Form the Future Annual Conference 2026

Young People and work in the Age of AI

This flagship event, unique in bringing together a diverse audience of educators, employers, policymakers, and government officials, will include a full day of talks, panel discussions, debates, seminars, and networking, as well as lunch and all refreshments.

This important, one-day conference is being held at The Hinxton Hall Conference Centre, located on the Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton CB10 1SA, on Thursday, 29 January 2026.

Whether you're a headteacher, careers leader, a CEO, social value manager, HR director, an economic development professional, policy or skills lead, there will be a range of opportunities to gather the latest information, views and insights into this challenging development facing young people today.

The all-day event will include keynote speeches, seminars, and open debate, as well as extensive opportunities to network and make new connections.

We have a packed agenda covering the following themes:

• AI impact on Young People - problem or opportunity
• The Employer View - the impact of AI on early careers
• The Young Person's View - our Youth Panel debate the key issues
• Recruitment and Talent Acquisition
• Skills and Work Readiness
• AI & Education
• Emerging Skills Policy

We have an amazing lineup of speakers, including:

Professor Andy Neely OBE, former Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Enterprise at the University of Cambridge, and Chair of Innovate Cambridge

Andrea Wood MBE, Assistant Director, Skills & Employment, Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority

Dr Agnieszka Iwasiewicz-Wabnig FRSA, Director of the Maxwell Centre, University of Cambridge.

Al Kingsley MBE, Bestselling Author & Speaker on Education & AI, EdTech CEO and MAT Chair

Pippa Heylings MP, Liberal Democrat Member of Parliament for South Cambridgeshire

We are delighted to have the support of the CPCA (Cambridge and Peterborough Combined Authority), whose contribution is enabling Careers Leaders and Enterprise Advisers from across our region to access this event.

Watch this video of our 2023 Conference.

(as produced by Long Road 6th Form Students with Somersault)