The Future of Adult and Lifelong Learning in the Age of AI
Learning, Working and Thriving in the Age of AI
As part of Milton Keynes Tech Week 2026, the Falla AI Conference returns for a day of inspiring discussion, practical insight, and critical reflection on how artificial intelligence is reshaping the future of work, learning, and society. Bringing together researchers, educators, business leaders, innovators, policy makers, and practitioners, the conference will explore how organisations can successfully transform in response to AI, harnessing new technologies while remaining resilient, ethical, and human-centred. It will also examine the changing skills landscape and the knowledge, capabilities, and mindsets that future workers and citizens will need to thrive in an AI-enabled world.
Hosted by The Open University, this year’s event will be opened by Ian Pickup, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Learning, Teaching and Student Experience), and Mark Brandon, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), highlighting the University’s commitment to ensuring that AI is developed and applied in ways that expand opportunity, support lifelong learning, and deliver positive social impact.
The conference will feature a keynote address from Tom Way, CEO of Hays UK & Ireland. With over two decades of international experience in recruitment and workforce solutions, Tom brings a unique perspective on how AI is transforming labour markets, talent development, workforce strategy, and the future of skills.
Alongside the keynote programme, attendees will hear from industry and civic leaders including Sophie Lloyd, Head of Economic Development (Invest MK) at Milton Keynes City Council, who plays a leading role in regional growth, innovation, and infrastructure planning. Through keynote presentations, panel discussions, and audience engagement, the conference will examine how AI can be harnessed responsibly to drive economic prosperity, support learning and innovation, and help individuals, organisations, and communities flourish in a rapidly changing world.
Set at the heart of one of the UK’s most dynamic technology festivals, Falla AI Conference 2026 offers an opportunity to engage with leading voices from academia, industry, government, and the creative sectors, and to help shape the conversation about the future we want AI to create.
As part of Milton Keynes Tech Week 2026, the Falla AI Conference returns for a day of inspiring discussion, practical insight, and critical reflection on how artificial intelligence is reshaping the future of work, learning, and society. Bringing together researchers, educators, business leaders, innovators, policy makers, and practitioners, the conference will explore how organisations can successfully transform in response to AI, harnessing new technologies while remaining resilient, ethical, and human-centred. It will also examine the changing skills landscape and the knowledge, capabilities, and mindsets that future workers and citizens will need to thrive in an AI-enabled world.
Hosted by The Open University, this year’s event will be opened by Ian Pickup, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Learning, Teaching and Student Experience), and Mark Brandon, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), highlighting the University’s commitment to ensuring that AI is developed and applied in ways that expand opportunity, support lifelong learning, and deliver positive social impact.
The conference will feature a keynote address from Tom Way, CEO of Hays UK & Ireland. With over two decades of international experience in recruitment and workforce solutions, Tom brings a unique perspective on how AI is transforming labour markets, talent development, workforce strategy, and the future of skills.
Alongside the keynote programme, attendees will hear from industry and civic leaders including Sophie Lloyd, Head of Economic Development (Invest MK) at Milton Keynes City Council, who plays a leading role in regional growth, innovation, and infrastructure planning. Through keynote presentations, panel discussions, and audience engagement, the conference will examine how AI can be harnessed responsibly to drive economic prosperity, support learning and innovation, and help individuals, organisations, and communities flourish in a rapidly changing world.
Set at the heart of one of the UK’s most dynamic technology festivals, Falla AI Conference 2026 offers an opportunity to engage with leading voices from academia, industry, government, and the creative sectors, and to help shape the conversation about the future we want AI to create.
