.

🕑: 10:30 AM
Keynote
Host: Tom Way, CEO, Hays UK & Ireland

Info: Tom Way, CEO of Hays UK & Ireland, will offer perspectives on the future of work, skills and talent in an AI-enabled world. Drawing on global workforce trends and leadership experience, Tom will share reflections on how organisations and individuals can prepare for a rapidly evolving future.

🕑: 11:20 AM - 11:30 AM
Break
🕑: 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM
Keynote
Host: Infosys
🕑: 12:15 PM - 12:30 PM
Purposeful AI in Practice: Innovation, Learning and Impact and morning close
Host: John Domingue

Info: In this closing keynote of the morning, John Domingue will share how The Open University is harnessing AI to support learning, teaching and organisational innovation. Exploring both the opportunities and responsibilities of AI, he will highlight emerging tools, research and initiatives that are helping shape the University's approach to purposeful and responsible adoption. The session will provide a gateway to the lunchtime exhibition, where delegates can discover and discuss AI innovations being developed across the OU.

🕑: 12:30 PM - 02:00 PM
Networking lunch and exhibitors
🕑: 02:00 PM - 02:15 PM
Welcome and Beyond the Technology: Helping People Thrive in the Age of AI
Host: Esther Spring

Info: In this opening session of the afternoon, Esther Spring will explore how The Open University is approaching AI adoption in practice. Covering the University's strategic and people-focused work, including the AI Steering Group, Digital & AI Confidence and Capability Programme, and the OpenLearn Microsoft AI Hub, Esther will share insights into building confidence, capability and responsible AI use at scale. The session will invite delegates to consider what successful AI adoption means for their own organisations, learners and communities.

🕑: 02:15 PM - 02:45 PM
Panel discussion - Preparing for What's Next: AI, Skills and Lifelong Learning

Info: As AI continues to reshape the way we learn, work and live, how can individuals, organisations and communities prepare for the opportunities and challenges ahead?
Bringing together perspectives from education, industry and policy, this interactive panel will explore the future skills, capabilities and mindsets needed in an AI-enabled world. Panellists will discuss the role of lifelong learning in supporting workforce transformation, organisational readiness and inclusive growth, while considering how we can ensure that the benefits of AI are realised responsibly and for the benefit of all.

🕑: 02:45 PM - 03:30 PM
AI and young people - where are we getting it wrong?
Host: Emma Darcy

Info: Artificial intelligence is profoundly transforming the world that young people are entering, but is education evolving quickly enough to keep pace? This keynote explores how AI is reshaping expectations of learning, assessment, skills and employability across schools, colleges and universities.
Drawing on examples of innovative practice and real-world experiences from across the education sector, Emma will challenge assumptions about what young people need to thrive in an AI-enabled future. She will examine what is already working well, where barriers remain, and what a more relevant, responsive and future-focused education system could look like.
Central to the discussion is the role of student voice, not as an afterthought, but as a vital influence on how AI is understood, adopted and governed in education. The session will encourage educators, leaders and policymakers to consider whether we are genuinely preparing young people for the future, or continuing to preserve systems design

🕑: 03:30 PM - 04:15 PM
Keynote
🕑: 04:15 PM - 04:30 PM
Closing remarks
Host: Professor John Domingue
🕑: 04:30 PM - 05:30 PM
Networking and drinks