Future: People & AI 2026

08:00 AM - 08:45 AM CET

Registration and Networking Breakfast

Council members convene in a cross-function networking breakfast at a central Brussels location.

08:45 AM - 09:00 AM CET

Welcome: Opening Remarks

We’ll open the session by welcoming Council Members and other executives and sharing The Conference Board’s perspective on the value of our unique community. Learn about the day’s objectives and how you can leverage the power of networking and research to navigate what lies ahead for European business.

09:00 AM - 10:00 AM CET

Lunch and Networking

09:00 AM - 09:25 AM CET

Keynote: What’s Driving the Market Now and What’s Ahead

Analysis from LinkedIn will explore labor market and hiring trends in the age of AI. Gain new insights on where the European and global market is headed and how business and talent leaders can stay ahead as hiring and organizations themselves transform.

09:25 AM - 09:50 AM CET

Keynote: The Business and People Opportunity of AI

We’ll explore how organizations can accelerate talent and business impact through AI, transforming their organization and building competitive advantage through AI strategy, embedded processes, and practices. We’lll discuss foundational insights for what’s required to manage AI readiness and risks and what’s needed to build a work environment where people can thrive now and into the future.

09:50 AM - 10:15 AM CET

Keynote: How AI Will Shape HR's Future (The Future Is Now!)

What is the role of HR in the future of work? We’ll discuss the opportunity and strategic value of HR in the future of work, as well as the risks of obsolescence. Hear practical examples of how HR is creating business value now through scaling and new uses of GenAI and AI learning, coaching, and upskilling. We’ll share new and emerging strategies for creating business value through HR.

10:15 AM - 10:40 AM CET

Keynote: AI, Leadership and My Culture Journeys

In this interactive exercise, members will share insights on how they see AI shaping future organizational leadership and culture. We’ll explore AI as a catalyst for human-centered transformation, where technology amplifies human potential rather than merely replacing tasks. Learn about redesigning work to blend human skills such as creativity, empathy, and judgment with AI’s speed, promoting "super-workers" and higher-performing, resilient teams.

10:40 AM - 11:10 AM CET

Networking Break and Challenge Overview

11:10 AM - 12:30 PM CET

Challenge 1 - Track I (AM). Discussion: Enhancing the Strategic Voice and Value of HR

How can AI be leveraged to enhance the strategic value of HR? Can AI generate jobs, the right hires, people development, and not just job losses? We’ll explore how organizations can use GenAI to boost HR’s strategic capabilities in innovation, product development, and problem-solving. Learn about new research that identifies how HR leaders can have the greatest potential impact on their organizations.

11:10 AM - 12:30 PM CET

Challenge 1 - Track II (AM). Discussion: Developing Leadership Intelligence and Mindset for Future Performance

AI is transforming leadership and the capabilities required to lead and inspire people. Leaders must navigate AI-driven workplaces, focusing on decision-making, managing new work designs and skill building, while building a culture of trust and agility. Discuss ways that leaders will need to operate in the future in the brave new world of AI.

11:10 AM - 12:30 PM CET

Challenge 1 - Track III (AM). Discussion: The Evolving Leadership and Culture Landscape: What’s Next?

In this session, we'll explore how AI can be used to create more inclusive cultures and leadership. Learn how inclusive leadership coaching can be scaled and how to recognize and mitigate bias in AI systems. Discuss how AI tools can be used to enhance inclusion and build trust, transparency and talent in the age of AI.

01:30 PM - 02:50 PM CET

Challenge 2 - Track I (PM). Discussion: Workforce Planning Disrupted

Large organizations must embrace change and new planning and alignment practices to stay agile and embed AI in their practices and processes. We’ll discuss how to stay abreast of business strategy, advances in AI technology, and align talent planning practice to transform the organization in real time, and adjust to future needs.

01:30 PM - 02:50 PM CET

Challenge 2 - Track II (PM). Discussion: Upskilling, Coaching, and Reskilling at Scale

From pilots to scale its about getting it done. We’ll share how learning leaders and organizations are investing in learning and people to build the future of work. What are the keys to success with learning at scale? Where are the risks and rat holes to avoid?

01:30 PM - 02:50 PM CET

Challenge 2 - Track III (PM). Discussion: Beyond Skills and Tech to a Sustainable Workforce: AI-Powered People

What will it take to create an AI-powered workforce? While investment in tech and programs is important, how do we leverage and invest in the power of people to innovate, build value, and create the winning future through AI? Will AI eliminate jobs or create a jobs’ future? Where do we need to invest now – and develop now - to create a people enabled future.

02:50 PM - 03:20 PM CET

Networking Break

03:20 PM - 04:40 PM CET

Challenge 3 - Track I (PM). Discussion: AI Transformation: Strategy, Structure, and Workforce Sustainability

As AI continues to disrupt traditional business strategy and structure, organizations will need to transform their systems to drive new value and tap human potential. Learn about and discuss ways that you can build value through AI and workforce transformation.

03:20 PM - 04:40 PM CET

Challenge 3 - Track II (PM). Discussion: AI Impact on Performance and Reward Programs, Tools and Operating Models

AI is fundamentally transforming how organizations measure performance, allocate rewards, and motivate employees. Instead of episodic, manager-driven processes, companies are moving toward continuous, data-driven, and personalized systems with both significant benefits and material risks.

03:20 PM - 04:40 PM CET

Challenge 3 - Track III (PM). Discussion: The Digital HR Organization: Beyond Productivity – Governing What You’ve Built

Large global organizations are deploying AI and GenAI across HR at scale. The harder questions are now coming into focus: Are you measuring the right outcomes for HR, for the business, and for HR customers? Do you have the governance infrastructure to defend the decisions your systems are making? And does HR truly own its own digital agenda? Through peer case studies and structured discussion, council members will examine the decision points and trade-offs that separate good digital HR execution from great.

04:40 PM - 04:50 PM CET

Return to Plenary: So Now What?

04:50 PM - 05:20 PM CET

Closing Keynote: Turning Insights into Actions and Outcomes in a Human-Focused Europe

In our final inspirational keynote, we’ll share insights on how to make workplaces more HUMAN through the power of experiential learning and development. Learn how to connect People & Performance, Culture & Change, and Brand Storytelling to drive new behavior – and a new positive future for Europe.

05:20 PM - 05:30 PM CET

Discussion: Closing Conversations and Next Steps

In our final session, members will share event highlights and next steps with their table colleagues. How will they change their approach to leadership, learning, and organizational change? We’ll then share their insights in a final tech-enabled conversation.

05:30 PM - 06:00 PM CET

Connect Over Drinks & Light Bites