The GamesIndustry.biz HR Summit for 2026 has just released its full agenda, showcasing an impressive roster of speakers and sessions that will explore the most pressing topics facing people professionals in the games sector. Headlining the event are three distinguished presenters: Sarah Venables, the founder of the HR Confidence Club, who will share her insights on resilient leadership; Jonny Hopper, chief executive of Glowmade Studio, who will discuss how culture can become a strategic advantage; and Harvey Elliott together with Carmen Martino from Playstack, who will illustrate how a well‑crafted people strategy can translate into tangible business outcomes.
The summit enjoys continued sponsorship from Amiqus, underscoring the partnership’s commitment to advancing HR excellence in interactive entertainment. Set against the historic backdrop of The Royal Institution in London, the one‑day summit on October 1 will deliver more than a dozen talks, workshops, and round‑table discussions focused on people‑centric issues. Attendees can expect deep dives into neurodiversity inclusion, the evolving role of artificial intelligence in human resources, the cultivation of healthy workplace cultures, and the future influence of unions within game development studios. The morning programme is designed to address the immediate challenges that HR leaders encounter in today’s volatile market.
Sessions will provide actionable guidance on navigating new AI tools, interpreting upcoming legislative changes, and collaborating effectively with unions. Speakers will break down complex subjects into practical steps, helping participants to build robust people strategies that can withstand industry turbulence. After a brief intermission, the afternoon segment shifts its focus toward leadership effectiveness and the strategic impact of people initiatives on overall business performance.
Topics will include the skill sets and organisational structures required to steer a games company through periods of disruption, as well as methods for embedding a people‑first mindset into the core of the business. The goal is to equip senior HR professionals with the knowledge needed to turn cultural strengths into measurable competitive advantage. Each main stage presentation is followed by a series of breakout sessions conducted under Chatham House rules. These smaller, facilitated discussions enable participants to share experiences openly and learn from peers and experts alike.
Breakout topics range from managing employee performance during economic uncertainty, designing clear career pathways for emerging talent, to addressing the rapid integration of AI not only in HR processes but also across broader business functions. The summit will culminate with the 2026 Best Places to Work Awards, a ceremony that recognises outstanding employers across small, medium, and large categories.
Additional special awards will honour achievements in education, diversity, and corporate social responsibility. This awards segment is co‑sponsored by Amiqus, Playground Games, IO Interactive, Games London, and Special Effect, highlighting a collective effort to celebrate excellence in workplace practice. Tickets for the full‑day experience are currently on sale, granting access to all keynote talks, breakout workshops, networking coffee breaks, and the awards ceremony. Below is the detailed schedule for the event: 08:30 – Registration (tea and coffee available) 09:00 – Opening remarks and welcome to the HR Summit 09:15 – “The Future of People Leadership – Resilience, Complexity, Changing Expectations” presented by Sarah Venables (HR Confidence Club) 09:45 – “Becoming the Critical Friend – How HR Earns Influence and Becomes a Strategic Business Partner” with Niki Head (Stellar Entertainment) 10:15 – Panel discussion: Unions, Employee Voice and the Future of Games Workplaces 11:00 – Coffee break 11:20 – “Managing Neurodiversity in the Workplace – Practical Approaches to Supporting Performance, Making Adjustments, and Guiding Managers of Neurodiverse Teams” 12:05 – “AI in Employment Relations – Guidance for Handling AI‑Generated Cases, Evidence, and Employee Relations Challenges” 12:45 – Lunch break 13:30 – “People as a Competitive Advantage – How Workplace Culture Drives Organisational Success” – Jonny Hopper (Glowmade Studio) 14:00 – “People Strategy in Practice – Turning Culture into Business Impact” – Harvey Elliott & Carmen Martino (Playstack) 14:30 – “Employee Expectations vs.
Business Reality – Balancing Flexibility, Transparency, and Experience with Commercial Constraints” 15:15 – “The Skills Challenge – Building, Retaining, and Developing the Capabilities the Games Industry Will Need Next” 15:45 – “Performance in a People‑First Workplace – Creating Accountability, Addressing Under‑performance, and Maintaining High Standards While Fostering Supportive Environments” 16:15 – “Culture Through Change – Maintaining Trust, Engagement, and Performance During Periods of Transition” 16:45 – “What Makes a Great Games Workplace in 2027? – Identifying Three Bold Priorities for the Next Two Years” 17:15 – Drinks and networking session 17:30 – Best Places to Work Awards ceremony 18:15 – Additional networking drinks 19:00 – Official close of the event The summit promises a blend of thought‑leadership, practical tools, and peer learning opportunities, making it an essential gathering for anyone responsible for talent, culture, or organisational development within the games industry. Whether you are an HR director, a people manager, or a senior executive looking to align your workforce strategy with future market demands, the 2026 GamesIndustry.biz HR Summit offers the insights and connections needed to drive lasting, positive change.