SDF Festival of Learning and Development 2026
Date: 9 to 11 November 2026
Blended approach: SDF Zoom and Regional Networks
Influence. Integrate. Impact.
Shaping strategic voice, connected practice, and meaningful change in Higher Education
Higher education continues to navigate significant transformation shaped by digital innovation, financial constraint, legislative change, and evolving workforce expectations. In this landscape, learning and organisational development professionals are not only supporting people through change, we are increasingly stepping forward to shape direction, influence decisions, and act as strategic partners within our institutions.
As we claim this strategic space, important questions emerge. How do we strengthen our voice and shape decision-making at the highest levels? How do we break down silos, align technology with human capability, and connect change, leadership, and development into coherent organisational practice? And how do we deliver practical, resource-smart solutions that demonstrate measurable value and create meaningful change?
The SDF Festival explores how we deepen our influence, integrate across organisational boundaries, and deliver impactful development in a resource-constrained environment.
We invite proposals that offer practical tools, evidence-informed approaches, and inspiring practice aligned with one or more of the following themes:
SDF Festival Themes
This year’s festival will centre on four primary themes:
Strategic Influence & Organisational Voice
- Position L&D/OD as strategic partners who shape institutional priorities, culture, and performance
- Influence senior leaders through evidence, insight, and compelling narratives that inform decision-making
- Demonstrably articulate value and impact to secure credibility, investment, and organisational trust
Human-Centred Leadership in an AI & Digital World
- Apply AI and digital tools in practical ways that enhance productivity, insight, and learning design
- Integrate technology with empathy, inclusion, and human-centred leadership practice
- Use storytelling and narrative to influence stakeholders, support change, and evidence impact
Impactful & Resource-Smart Development
- Design development that demonstrates measurable impact while meeting regulatory and compliance demands meaningfully
- Deliver creative, scalable solutions that maximise impact within financial and capacity constraints
- Create transparent career pathways and progression routes that support talent development across academic and professional roles
Leading Change & Breaking Down Silos
- Enable people and teams to navigate transformation with confidence, clarity, and resilience
- Foster cross-functional collaboration that connects change, HR, OD, and leadership practice
- Use coaching, dialogue, and reflective practice to embed sustainable change and shared ownership
Learning formats
To create an interactive and immersive online experience, all sessions will be delivered in 45 mins via Zoom with a variety of engaging formats:
- Workshops – Hands-on learning with a mix of presentation, group activity, and discussions.
- Symposiums – Two expert-led presentations followed by a Q&A session.
- Pecha Kucha – Three dynamic & fast-paced storytelling PKs followed by a Q&A session. Each PK includes 20 slides, 20 seconds per slide.
- Case study deep dives – Real-world examples with actionable takeaways, presented by experts from Higher Education & Industry followed by a Q&A session.
- Action Learning Sets – Small group problem-solving sessions using real challenges brought by participants (Regional sessions).
- Virtual café conversations
- Reflective coaching sessions
We particularly value sessions that provide tangible takeaways, encourage collaboration, and support participants to translate learning into action.
Proposal Form
We invite proposals that address these themes and contribute to the advancement of learning and development in our rapidly changing professional landscape.
Session contribution proposal form – please complete and submit if you would like to propose a session.
Deadline for submissions: 14th April 2026 5 PM