Connecting Futures: Building talent, driving growth
Vincent Building (Building 52a), Cranfield, Bedfordshire, MK43 0AL
Tuesday 20th October 2026
Bringing together education leaders, employers and partners from across the South Midlands to shape the future workforce.
As skills needs evolve and growth sectors expand, collaboration between education and industry has never been more important. This year's conference will explore how we can improve outcomes for young people and ensure employers have access to the talent they need to thrive.
Through thought-provoking keynote speakers, employer-led discussions, practical workshops and networking opportunities, delegates will gain insight, inspiration and tangible actions to take back into their organisations.
Whether you are influencing strategic careers provision, supporting young people into future opportunities or helping to address local skills needs, this conference provides a unique opportunity to connect with partners from across the region and play a role in shaping tomorrow's workforce.
Workshop themes
Workshops are linked to themes within the Career Impact System (CIS) Maturity Model, helping delegates explore the key elements of effective careers provision. Full workshop descriptions and learning outcomes will be shared in early October, at which point delegates will be invited to select their preferred sessions in advance of the conference.
If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact our Partnerships & Events Manager, Samantha Hunter: [email protected]
Attendance and Cancellation Policy As skills needs evolve and growth sectors expand, collaboration between education and industry has never been more important. This year's conference will explore how we can improve outcomes for young people and ensure employers have access to the talent they need to thrive.
Through thought-provoking keynote speakers, employer-led discussions, practical workshops and networking opportunities, delegates will gain insight, inspiration and tangible actions to take back into their organisations.
Whether you are influencing strategic careers provision, supporting young people into future opportunities or helping to address local skills needs, this conference provides a unique opportunity to connect with partners from across the region and play a role in shaping tomorrow's workforce.
Workshop themes
Workshops are linked to themes within the Career Impact System (CIS) Maturity Model, helping delegates explore the key elements of effective careers provision. Full workshop descriptions and learning outcomes will be shared in early October, at which point delegates will be invited to select their preferred sessions in advance of the conference.
| 9:00am | Arrival Networking and Marketplace |
| 9:30am | Keynote - Amjad Ali - CPD and Inclusion Lead, Chiltern Learning Trust |
| 10:00am | Employer Growth Sector Panel Building Talent Together: Exploring the challenges, opportunities and shared responsibilities of preparing young people for the future workforce |
| 10:45am | Refreshments |
| 11:00am | Workshop 1
|
| 12:00pm | Workshop 2 – South Midlands Career Challenges co-design (Theme 5) |
| 1:00pm | Lunch |
| 1:30pm | Keynote - Lauren Mistry - Deputy CEO, Youth Employment UK |
| 2:00pm | Workshop 3
|
| 3:00pm | Networking/Action Planning |
| 3:30pm | Close |
If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact our Partnerships & Events Manager, Samantha Hunter: [email protected]
Last year, a significant number of booked delegates did not attend, resulting in over £1,000 of wasted costs that could otherwise have been invested in supporting schools and young people. By booking a place, delegates are committing to attend the event. If a delegate does not attend without prior notification, a charge of £30 per delegate will be invoiced to their organisation. If you are no longer able to attend, please notify us as soon as possible so that your place can be offered to someone else and the charge avoided.
