# Event Details - **Event Name**: The Future of Adult and Lifelong Learning in the Age of AI - **Event Start and End Date**: Wed, 14 Oct, 2026 at 09:30 am – Wed, 14 Oct, 2026 at 06:00 pm (+01:00) - **Event Description**: The Future of Adult and Lifelong Learning in the Age of AIAbout this EventLearning, Working and Thriving in the Age of AIJoin The Open University's flagship, in-person AI conference at 2026.Bringing together leaders from education, industry, government, research and technology, this conference explores how AI is transforming learning, skills and the future of work. Through keynote speakers, practical case studies and cross-sector discussion, delegates will examine the opportunities and challenges AI presents for lifelong learning, workforce development and organisational transformation, with a focus on responsible, ethical and inclusive innovation.Why Attend?Hear from leading voices in AI, education and workforce transformationDiscover practical examples of AI innovation in actionExplore the future skills and capabilities needed in an AI-enabled worldLearn how organisations are approaching responsible and human-centred AI adoptionConnect with professionals from education, industry, government, research and technologyRegister NowPlaces are free but limited, and advance registration is required. Secure your place today.Previous ConferencesThis conference builds on a successful series of Open University events exploring AI, lifelong learning and the future of work.2025: 2024: PartnersHosted by The Open University as part of and sponsored by Agenda🕑: 09:00 AM - 09:30 AMRegistration and coffee🕑: 09:30 AM - 10:30 AMWelcome and introductionHost: Professor John Domingue (Chair)Info: Welcome to the event by the Chairs, and then introduction to the importance of Adult and Lifelong Learning in the Age of AI by The Open University Pro-Vice-Chancellor Learning, Teaching and Student Experience - Professor Ian Pickup and Pro-Vice-Chancellor Research and Innovation - Mark Brandon.🕑: 10:30 AMThe Future Isn't Waiting- How AI is Redefining Skills, Careers and LearningHost: Tom Way, CEO, Hays UK & IrelandInfo: As artificial intelligence transforms the workplace, the relationship between education and employment is being fundamentally redefined. In this keynote, Tom Way, CEO of Hays UK & Ireland, explores how businesses, educators and individuals must adapt to a future where learning is no longer a one-time event, but a lifelong necessity. Drawing on Hays' perspective at the intersection of talent, skills and workforce transformation, Tom examines why organisations are increasingly hiring for capabilities rather than job titles, how career paths are becoming more fluid, and what this means for workforce development. He discusses the growing importance of adaptability, continuous learning and human-centred skills in an AI-enabled economy, and why stronger partnerships between employers and education providers are critical to future success. Join Tom as he explores how people can move beyond keeping pace with change to leading it.🕑: 11:00 AM - 11:15 AMBreak🕑: 11:15 AM - 12:00 PMThe Artificial Intelligence Revolution in EducationHost: Max RangeleyInfo: AI is poised to revolutionise education, from how we learn, to how we apply that knowledge and the nature of ongoing education throughout our careers. But what will this mean for the average person, for academics, for managers, for students? This talk will delve in to the different ways in which AI will affect all of us and how we will learn in the age of AI, for better and for worse (but mostly for better).🕑: 12:00 PM - 12:30 PMPurposeful AI in Practice: Innovation, Learning and Impact and morning closeHost: John DomingueInfo: In this closing keynote of the morning, John Domingue will share how The Open University is harnessing AI to support learning, teaching and organisational innovation. Exploring both the opportunities and responsibilities of AI, he will highlight emerging tools, research and initiatives that are helping shape the University's approach to purposeful and responsible adoption. The session will provide a gateway to the lunchtime exhibition, where delegates can discover and discuss AI innovations being developed across the OU.🕑: 12:30 PM - 02:00 PMNetworking lunch and exhibitors🕑: 02:00 PM - 02:30 PMWelcome and Beyond the Technology: Helping People Thrive in the Age of AIHost: Esther SpringInfo: In this opening session of the afternoon, Esther Spring will explore how The Open University is approaching AI adoption in practice. Covering the University's strategic and people-focused work, including the AI Steering Group, Digital & AI Confidence and Capability Programme, and the OpenLearn Microsoft AI Hub, Esther will share insights into building confidence, capability and responsible AI use at scale. The session will invite delegates to consider what successful AI adoption means for their own organisations, learners and communities.