The CIPD Annual Conference and Exhibition (CIPD ACE) 2024 which was held in Manchester, UK, brought together over 7,000 HR professionals, business leaders, and thought leaders from around the world for an engaging and transformative event. As a premier gathering for the global HR community, the conference offered a rich mix of keynote speeches, panel discussions, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities. The event was designed to tackle the most pressing issues in HR today, from technological innovation and AI integration to employee well-being and organizational agility.

Among the distinguished international delegates, a team from the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management Sri Lanka (CIPM), including the President Priyantha Ranasinghe, Chairman of the NHRC Organizing Committee Colonel Saman Jayawickrama, and Council Member Chandima Premachandra attended the conference. Their attendance reflected CIPM's ongoing commitment to staying aligned with global HR trends and strengthening the professional development of HR practitioners in Sri Lanka.

The CIPD Annual Conference and Exhibition 2024 embraced a hybrid format, offering both in-person and virtual access to a wider global audience. While the main event took place at Manchester Central Convention Complex, participants from around the world were able to join virtually, ensuring that the conference’s insights and discussions were accessible to HR professionals regardless of their location.

The conference featured a wide array of sessions designed to address the most current HR challenges and opportunities. Day one focused on the future of work, delving into the role of AI in HR, the future of talent management, and how digital tools can enhance employee engagement. Notable speakers from top organizations shared their experiences in implementing cutting-edge technologies to improve HR functions.

Day two brought attention to leadership development, diversity and inclusion, and the evolving nature of organizational cultures. Sessions emphasized how HR leaders can navigate uncertainty, lead change effectively, and build more inclusive workplaces. Workshops provided delegates with practical strategies for fostering agility within their organizations, developing future-ready leaders, and leveraging data analytics to make better people decisions.

Attendees also had the chance to participate in interactive workshops, attend thought-provoking panel discussions, and explore the latest HR solutions in the exhibition hall, where leading HR technology providers showcased innovative tools designed to support HR departments. The event also provided ample networking opportunities, both in-person and virtually, allowing participants to connect with peers, experts, and potential collaborators from around the world.

For the CIPM delegation, the conference proved to be a valuable opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals, exchange ideas, and learn from global HR leaders. Reflecting on the experience, Priyantha Ranasinghe, President of CIPM, emphasized the importance of the conference in strengthening ties with international HR experts. “The conference was a premium opportunity to strengthen our ties with likeminded HR professionals and thought leaders across the globe. Furthermore, it reaffirmed our commitment to align ourselves with international HR trends and best practices while advancing global HR practices in Sri Lanka,” he said.

It was also a great opportunity to meet the CEO of CIPD Peter Cheese and former President of World Federation of HR Associations Bob Morton in person and discussed about the developments of both institutes.

With its hybrid format and rich program of sessions, the CIPD Annual Conference and Exhibition 2024 proved to be a significant event in the global HR calendar. For CIPM, it was not only an opportunity to engage with global HR leaders but also a vital source of inspiration and actionable insights that will continue to shape the HR landscape in Sri Lanka.

Photo caption:

On left: Chandima Premachandra - Council Member, Priyantha Ranasinghe, President CIPM Sri Lanka, Peter Cheese, Chief Executive Officer - CIPD (UK), Col. Saman Jayawickrama, Chairman of the National HR Conference Committee

On right: CIPM officials with Bob Morton - Immediate Past President of World Federation of HR Associations