The power of Digifest

This year’s event promises not just visionary thinking but practical solutions, collaboration, and genuine community. Whether you join us online or in person, Digifest is designed to ensure everyone can access the same sector‑leading thinking, insight and inspiration.

A future‑focused programme grounded in real-world challenges

The 2026 programme is built around three defining themes that reflect where the sector is headed and explores where it needs to be bold enough to go.

• Empowering people in the age of complexity: putting people before platforms, we’ll explore how compassionate, inclusive digital fluency can empower everyone to navigate rapid change with confidence and curiosity while supporting wellbeing
• Re-envisioning the educational experience: reimagining pedagogy that elevates student voice and agency while keeping learning aligned with the future of technology, industry, and society
• Creating responsible and ethical futures: focusing on collaboration, innovation, and critical thinking so we don’t just respond to digital disruption, but actively shape technology with an ethical and inclusive lens

These three themes will weave through more than 60 sessions including workshops, interactive panels and hands‑on experiences - all designed to bring clarity to our rapidly evolving landscape.

Our keynote speakers will explore topics ranging from empowering young changemakers and the rise of generative AI to the Digital Inclusion Action Plan, the future of AI‑driven creative skills, and anticipating change as technology continues to evolve at speed.

Get hands-on and explore Hall 3

Encompassing the main stage, the Jisc Hub, and the Jisc stage, Hall 3 is the beating heart of Digifest; a space buzzing with innovation, bold thinking and practical insights you can take away and put into practice. This is where the sector’s trailblazers will share the ideas shaping tomorrow’s digital education landscape.

Across both days, the main stage will host thought provoking talks, real-world case studies and fresh perspectives designed to spark action. Whether you're looking for strategic direction, practical solutions or simply a burst of inspiration, this is the place to be.

If you’re short on time, the main stage is also where you can find our lightning talks - fast, focused 10‑minute sessions packed with quick wins and actionable takeaways. Perfect to drop into during a coffee break.

Turn disruption into direction: explore the Jisc hub

At the centre of Hall 3, the Jisc hub invites you to explore the challenges and opportunities shaping education - past, present and future. Revisit the moments that transformed digital education, share what’s impacting your work today and discuss solutions with our experts, and explore what’s next for the sector.

Live podcasts, expert insights and guidance

The Jisc stage is the setting for live podcasts and bite-sized sessions from our teams and sector leaders. These sessions will offer expert insights, practical advice, and the chance to ask your questions directly to practitioners in the room on topics including leading through complexity, building digital capability, and using data with confidence.

Our strategic partner: Adobe

Adobe joins us as Digifest’s strategic partner, joining one of our keynote sessions alongside education leaders. They will explore a critical question: How do we prepare learners for a world where AI is the backdrop?

You can also visit their creative space to explore powerful Adobe apps like Firefly, Acrobat, and Express, and experiment with new tools. You might even get the chance to go hands‑on with Adobe Express and leave with your own personalised sweet treat.

Bodyswaps: building human skills with AI

As event sponsor, Bodyswaps will host an interactive Hall 3 workshop exploring how AI-driven immersive learning can build students’ human skills. Hear insights from their ‘Get Interview Ready’ pilot, discover how their immersive SaaS platform is preparing students for the job market, and visit their stand to try out AI-powered virtual reality interview simulations.

Connect and collaborate: the community hub

Hall 3 is also home to the community hub - your space to meet peers, exchange ideas and join the conversations shaping the sector. Drop into community-led sessions or simply stop by for informal chats with others who share your challenges and ambitions.

What are you waiting for?

Whether you’re looking to widen your perspective, strengthen your digital strategy, reimagine your curriculum, or simply connect with peers who understand the challenges and possibilities ahead, Digifest 2026 offers a transformative event experience.

Dr Kevin Campbell-Karn, one of our panel members at Digifest 2025, summed up his experience:

“For me, it’s the ability to interact there and then. Often, just after someone's delivered their talk, if you go up to them and chat you can make a real connection. There’s also something great about being in the room and really feeling everyone’s passion for the work they’re doing.”