CDI National Conference

CDI National Conference and Dinner 2025

18 & 19 November 2025 | The Studio, Birmingham

The CDI National Conference is the annual must-attend event for everyone working across career development. This year, the conference will be held as a two-day event on the 18 and 19 November 2025 at The Studio, Birmingham.

The conference theme is Career Development: Meeting the challenges of today and tomorrow. We’ll explore how career development supports individuals to thrive and contribute to society, its role in driving economic growth, and how we can strengthen the profession’s identity, visibility and impact.

As the pre-eminent event covering all areas of career development, the conference will feature keynotes and panel sessions covering key areas of interest, as well as workshops focused on specific aspects of career development provision for young people and adults in educational institutions, public careers services, organisations and private practice.

The full 2025 programme is now available. View the full programme here.

Dinner booking deadline: Monday 3 November
Conference booking deadline: Tuesday 11 November

With thanks to 2025 supporters

Announcing our panel sessions

This year’s programme features four dynamic panels, each tackling the most pressing themes shaping the future of our profession:

Young people and NEET – exploring strategies to support those not in education, employment or training.
Development across the UK careers services – latest updates, key issues, challenges and latest developments within careers.
Supporting adults into work – practical insights on helping people enter and stay in meaningful employment, addressing challenges such as ill health, disability and caring responsibilities.
AI and technology to enhance professionalism – how digital tools are transforming professional practice and can be used responsibly.

We’re bringing together an exceptional line-up of experts and thought leaders from across the sector to lead these discussions. See the full line-up of confirmed panel speakers.

National Conference Dinner

Our conference dinner will take place at the end of the first day (18 November) at Malmaison Birmingham. This is a great opportunity to network with friends and make new contacts while enjoying a delightful three-course meal and drinks.

Dinner dress is business/casual.

Dinner schedule:
7.00 pm : Drinks reception (Mezzanine)
7.30 pm : Dinner (Work and Play, 3&4)
9.30 pm : Music and networking
11.00 pm : End of event

Please note that the venue will contact you closer to the time of the conference to make your menu choices and notify them of any dietary requirements.

What's included

Welcome drinks upon arrival
3 Course meal
1/2 Bottle of wine with dinner - Non-alcoholic alternatives available.

Dinner booking deadline: Monday 3 November

Ticket prices

Here’s a breakdown of the ticket prices for the conference and dinner.

Conference tickets:

Entry for both days of the conference- 18th & 19th November

Member Rate: £150.00
Non-Member Rate: £190.00
Student Member Rate: £130.00

Entry for day 1 of the conference- 18th November

Member Rate: £85.00
Non-Member Rate: £110.00
Student Member Rate: £75.00

Entry for day 2 of the conference- 19th November

Member Rate: £85.00
Non-Member Rate: £110.00
Student Member Rate: £75.00

Dinner tickets:

CDI Member rate: £65.00
Non-Member rate: £75.00

Why attend?

Continuous learning is at the core of being a career development professional, whether that is through gaining new experience, reflecting on previous interactions, gathering feedback or attending CPD events such as this one. Your attendance at the conference is an important part of maintaining and building on your knowledge and skills, benefiting you and your clients.

We limit the keynote and panel sessions to focus on select key topics that will be of interest to all attendees. Then, for the rest of the day, you will have the opportunity to choose from several concurrent workshops covering an array of topics that will help enhance your area of practice.

This enables you to make this your conference, creating an agenda that best suits your needs and interests.

Audience

This conference is aimed at all careers professionals, regardless of your area of practice or where you work in the UK and beyond.

Getting to the conference venue

The conference will take place at: The Studio, 7 Cannon Street, Birmingham, B2 5EP

For directions via train, car and by foot, including a map, please visit the venue's website.

The nearest car parks are Birmingham Snow Hill Car Park and New Street Station Car Park. It is a few minutes walk from either car park to the venue.

If you are driving, please check your route and allow plenty of time to get to the venue, as the Birmingham Christmas Market is open and there may be route changes or road closures.

On arrival, please go to the second floor where the Conference will take place.

Partner with us

We have a limited number of sponsor or exhibitor opportunities available at the conference. For more information and to discuss your organisation's requirements, please contact [email protected].

Having any trouble?

Do not hesitate to reach out to us anytime.

01384 376464