What is the IESE Conference 2026?
Our annual IESE Conference brings together senior leaders, innovators, and practitioners from across the public sector to share knowledge, explore emerging trends, and collaborate on solutions that matter. The conference is more than a meeting – it’s a hub for inspiration and practical learning. Attendees gain access to keynote sessions from thought leaders, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities that spark new ideas and partnerships. Each year, we showcase cutting-edge technologies, proven strategies, and success stories that help shape the future of public services. Whether you’re looking for actionable insights or strategic direction, the IESE Conference is where transformation begins.
The IESE Conference is FREE to attend for officers and members working in the public sector.
Who can attend the IESE Conference?
The IESE Conference is open to individuals that work in the public sector whether that be from local government, central government, fire, police or beyond. Each year, we showcase cutting-edge technologies, proven strategies, and success stories that help shape the future of public services. Whether you’re looking for actionable insights or strategic direction, the IESE Conference is where transformation begins.
IESE Conference Agenda 2026
Our conference will help you navigate the challenges you are facing, to know what best practice is right for you, and to guide you towards the best possible future.
Day 1 Agenda – Tuesday 16th September
14:00 | Registration
15:00 – 15:45 | Breakout session 1 A, B, C
16:00 – 16:45 | Breakout session 2 A, B, C
18:00 | Drinks reception
19:00 | Dinner
Day 2 Agenda – Wednesday 16th September
08:30 | Registration
09:30 | Welcome and introduction to the conference
10:00 – 10:40 | Transform Talk 1
10:45 – 11:15 | Subject Matter Presentation 1A, 1B, 1C
11:15 -11:30 | Coffee and exhibition break
11:30 – 12:10 | Transform Talk 2
12:15 – 13:00 | Breakout session
13:00 | 14:00 | Lunch and exhibition
14:00 – 14:15 | Special Performance
14:15 – 14:55 | Transform Talk 3
15:00 – 15:30 | Subject Matter Presentation 2A, 2B, 2C
15:30 – 15:45 | Coffee and exhibition
15:45 – 16:15 | Subject Matter Presentation 3A, 3B, 3C
16:20 – 17:00 | Transform Talk 4
17:00 | Close
Key speakers to be announced in due course!
Transform Talk 1: Organisational Sustainability: Workforce, Leadership & Culture
This session explores how public sector organisations can build resilient leadership, modern skillsets and cultures fit for the next decade. It will address leadership fragility and succession risks, the shift towards multi‑disciplinary and digital‑first ways of working, and how purpose‑led organisational redesign can help retain talent, strengthen engagement and create workplaces where people are able — and motivated — to lead and stay.
Transform Talk 2 – Governance & Public Trust: Building Legitimacy in Hard Times
This session explores how public sector organisations can maintain legitimacy and public confidence at a time of heightened scrutiny and pressure. It will examine how trust can be rebuilt where local democracy feels fragile, how consultation and engagement can be designed to withstand legal challenge, and how transparent decision‑making frameworks can support clearer accountability, stronger governance and more resilient leadership.
Transform Talk 3 – Climate Resilience & Adaptation as a Transformation Catalyst
This session explores how climate resilience and adaptation can act as a driver for wider public sector transformation. It will consider how net zero and adaptation can be embedded into operating models, share learning from flood‑risk councils, and examine the long‑term investment strategies needed to build resilient places, services and communities in the face of growing environmental pressures.
Transform Talk 4 – Practical AI for the Public Sector: What Works Now
This session focuses on how public sector organisations can use AI in practical, responsible and value‑driven ways today. It will share real‑world examples of AI supporting triage, decision‑making, summarisation and automation, explore the risks and ethical considerations around transparency and public trust, and consider how organisations can scale AI safely and proportionately without over‑investing or losing sight of purpose.
Conference Exhibition
The IESE Conference gives organisations the opportunity to showcase your work within the public sector, including showcasing your products and services that can help improve the delivery of local public services. Every year, we invite a handful of forward-thinking organisations to participate at our event at a low cost.
If your organisation delivers innovative services that empower public authorities to better serve their communities, this prestigious opportunity is not to be missed.
Please contact enquiries@iese.org.uk if you are interested in exhibiting at the IESE Conference 2026.
Get in touch
If you have a question about the IESE Conference, please get in touch by completing our Contact Us form and a member of the IESE team will get back to you shortly.