🕑: 02:30 PM - 03:00 PMPanel discussion - Preparing for What's Next: AI, Skills and Lifelong LearningInfo: As AI continues to reshape the way we learn, work and live, how can individuals, organisations and communities prepare for the opportunities and challenges ahead? Bringing together perspectives from education, industry and policy, this interactive panel will explore the future skills, capabilities and mindsets needed in an AI-enabled world. Panellists will discuss the role of lifelong learning in supporting workforce transformation, organisational readiness and inclusive growth, while considering how we can ensure that the benefits of AI are realised responsibly and for the benefit of all.🕑: 03:00 PM - 03:15 PMBreak🕑: 03:15 PM - 04:00 PMAI and young people - where are we getting it wrong?Host: Emma DarcyInfo: Artificial intelligence is profoundly transforming the world that young people are entering, but is education evolving quickly enough to keep pace? This keynote explores how AI is reshaping expectations of learning, assessment, skills and employability across schools, colleges and universities. Drawing on examples of innovative practice and real-world experiences from across the education sector, Emma will challenge assumptions about what young people need to thrive in an AI-enabled future. She will examine what is already working well, where barriers remain, and what a more relevant, responsive and future-focused education system could look like. Central to the discussion is the role of student voice, not as an afterthought, but as a vital influence on how AI is understood, adopted and governed in education. The session will encourage educators, leaders and policymakers to consider whether we are genuinely preparing young people for the future, or continuing to preserve systems design🕑: 04:00 PM - 04:45 PMThe revolution in Higher EducationHost: Professor Sir Anthony SeldonInfo: The revolution in Higher Education: why everyone aged 25-100 should be affiliated to a university for the greatest ride in life. AI is changing Higher Education more than anything in history. The conventional model is breaking down and needs a bold new vision.🕑: 04:45 PM - 05:00 PMClosing remarksHost: Professor John Domingue🕑: 05:00 PM - 06:00 PMNetworking and drinks reception - **Event URL**: https://allevents.in/milton-keynes/the-future-of-adult-and-lifelong-learning-in-the-age-of-ai/100001999392418546 - **Event Categories**: business, artificial-intelligence, conferences, art, fine-arts, exhibitions, contests - **Interested Audience**: - total_interested_count: 0 - **Event Highlights**: - Duration: 8 hours 30 minutes - Location: The Open University - Languages: English ## Ticket Details - **Ticket Price Range**: min: 0, max: 0, currency: GBP ## Event venue details - **city**: Milton Keynes - **state**: EN - **country**: United Kingdom - **location**: The Open University - **lat**: 52.0252186 - **long**: -0.7109618999999999 - **full address**: The Open University, The Hub Theatre,, Milton Keynes, United Kingdom ## Event gallery - **Alt text**: The Future of Adult and Lifelong Learning in the Age of AI - **Image URL**: https://dyn-image.allevents.in/generate-image?v=4&title=The+Future+of+Adult+and+Lifelong+Learning+in+the+Age+of+AI&date=Wed%2C+14+Oct%2C+2026+at+09%3A30+am&bg=2 ## FAQs - **Q**: When and where is The Future of Adult and Lifelong Learning in the Age of AI being held? - **A:** The Future of Adult and Lifelong Learning in the Age of AI takes place on Wed, 14 Oct, 2026 at 09:30 am to Wed, 14 Oct, 2026 at 06:00 pm at The Open University, The Hub Theatre,, Milton Keynes, United Kingdom. - **Q**: Who is organizing The Future of Adult and Lifelong Learning in the Age of AI? - **A:** The Future of Adult and Lifelong Learning in the Age of AI is organized by The Open University. - **Q**: Who is this event for? Is it right for me? - **A:** The Future of Adult and Lifelong Learning in the Age of AI is ideal for professionals, entrepreneurs, startup founders, and networking enthusiasts eager to grow their connections. Whether you're a first-time attendee or a longtime enthusiast in Milton Keynes, this event is thoughtfully curated to deliver a standout experience worth every moment. 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Through academic research, pedagogic innovation and collaborative partnership we seek to be a world leader in the design, content and delivery of supported open learning.Explore our eventsFaculty of Arts and Social SciencesFaculty of Science, Technology, Engineering & MathematicsFaculty of Wellbeing, Education and Language StudiesThe Open University Business SchoolThe Open University Law SchoolPrivacy Notice - Open University Events booked through Eventbrite (pdf)" } ] } ] ```