The GamesIndustry.biz HR Summit for 2026 has now revealed its full roster of speakers and sessions, offering a comprehensive look at the most pressing people‑focused topics 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 people leadership; Jonny Hopper, chief executive of Glowmade Studio, who will discuss how culture can become a competitive edge; and the duo Harvey Elliott and Carmen Martino from Playstack, who will demonstrate how a robust people strategy translates into tangible business outcomes. The summit continues its partnership with Amiqus, which returns as the principal sponsor. Set against the historic backdrop of The Royal Institution in London, the summit takes place on October 1 and is structured as a full‑day programme packed with more than a dozen presentations, workshops, and interactive discussions.
Attendees can expect deep dives into subjects such as neurodiversity inclusion, the evolving role of artificial intelligence in human resources, the cultivation of healthy workplace cultures, and the future relevance of trade unions within game development studios. The morning block is dedicated to the core challenges confronting HR professionals operating in game companies. Practical guidance will be offered on emerging topics like AI‑driven recruitment, upcoming legislative changes that affect employment contracts, and effective collaboration with unions.
Speakers will present case studies and actionable frameworks that participants can adapt to their own organisations. After a brief intermission, the afternoon session shifts focus toward strategic leadership. Panels will explore how a well‑crafted people strategy can drive commercial success, especially in a post‑disruption landscape where many studios are rebuilding after periods of financial turbulence or rapid technological change.
Discussions will highlight the skill sets, organisational structures, and forward‑looking strategies required to sustain growth and innovation in the games industry. Both the morning and afternoon tracks conclude with breakout sessions that operate under Chatham House rules, ensuring a confidential environment where participants can speak openly. These smaller, facilitated round‑tables will cover a range of specialist topics, including performance management during economic downturns, mapping and developing critical skill pathways for future talent, and navigating the dual impact of AI on HR processes and broader business operations.
The summit will culminate with the 2026 Best Places to Work Awards, a ceremony that recognises excellence across companies of varying sizes—from small indie studios to large multinational publishers. In addition to the primary categories for small, medium, and large enterprises, special awards will honour achievements in education initiatives, diversity and inclusion efforts, and corporate social responsibility programs. Sponsors for the awards include Amiqus, Playground Games, IO Interactive, Games London, and Special Effect. Ticket information for the entire day is available through the provided link.
Below is the detailed agenda for the day: 08:30 – Registration (tea, coffee, and networking) 09:00 – Opening remarks and welcome to the HR Summit 09:15 – "The Future of People Leadership – Resilience, Complexity, Changing Expectations" – Sarah Venables (HR Confidence Club) 09:45 – "Becoming the Critical Friend – How HR Gains Influence and Becomes a Strategic Business Partner" – Niki Head (Stellar Entertainment) 10:15 – Panel discussion: Unions, Employee Voice, and the Future of Games Workplaces 11:00 – Coffee break 11:20 – Workshop: Managing Neurodiversity in the Workplace – practical tools for supporting performance, making reasonable adjustments, and empowering managers of neurodiverse teams 12:05 – Session: AI in Employment Relations – guidance on handling AI‑generated evidence, case handling, and broader employee‑relations challenges 12:45 – Lunch break 13:30 – Talk: People as a Competitive Advantage – how workplace culture drives organisational success (Jonny Hopper, Glowmade Studio) 14:00 – Case study: People Strategy in Practice – turning culture into measurable business impact (Harvey Elliott & Carmen Martino, Playstack) 14:30 – Debate: Employee Expectations vs. Business Reality – balancing flexibility, transparency, and employee experience with commercial imperatives 15:15 – Forum: The Skills Challenge – building, retaining, and developing the capabilities the games industry will need in the coming years 15:45 – Panel: Performance in a People‑First Workplace – creating accountability, addressing under‑performance, and maintaining high standards while fostering supportive environments 16:15 – Discussion: Culture Through Change – preserving trust, engagement, and performance during periods of transition 16:45 – Visioning session: What Makes a Great Games Workplace in 2027? – identifying three bold actions for the next two years 17:15 – Drinks and networking 17:30 – Best Places to Work Awards ceremony 18:30 – Post‑award networking reception 19:00 – Event close This agenda reflects a blend of thought‑leadership, practical workshops, and networking opportunities designed to equip HR leaders, people managers, and senior executives with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of the games industry. Whether you are seeking strategies to integrate AI responsibly, looking to enhance inclusion for neurodiverse talent, or aiming to align people initiatives with broader business goals, the 2026 HR Summit promises a rich program that addresses these priorities and more.