Artificial Intelligence is rapidly transforming industries, organisations, and everyday life, reshaping how we learn, work, lead, and interact with the world. Recognising AI’s growing influence, A2BETH 2026 created a forum for meaningful discussions on its role in shaping the future of learning, work, and leadership.
The two-day conference highlighted AI’s potential and challenges, encouraging critical discussion on innovation, ethics, and sustainability while fostering collaboration among academics, practitioners, and policymakers to shape a responsible, AI-driven future.
The conference opened with a welcome address by Professor Jason Powell, Provost of UK Management College, followed by a keynote from Ben Rayner of Strategic Sherpas, who discussed embracing AI opportunities in a rapidly changing world.
A defining theme throughout the conference was responsibility. As AI becomes more deeply embedded in everyday life, speakers repeatedly highlighted the importance of ensuring innovation remains ethical, inclusive and human-centred.
“Pregnancy is not a disease: Rethinking AI in Maternity Care,” Zoe Wright, Founder and CEO of The Real Birth Company, challenged delegates to consider how technology can enhance healthcare while preserving compassion and trust. This focus on responsible innovation continued with Professor Mike Saks, Emeritus Professor at the University of Suffolk, who examined leadership, ethics, and healthcare in an AI-driven era.
Building on these keynote discussions, the conference showcased AI’s far-reaching influence across sectors. Sessions explored generative AI in education, marketing, recruitment, leadership, sustainability, wellbeing, public services, and cybercrime, highlighting AI’s growing role in shaping society and organisations.
The conference also featured engaging panel discussions, including “AI for Good: Shaping the World Around Us,” which examined how innovation can deliver meaningful social impact. Day Two focused on AI strategy and organisational efficiency, featuring a keynote from Ciaran Donaghy on assessment in the age of generative AI, before concluding with Professor Iian Alon’s insights on international business, AI, and emerging digital economies.
A2BETH 2026 explored AI’s transformative impact on learning, work, leadership, and society, bringing academics, researchers, and industry leaders together to examine its opportunities, challenges, and responsibilities.
As these conversations continue beyond the conference, UK Management College remains committed to bringing together education, industry and research to explore the ideas shaping the future of learning, leadership and work.
Learn more about UK Management College, its latest initiatives and upcoming events at ukmc.ac.uk.