The Future of Adult and Lifelong Learning in the Age of AI

Learning, Working and Thriving in the Age of AI

Join The Open University's flagship AI conference at Milton Keynes Tech Week 2026. Bringing together leaders from education, industry, government, research and technology, the conference will explore how people can learn, work and thrive in the age of AI. Through expert speakers, practical case studies and panel discussions, attendees will examine the opportunities and challenges AI presents for lifelong learning, skills development, workforce transformation and society. The event places particular emphasis on responsible, ethical and inclusive innovation, helping organisations and individuals navigate an AI-enabled future with confidence.

Learning, Working and Thriving in the Age of AI

The Open University AI Conference is a flagship event within Milton Keynes Tech Week 2026, bringing together leaders from education, industry, government, research and technology to explore how people can learn, work and thrive in the age of AI.

The conference explores how people can learn, work and thrive in the age of AI, and the role that education, skills and responsible, ethical and inclusive innovation play in shaping that future.

Building on the success of previous Open University conferences, the event provides a platform for sharing research, practical experience and emerging thinking on the opportunities and challenges AI presents for lifelong learning, skills development, workforce transformation and society.

A distinctive feature of the conference is its focus on the responsible, ethical and inclusive adoption of AI. Drawing on expertise from across The Open University and its partners, the conference will explore how AI can be implemented in ways that are human-centred, evidence-informed, transparent and accessible, helping individuals and organisations realise its benefits whilst addressing associated risks and challenges.

Who Should Attend?

This event is designed for:

Education leaders, practitioners and researchers

Learning, skills and workforce development professionals

Employers, business leaders and industry partners

Policymakers and public sector organisations

Digital, data and AI professionals

Organisational development, transformation and innovation leaders

Anyone interested in the future of learning, skills and work in the age of AI

What to Expect

The conference will feature:

Expert keynote speakers

Cross-sector panel discussions

Practical case studies and real-world examples

Insights into future skills and workforce capability

Discussion of responsible, ethical and inclusive innovation

Opportunities to network with delegates from education, industry and public services

Building on Previous Conferences

This conference builds on a successful series of Open University events exploring the impact of AI on lifelong learning, skills development and the future of work.

Explore previous conferences:

The Future of Adult and Lifelong Learning in the Age of AI (2025) – Watch on demand

GenAI: Adult Learning and Skills Conference (2024) – Watch on demand

About the Partners

The Open University

The Open University is the UK's largest provider of distance and lifelong learning, helping people develop the knowledge and skills needed to succeed throughout their lives and careers.

Learn more about The Open University:

https://www.open.ac.uk

Milton Keynes Tech Week

Milton Keynes Tech Week is a leading regional festival celebrating technology, innovation, skills and collaboration across business, education and the public sector.

Find out more:

Milton Keynes Tech Week

Sponsored by Infosys

This OU event as part of MK Tech Week, is kindly sponsored by Infosys, a global leader in digital services and consulting and a longstanding technology partner of The Open University.

Learn more about Infosys:

Infosys

Join us as we explore how people, organisations and communities can learn, work and thrive in the age of AI.

Description supplied by the event organiser.