IESE Conference 2026
Start with WHY
Tuesday 15th – Wednesday 16th September
The IESE Conference 2026
This year the IESE Conference was held in London at the Park Plaza Riverbank, with delegates joining us for two days of talks, breakout sessions, exhibitions and networking, including a drinks reception and dinner on the first evening.
Why are we transforming, and what difference will it make?
This conference challenged the sector to rethink where transformation begins. Rather than starting with systems, technology or funding, sessions explored how a clear sense of purpose leads to better decisions, stronger public trust and more lasting outcomes for communities. Officers, members and leading experts came together to share real-world examples of what’s working, and what needs to change.
Conference Segments
The 2026 conference was built around four Transform Talks:
- Workforce, Leadership & Culture: Building resilient leadership and workplaces where people want to lead and stay.
- Governance & Public Trust: Maintaining legitimacy and public confidence at a time of heightened scrutiny.
- Climate Resilience & Adaptation: Using net zero and adaptation as a driver for wider transformation.
- Practical AI for the Public Sector: Real examples of using AI responsibly and proportionately today.
Alongside these, subject matter sessions covered:
- Redesigning Children’s Services and SEND systems
- Addressing the Adult Social Care demand crisis
- Managing market fragility across care, housing and services
- Moving from legacy systems to integrated architectures
- Strengthening cyber resilience and digital trust
- Designing services around outcomes, not transactions
- Enabling communities as active partners in service delivery
- Rethinking the role of councils as system leaders
- Tackling long-term funding pressures through strategic transformation
Thank you to everyone who joined us in London. More highlights from the event are coming soon.
