Learnovation 2026Human Skills That Power the AI World

Learnovation Host

Siobhan Hanrahan is an enterprise AI and workforce transformation leader with over 20 years’ experience at global organisations including eBay and Apple. As Chair of Learnovate’s Thought Leaders Circle 2026, she works with organisations to navigate AI adoption, governance, and workforce transformation.

As Host and MC for the Learnovation 2026 morning plenary, Siobhan will guide the day’s conversations, helping to explore the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of work and learning. With a deep understanding of both technology and organisational change, she brings a practical and thought-provoking perspective to this year’s theme, Human Skills That Power the AI World.

Siobhan Hanrahan, Chair, Thought Leaders Circle | Enterprise AI & Workforce Transformation Leader

Welcome Address

Dave Farrelly leads Learnovate’s membership and industry engagement activities, helping organisations connect with research, innovation, and collaboration opportunities. With more than 20 years’ experience across education, learning technology, and digital transformation, he brings a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of learning.

In his welcome address, Dave will set the scene for Learnovation 2026, reflecting on this year’s theme, Human Skills That Power the AI World, and highlighting the importance of collaboration between industry, education, research, and innovation as we navigate a rapidly changing world.

Dave Farrelly, Head of Membership Services, Learnovate

Principal Keynote

Known globally as the “Tech Humanist”, Kate O’Neill is a leading expert on the intersection of technology, humanity, and the future of work. As founder and CEO of KO Insights, she helps organisations navigate rapid technological change while keeping human needs and values at the centre of innovation.

In her keynote, Kate will explore why human skills such as judgement, creativity, empathy, ethics, and adaptability are becoming increasingly important in an AI-powered world. Drawing on more than 25 years of experience, she will challenge attendees to think differently about how we design technology, develop talent, and create meaningful value in the age of AI.

This promises to be an inspiring and thought-provoking session that will set the tone for Learnovation 2026.

Kate O’Neill, Founder & CEO, Chief Tech Humanist, KO Insights

Fireside Chat: Kate O’Neill and Nessa McEniff

Following her keynote, Kate O’Neill will join Learnovate Managing Director Nessa McEniff for a fireside chat exploring the ideas, opportunities, and challenges shaping an increasingly AI-powered world.

Together, they will delve deeper into the role of human-centred innovation, leadership, and the skills needed to thrive as technology continues to transform how we learn, work, and create value.

As Managing Director of Learnovate, Nessa brings a unique perspective from the intersection of research, industry, and innovation. Her work focuses on helping organisations harness the potential of AI, data, and learning technologies to drive meaningful impact, making her the ideal conversation partner to explore the human skills that will matter most in the years ahead.

Nessa McEniff, Managing Director, Learnovate

Coffee Networking Break | The Atrium

15 years of Learnovate Research

Eric Paquin, Head of Research, Innovation and Technology at Learnovate, will take attendees on a fast-paced journey through 15 years of research, innovation, and impact. Drawing on insights from Learnovate’s work with industry, education, and research partners, Eric will reflect on the key trends, breakthroughs, and lessons that have shaped the future of learning and work.

Looking ahead, he will explore the opportunities and challenges emerging in an AI-powered world, highlighting the role of research, innovation, and human-centred design in helping organisations adapt, innovate, and thrive.

Eric Paquin, Head of Research, Innovation & Technology, Learnovate

Keynote

Professors Na Fu and Laura Berry from Trinity College Dublin will present insights on the novel Human–Tech Skill Complementarity framework, highlighting how human capabilities and AI can co-evolve. They will showcase how the Trinity AI XR Hub uses immersive AI and XR to enhance learners’ confidence, interview performance, leadership, and communication skills through business simulations with AI avatar, AI-generated feedback and AI coach. A practical look at how training and development can leverage advanced technologies to accelerate workers and leaders to thrive alongside AI.

Professor Na Fu, Responsible Leadership, Trinity Business School

Keynote

Dr. Brian Pennie is a neuroscientist, resilience specialist, executive coach, and advisor to some of Ireland’s leading CEOs. In this inspiring keynote, Brian will explore what it means to stay connected—to ourselves, to others, and to a sense of purpose—in an increasingly fast-paced and technology-driven world.

Drawing on his remarkable personal journey, insights from neuroscience, and years of experience working with leaders and organisations, Brian will challenge attendees to think differently about resilience, human potential, and the power of meaningful connection. As AI continues to transform how we live and work, this session will offer a timely reminder of the uniquely human qualities that enable us to thrive, adapt, and create lasting impact.

Brian Pennie, Founder & Neuroscientist, Change is Possible

Networking Lunch | The Atrium