With over 500 delegates in attendance, 55+ speakers, 30+ exhibitors it was a resounding success. The conference provided valuable insights into the future of work, emphasising the importance of AI, sustainability, leadership, culture, talent management and equality.
The conference underscored the critical role of HR in driving positive change and ensuring organisational resilience and adaptability. Thank you to our sponsors for their contribution in making the conference a resounding success.
Launched two key pieces of research
CIPD Director, Mary Connaughton launched the CIPD HR Practices in Ireland Survey 2024, highlighting key trends in people management.
Paul Healy, CEO Skillnet Ireland, launched the Sustainable People Practices Toolkit, developed by the Sustainable HRM Skillnet, focusing on promoting sustainable HR practices. Download the full report: Sustainable people practices framework – Sustainable HRM Skillnet
People professions role in delivering for the business
The conference commenced with the C-suite perspective leaders discussing their insights, challenges, and successes in creating sustainable workplaces. Emphasising the need for HR to play a critical role in driving positive organisational culture and values.
Another key takeaway was the importance of shifting towards a coaching culture to drive growth and innovation.
Sustainable people and businesses
Deborah Meaden provided the Keynote: A Time of Transformation – Building Good Business. She highlighted the importance of authentic leadership, empathy, good judgment, and creating psychological safety.
She stressed the importance of developing sustainable people to build sustainable businesses and the necessity to integrate sustainability into the people strategy.
Women in leadership was another key takeaway from this session, with the need to develop a pipeline and prioritise succession planning.
Burning topics discussed through panel discussions
The panel discussions on leading workplace transformation and the equality agenda as well as bringing the future nearer brought together people professions with a wide range of roles, experiences and specialisms.
Live issues were discussed such as the impact of AI on the workforce, HRs role in taking a lead in this rapidly evolving workplace, keeping equality high on the top table agenda and people professionals taking time for their own development, that of their colleagues and being strategic about where we have the greatest impact and going after that.
Entertainment with an educational slant
Our silent conductor was a big hit, highlighting the simplicity of communication, clear leadership, cooperation, and synergy through non-verbal communication and positive engagement.
Peer Learning
Back by popular demand, our expert-led roundtable conversations covered 35 topics across key themes: Sustainable people, sustainable business, Building a pathway to the future, Digital transformation, Foundations for success, Equality, diversity and inclusion, Wellbeing. There was input from a multitude of companies, sectors and specialisms
Networking
Our conference gave delegates lots of opportunities to connect in our exhibition area, at our roundtable conversations and at our networking reception to conclude the conference on a positive note.
Conclusion
Perry Timms emphasised the need for HR professionals to possess digital literacy and transformative capabilities. The path to the future is all of ours to shape.
Our National Committee Chair, Niamh McNamara provided closing remarks, summarising key takeaways from the conference, showing pride and enthusiasm for the people profession.
