It’s getting to that time of year again and it’s all rather exciting! Finally we can begin our build up to the biggest HR conference and exhibition of the year and you guessed it, I am part of this year’s CIPD blog squad and absolutely delighted to be asked back for a second time; 2016 was an absolute blast.
I have had the pleasure of tweeting with some of this fabulous bunch over social media for many years and they all have such different perspectives so this year’s coverage is definitely going to be vast and varied to say the least. If you are not already, do make sure you following them over on Twitter, on there you will find links to their blogs which will be used (along with many other social media channels) to discuss all the goings on.
The theme for this year’s 71st ACE is Leading the People Profession; the meaning behind this leads from previous years when the focus has been upon the world of work and the future of work, and as the pace of change becomes greater, there is an expectation that people focused professionals need to constantly adapt and change to meet the needs of those around us.
To get the countdown underway, I thought I would share some of my top picks for the free events as well as some exciting stuff coming up at the exhibition which is being held at Manchester Central on 7th and 8th November. Over the next few weeks, I will be bringing you more information on ACE and how you can be a part of it.
First things first…
First of all, there are so many great things happening with the exhibition this year (and so much to cram in!) anyone can walk around the exhibition and attend some of the many free learning events that are available, but first, you’ll need to book your ticket, so to do this, make sure you register by clicking here.
Yes, there is a free learning programme, yippee!
During ACE, you might want to check out some of the fantastic goings on with the free learning programme; this is happening on both day one and day two and some fantastic speakers and presentations to be caught. To check out what’s on offer click here.
Free social events
This year’s conference has an abundance of free events, making the conference more accessible than ever before, here are just some of the free events to get your ideas flowing!
On Tuesday evening, there is a pre event networking evening, to book your space, please visit here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/culture-club-pre-cipd-networking-event-manchester-tickets-50168092114?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
Also on Tuesday evening, there is an LGBT event, talking about how to make your workforce more inclusive. This event does include drinks and canapés, but more importantly, it will be a popular topic at this year’s conference, so make sure you don’t miss out. To book your space, please visit here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/creating-an-lgbt-inclusive-organisation-cipd-lgbt-social-2018-registration-48834560485?aff=efbevent
On Wednesday evening, there is an event on discussing race at work, this is being held by the EmbRACE team at The Midland (across from the conference venue) this is a really great opportunity to learn from others and how to get comfortable talking openly about race at work https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/embraceace-drinks-reception-tickets-49288822194?ref=eios&aff=eios
Also on Wednesday evening, there are some social drinks taking place at Rain Bar, this again is free to attend, you don’t have to register, everyone is welcome from 8pm onwards.
On Thursday morning there is an event on flexible working; this event includes breakfast (perfect if you went for those social drinks the night before!) but this is also being delivered by my brilliant blog squad colleague Gem Dale and Rachel Burnham, this is not to be missed so make sure you book your space to avoid disappointment: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/making-flexibility-a-reality-for-all-breakfast-camp-cipd-ace-2018-tickets-50684184761?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
If you’re coming along to the conference, I am looking forward to seeing you there, and if you sadly can’t make it, don’t have fear of missing out; the blog squad have you covered!
Natalie Ellis HR 