9th October might feel like a distant date, but behind the scenes, preparations for this year’s MAD World Summit are already in full swing. With registration open and places booking up, it’s clear the appetite to connect, learn and lead in this space is as strong as ever.
Why this year matters more than ever
So, what sets the 2025 Summit apart? What makes it a must-attend rather than a nice-to-attend?
This year’s agenda responds to a new world of challenges—shifting legislation, geopolitical instability, the rise of AI, National Insurance hikes, and the relentless strain on the NHS. The pressure on organisations—and their people—has never been more intense. As our co-founder Mark Pigou, puts it:
“With all the change and pressure that people are experiencing, this agenda is more important than it’s ever been.”
Meet our first confirmed speakers
Now in its 8th year, the MAD World Summit has firmly established itself as the UK’s leading B2B event for workplace culture, employee health, and wellbeing. MAD stands for Make A Difference. The 2025 theme—“Rethinking work, reimagining engagement, reinforcing health and wellbeing”—reflects the bold thinking and real-world solutions that progressive organisations are demanding.
We’re thrilled to reveal the first confirmed speakers for this year’s C-Suite Opening Keynote Panel, including: Karla Smith, CFO, Ogilvy; Dr Richard Peters, Chief Medical Officer; and Dr Lia Ali, Digital Health Innovation Strategist, NHS England.
Insights from leading employers
They’ll be joined by a diverse and dynamic line-up of thought leaders and change-makers, including:
- Hayley Farrell (Arcadis) and James Dybell (Siemens), tackling the timely issue of psychosocial risk and how we can work together to address it.
- Stella Gavinho (Entain), sharing how her organisation is supporting both employees and leaders through change and building resilience in uncertainty by integrating health and wellbeing into
- Dr Richard Peters, offering insights into the future health risks facing a multigenerational workforce.
- Josephina Smith (BA), showcasing how she’s reimagining benefits engagement with a global approach to elevating experience and impact.
And many more. When the agenda is complete, there will be around 70 speakers.
A strategic catalyst
What truly makes MAD World stand out is its commitment to breaking down silos—bringing together senior leaders and practitioners across sectors and functions to align workplace culture, health, and wellbeing with broader business strategy.
This year, we’re doing it all in one transformative day with four powerful tracks:
Prevention & Intervention:
Strategies to help employers reduce risk, support employee health, and keep people working through prevention, early intervention, and effective case management.
Leadership, Culture & Engagement
Creating workplace cultures that empower employees to thrive, retain talent, and engage a multigenerational workforce with sustainable strategies.
The New Shape of Reward
Best practice, insights and inspiration to achieve maximum engagement, optimise investment, and future-proof your approach to benefits and rewards.
Legal Sector Forum – co-curated with MBC and LawCare
“Data, Insight and Impact” – A masterclass in reframing health & wellbeing as a strategic priority for the legal profession.
Attendees will be able to switch between tracks so you can attend the sessions best suited to your information needs.
Built with you, for you
As the event provides an opportunity for many Make A Difference Leaders’ Club members to come together in one place, we’ve been asking what you want—and we’re designing the agenda with your feedback at its heart.
You told us you want:
- In-depth case studies with pragmatic takeaways
- Strategic content with practical application
- Time to network with senior peers
- Inspiring and thought-provoking keynote speakers
Whether it’s navigating the disruption of AI, advancing neuroinclusion, demonstrating the impact of wellbeing strategies with data, or redesigning jobs and career paths for a multigenerational workforce…
Whether it’s tackling the rising cost of private medical insurance through prevention or sustaining health and high performance…
We’ve heard you—and it’s all built in.
Secure Your Place Today
Stay tuned for more speaker announcements and programme updates. But don’t wait too long—places are limited.
Early bird tickets for employers are just £195.00 + VAT or £125.00 + VAT for Leaders’ Club members.
Find out more and register here.
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