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The future of aviation depends on its people
Demand for talent is growing and requirements for new skills are rapidly evolving. AI, new technologies, sustainability, and changing workforce expectations are reshaping how organizations attract, develop, and retain people. Achieving success in aviation will increasingly depend on how organizations develop the workforce capabilities needed for the future.
Under the theme: "The Changing People Agenda in an AI World", the Forum explores how organizations can attract talent, develop skills, navigate technological change, and build workforces ready for the future.
Join industry peers from across the aviation value chain to exchange ideas and learn from leading practices. Benefit from this unique opportunity to help shape the priorities, insights, and conversations that will guide the future work of the IATA People Forum community.
Why attend
Join the conversation and shape aviation's people agenda
- The aviation workforce is changing faster than ever. Talent shortages, evolving skills requirements, AI, and shifting employee expectations are creating new challenges and opportunities across the industry.
- The IATA Global People Forum brings together aviation leaders, HR professionals, workforce experts, and innovators to explore what comes next and how our industry can respond collectively. Hear from world-class thought leaders, including IATA Leadership and Josh Bersin, Founder and CEO of The Josh Bersin Company, while engaging with peers facing the same workforce challenges.
- Participation is free of charge, making this a unique opportunity to engage with aviation's leading people thinkers and practitioners.
What you'll gain
- Learn from leading organizations: Discover how the industry is adapting to rapid workforce change.
- Turn ideas into action: Leave with practical strategies and proven approaches to attract talent, develop skills, strengthen leadership, and prepare your workforce for the future.
- Understand the AI shift: Explore how AI and emerging technologies are transforming jobs, learning, leadership, workforce planning, and employee experience.
- Connect with your peers: Build valuable relationships with senior leaders, people professionals, industry experts, and decision-makers from across the aviation value chain.
- Help shape what comes next: Contribute to the discussions that will influence the future priorities of the IATA People Forum and aviation's people community.
Full agenda with timings and speakers to be shared soon.
Day 1 - Understanding the Challenges
12 November 2026
Explore the forces reshaping aviation's workforce and what they mean for leaders, organizations, and employees.
Opening Session: A New Era of Leadership
Why the people agenda has become a strategic priority for aviation and what leadership looks like in a rapidly changing world.
Session 1: The Workforce Transformation is Underway
Explore the scale of aviation's workforce challenge, from talent shortages and demographic shifts to technological disruption and changing workforce expectations.
Session 2: Skills at the Heart of Building Capacity
How can the industry identify emerging skills needs, close capability gaps, and create sustainable talent pipelines?
Session 3: Working Alongside AI
As AI transforms the workplace, what must change, and what must remain distinctly human? Industry leaders share practical experiences and lessons learned.
Session 4: Managing Talent Differently
Why traditional talent models are no longer enough and how organizations are building internal capability, mobility, and resilience.
Day 2 - Turning Insight into Action
13 November 2026 (half day)
Focus on the practical actions, capabilities, and commitments needed to move the industry forward.
Day 2 Opening: The changing role of HR in an AI world
Josh Bersin, Founder and CEO, The Josh Bersin Company
Session 5: Bringing All Your People With You
How organizations can engage employees, foster adoption, build trust, and ensure everyone benefits from transformation.
Session 6: From Inspired to Committed
A collaborative closing session where participants identify priorities, share commitments, and help shape the next chapter of the IATA People Forum. This final session ensures delegates leave not just with ideas, but with actions and a shared agenda for the future.
Venue
The Global People Forum takes place at the IATA Conference Centre, located minutes from Geneva International Airport (GVA), with direct connections from cities across the globe.
Getting Here
The venue is accessible from the airport in under 10 minutes walking. Geneva is also well connected by international rail.
Accommodation
Preferred hotel rates at partner hotels nearby will be available exclusively to registered delegates. Details coming soon.
Missed the first IATA Global People Forum in 2024, or want to revisit key discussions? Explore highlights from the inaugural edition, including the full program, session recordings, and event photos.
Explore the 2024 Global People Forum
Our Diversity & Inclusion Pledge
IATA believes that diversity of culture, gender, age, orientation and experience boosts the success of the aviation industry. We actively encourage aviation professionals with diverse profiles to contribute to our events as speakers, panelists, facilitators, or in any other way.