Blog - Fiona McBride Consulting

Wallacespace Covent GardenLondon, England

Monday, Sep 28 from 9 am to 5 pm

Overview

An interactive gathering for L&D professionals to unpack what AI really means for their work.

AI in Learning: A Sense-Making Day

AI is already reshaping learning and development. Some of it is brilliant. Some of it is frustrating. Some of it is quietly changing what it means to be good at our work.

This event combines a morning of short expert provocations and panel discussion with an afternoon of Open Space – a participant-led format where the room sets the agenda based on what actually matters to the people in it.

What to expect

This one-day sensemaking session is for L&D professionals who are already engaging with AI and want to move beyond surface-level understanding. Not another day of listening to what’s coming. A practical day of discussion, and decoding what we are seeing around us. A space to slow down, compare notes with peers, and make real sense of what it means for your practice.

You won’t be talked at. You’ll be in the conversation.

Topics the day might explore – shaped by who’s in the room:

• Where AI is genuinely strengthening learning design and delivery
• Where it risks weakening craft, connection or professional judgement
• How practitioners are integrating AI without losing professional integrity
• The ethics, ecology and longer-term impact of AI on our field.

Who is this for?

With only 50 attendees, this is an intimate gathering by design. The conversations go deeper. The connections are more meaningful. And the environment is one where it’s safe to say “I don’t know” or “I’m not sure this is working.”

Essentially, anyone who wants to better understand AI’s role in the learning industry and explore how to use it thoughtfully and effectively including:

• Learning and OD leaders
• People development leads
• Training managers and L&D business partners
• Freelance L&D consultants, facilitators and learning SMEs
• Specialists in AI and learning technologies.

About your Hosts

Fiona McBride is a facilitator and learning consultant who has spent over 20 years bringing L&D professionals together to develop, learn, collaborate and think well. She co-founded the HR Leaders Unconference, #LnDcowork and is Head of Community for the Women in HR Network.

She is renowned for facilitating engaging events & unconferences for facilitators, L&D professionals and clients including Tate, Warner Music, Barnardo’s and Chatham House – her networks span the breadth of the UK learning community.

Julie Drybrough is a pragmatic, transformative organisational development consultant and executive coach with over 25 years of experience facilitating impactful change. As the founder of Fuchsia Blue Ltd, Julie partners with organisations navigating complex transitions, using participative processes, meaningful dialogue and systemic alignment.

With clients ranging from arts institutions, NHS, oil & gas in Qatar and the video games sector, She is a Fellow of the RSA, founder of the Facilitation Shindig and the Write Nights community.

Together, Fiona and Julie, work to create inclusive and energising spaces where real conversations happen and people feel empowered to take action.

Wallacespace are the Venue Partner for this event – we’re delighted to be collaborating with them to bring you a wonderful experience throughout the day.

Your ticket includes access to all sessions, plus breakfast, lunch and refreshments throughout the day.

Wallacespace ClerkenwellLondon, England

Monday, Jun 22, 2026 from 9 am to 4:30 pm

Overview

Returning for a 3rd year! A groundbreaking event that promises to reshape the way you think about your role and the influence you have in HR

After two sold-out events, the HR Leaders Unconference is back for its third year!

Are you a senior leader in HR, L&D or OD? This event is for you! This isn’t just another conference – it’s a space designed to challenge the way you see your role and help you expand your impact.

Our mission is simple: to create an environment where senior HR professionals can share knowledge, spark honest discussion, and build meaningful connections.

Unlike traditional events, the Unconference puts you firmly in control. You choose the sessions, shape the conversations, and tailor the experience to what matters most to you.

A gathering for leaders who believe HR can be a force for good, where purposeful conversation drives meaningful change.

Why should I attend?

Whether you’re a seasoned HR practitioner, expert consultant or principal working directly with senior in-house HR teams, this event is designed for all who are passionate about the people industry and dedicated to drive effective change. Not only for our employees, but for our personal development, credibility and recognition for the vital role HR plays.

You won’t be under any pressure to lead or facilitate a session – it’s all about contributing and learning from each other.

Previous attendee feedback

“This came at the right time in the right way and has injected me with the energy I need at a key moment in my career. Huge thanks”

(Alice Power, Associate Director of People & Systems, NHS)

“…so much more effective than anything I’ve attended in a long time. Having delegates form the content that matters to them, to then invest time in… is a brilliant concept”

(Brian Newman, Executive VP HR at Ticketmaster)

What you’ll take away

• Conversations with impact: share knowledge and experience on the issues that are pertinent to you.
• Tools & Techniques: discover new tools and methodologies to enhance your HR practice.
• Time for reflection: build self-awareness and seek new insight.
• Networking Opportunities: enhance and expand your network.

We our delighted to be holding our 3rd HR Leaders Unconference again at Wallacespace, who we are pleased to have as our offical venue partner!

I am just about to head to the post box to send a little card to someone I love, and it got me thinking. I have always loved sending and receiving cards & letters. There’s something quite special about them, I think.

The term ‘holding space’ is one which you may have heard used, or mentioned, especially if you work in the world of facilitation, coaching and teaching others. It is something we all do often in those spaces, and away from work with our friends, families, and even strangers who we might get chatting with randomly.

… and it would be a straightforward, simple conversation to have. I’d probably tell you how it happened, that it was painful and that I needed time off to recuperate because of it.

So… Why can’t I say that some days I don’t have great mental health?

Since 18th March 2020, over 200 people from all around the world, have joined the #PauseBreathe sessions I’ve been offering. Joining from the UK, Spain, Belgium, Australia and the USA, taking time in their day to shift from the busyness and uncertainty of the world around them, to creating a moment of calm for themselves. 

Mid-march I started offering free, short breath awareness sessions. I felt I wanted to help others by putting something out into the world which might help people during this time of uncertainty and challenge.

At the end of June this year I qualified as a yoga teacher and if I’m completely honest with you, I still can’t quite believe I have.

I came along today ready for something different… the inaugural CIPD Festival of Work. A new offering from the Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development. During day one I attended conference sessions, walked the exhibition floor, chatted to folk, took part in seated yoga plus mindful colouring on a giant colouring wall. All in a days work at the new CIPD #FestivalOfWork.

It is always a pleasure to be asked to get involved with the CIPD conferences, this time it’s the #FestivalOfWork at Olympia in London.

I’m heading to the Conference and Exhibition on Wednesday 12 June. I’ve been invited to attend the conference as one of three people who will be sharing Festival updates and insights. I’ll be there all day, dipping in and out of conference sessions and walking around the free exhibition.