Talent Pioneers: People-First Talent in the Age of AI

Talent Pioneers 2026: Putting People at the Heart of Talent Strategy in the Age of AI.

Talent Pioneers brings together senior leaders across Talent, People, and HR to explore how organisations are building people-first talent strategies in a fast-changing world.

This panel discussion will focus on how leading brands are shaping compelling Employee Value Propositions (EVPs), reaching hard-to-find talent, and navigating the evolving role of AI – all while keeping people firmly at the centre of decision-making.

You’ll hear real-world perspectives from panellists representing WPP Media, Publicis, and Bicycle, sharing practical insights, challenges, and lessons learned from inside some of the most recognisable organisations in the market.

Key themes will include:

• Building and activating a compelling EVP for both new and existing talent
• Hiring top-tier talent at pace in competitive markets
• What AI really means for employers and jobseekers — cutting through the hype
• The future role of Early Careers talent
• Career building: how individuals can take ownership and progress to the top of their game