Fancy joining us for an HR Conference with a difference?
We got so tired of going to HR events that bored us, that we decided to create our own.
We're saying a BIG NO to the following:
* Dull speakers talking about even duller topics
* Sales pitches from the stage
* Not actually learning anything
* Trade Fair style stands with free stuff that you don't dare take because you know someone will immediately start selling
* Nowhere to escape when you need a 'time out'
* Theatre style seating where you have to ask people to move every time you need to step out
* Forced fun = no fun
* Cringey networking that you can't wait to get away from
* Soulless venues
* No recognition that HR can be fascinating, hilarious, difficult, emotional and/or varied
About Us
Kirsty Baggs-Morgan
Evolving HR
Kirsty is the Founder of the Evolving HR App and this Conference. An ex-HR professional and HR Consultant on a mission to make life in HR more interesting, more fun and much easier to find the support, development or community needed. The idea for this conference came about after Kirsty attended yet another HR event where she got pitched to all day...
Toby Kheng
Freeformers
Toby is the Founder of Freeformers, working to create a better world of work, through employee experience, creating HR teams of the future and developing workplace influencers. On top of all of that, he's a bit of a tech wizard and ex-stand up comedian so, aside from co-organising this conference, he will also be our MC for the day
MEET OUR SPEAKERS
HEADLINE KEYNOTE
KELLY SWINGLER
"F*CK BURNOUT"
Kelly is a dynamic strategist, author, and keynote speaker renowned for her transformative approach to the world of work with a passion for combating Burnout. With years of study and experience, Kelly has honed her expertise in recognising, addressing, and preventing Burnout in the world of work. Through her speaking, workshops, and personalised coaching, Kelly equips Leaders with the tools and strategies they need to prioritise their wellbeing and Banish Burnout in the workplace. With her unique blend of empathy, insight, and practical know-how, and forward-thinking vision, Kelly is committed to making a positive impact in the world of work. Kelly is an in-demand keynote speaker, with a TEDX under her belt and has appeared as a guest on BBC radio and TV, ITV, and numerous podcasts and webinars.
CLOSING KEYNOTE
JULIE TURNEY
"From Surviving to Thriving: Embracing a H.E.A.L.T.H.Y Approach in HR"
Julie Turney is a seasoned People Experience professional with over 15 years of expertise in Human Resources. As the Founder and CEO of HR@Heart Consulting Inc., Julie's journey to entrepreneurship was inspired by her battle with HR burnout, leading her to make a conscious decision to heal and support others in the profession. Julie is the dynamic host of The HR Sound Off Podcast Show, where she interviews HR professionals around the globe. Julie is the Lead Organizer of DisruptHR Caribbean, a chapter of DisruptHR LLC, a speaker event series dedicated to shaping the future of work. She is also the author of Confessions of an HR Pro: Stories of Defeat & Triumph, sharing insights and experiences from the HR world.
JAY UNWIN
"Amplifying Adaptability: The Heavy Metal Resilience Playbook"
Jay is a professional speaker, trainer, consultant and devoted metalhead, specialising in stress management and resilience in organisations through his trademarked Stressonomics framework.
KATE JENKINSON PhD
"What I wish I had known about neurodiversity when I worked in HR"
Kate Jenkinson of Next Step HR is a blend of research scientist, experienced HR professional and published spoken word poet. She is an Executive Coach and TEDx Speaker and supports businesses to build a culture of affirmation and acceptance with their Neurodivergent employees and well as working directly with Neurodivergent leaders.
GARY GRIFFITH
"Essential Skills for Leadership in a Post-Pandemic World"
A former Global VP of People & Culture, turned solopreneur, Gary works with leaders to improve performance and develop skills like emotional intelligence and effective communication. An experienced public speaker, Gary has delivered keynotes at CHRO conferences and multiple industry events. Gary will be flying over from Berlin to join us in Manchester and bring us a little Vitamin "G"
INTRODUCING OUR STORYTELLERS
5 minutes, 10 slides, 30 seconds per slide
An hour of fast paced storytelling sessions from our Silver Sponsors
Amie Nazaruk-Wheeler
Silver Sponsor - Grow Development Solutions
"The real ROI of training and coaching"
Natalie Walker
Silver Sponsor - Harmony HR Coaching
“Navigating the digital people profession”
Joshua Karl
Sponsored by Kelly Swingler
“EDI - the evolution of language”
Jenny Armstrong
Silver Sponsor - Bohemian HR
“How love and loss has changed who I am today”
James Brook
Silver Sponsor - TalentPredix
“Strengths based development for team agility and excellence”
Camilla Rogers
Siver Sponsor - Fifty50
“How to create the career of your dreams without setting your life on fire”
Amplify Your Impact
Sponsored by Be Unstoppable
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Amplify Your Impact
Sponsored by Katie Jo Copywriting
Title tbc
WHAT TO EXPECT ON THE DAY
We're setting the room out cabaret style for comfort, ease of conversation and ease of escape
For our ND friends, introverts and anyone else who finds 'peopling' a bit much for a whole day, we will also have a separate comfy area with a live stream of the talks and discussions, so you don't have to stay put all day.
We absolutely hate dress codes, so as long as you wear something (for legal reasons), please feel free to turn up in whatever makes you comfortable.
We have a charity partner for the day (to be announced soon) who will be holding an incredible raffle with £000s worth of prizes to be won. Our Evolving HR Directory providers have been unbelievably generous in offering places on courses, coaching services, community memberships and more.
Join us for drinks after the main event (same venue) to chat to our speakers and storytellers, meet other HR professionals and 'network' as much or as little as you want. Or just have a drink and enjoy the really cool venue some more...