Influence. Integrate. Impact.
Date: 9 to 11 November 2026
Blended approach: SDF Zoom, Advance HE connect 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.
Festival Themes
This year’s festival will centre on four primary themes:
- Strategic Influence and Organisational Voice: Position Learning and Organisational Development 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 and 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 and 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 and Breaking Down Silos: Enable people and teams to navigate transformation with confidence, clarity, and resilience. Foster cross-functional collaboration that connects change, Human Resources, OD, and leadership practice. Use coaching, dialogue, and reflective practice to embed sustainable change and shared ownership.
Engaging learning formats
We value sessions that align with themes, offer practical value, represent diverse perspectives across the sector, and support participants to translate learning into action. 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
Proposal Form
We invite proposals that address these themes and contribute to the advancement of learning and development in our rapidly changing professional landscape.
Deadline for submissions: 14 April 2026 at 17:00
All proposals received by the deadline will be reviewed by the SDF. We aim to notify all contributors of the outcome of their proposal by Friday 1 May 2026, ahead of the festival opening for delegate bookings in early May.