KR

2026 Annual Conference

Organisational Development

Organisation Development at the Edge: Culture, Leadership & Transformation for a Disrupted World 

Two-day Conference: 25–26 February 2026 NH Johannesburg Sandton & Virtual

Pre-conference Workshops: 24 February 2026 NH Johannesburg Sandton

Culture, Leadership & Transformation for a Disrupted World

The practice of Organisation Development (OD) is evolving rapidly. The past few years have brought a perfect storm of disruption: digital acceleration, social and economic volatility, hybrid work, and rising expectations for inclusion and well-being.

Across every sector, organisations are being tested on their ability to adapt while keeping people engaged, connected, and purposeful.

Recent global research indicates that most large-scale transformation efforts continue to fail to sustain their impact. Change often addresses structure or systems, but not the human dynamics that determine whether new ways of working take hold. The organisations making real progress are those that treat change as a continuous process of learning, design, and reflection, rather than a one-off project.

In response to this new landscape, OD Conference 2026 brings together leaders, consultants, and practitioners exploring how OD can create more adaptive, humane, and high-performing systems. The programme is structured around the most current and influential themes shaping OD, change management, and organisational psychology today, such as:

  • Strategic Agility and Adaptive Systems
    Research emphasises that agility is now the strongest predictor of organisational resilience. OD’s role is to help organisations sense change early, interpret it wisely, and respond with speed and integrity. The conference will explore how to build adaptive capacity through culture, leadership, and system design, translating agility from a strategic idea into lived practice.

  • Digital Transformation with People at the Centre
    Technology continues to reshape how organisations function, but its success depends on people. The current shift is toward integrating digital capability with empathy, connection, and purpose. Sessions throughout the programmeme examine how OD professionals can bridge the digital–human gap, using analytics, systems thinking, and design principles to lead transformation that enhances trust and collaboration rather than eroding it.
  • Well-being, Inclusion, and the Human Side of Change
    Many change efforts still falter because they fail to engage the emotional and relational aspects of work. Sustainable transformation relies on embedding change in everyday behaviour, supported by psychological safety, belonging, and inclusion. There is also growing recognition that mental health and well-being are not side issues. They are central to performance, resilience, and retention. The conference creates space to explore the psychological foundations of thriving organisations.
  • Continuous Learning and Culture as a System
    OD has always championed learning, but the focus has shifted from individual programmes to whole-system learning. Culture is now understood as an interconnected web of structures, behaviours, and feedback loops that either support or stifle growth. This year’s agenda offers practical approaches to diagnosing and designing culture, building feedback systems, and embedding experimentation and reflection into daily work.

  • Collaborative and Participative Change
    The most effective change now happens through participation. Organisations that involve employees in shaping decisions report higher engagement, faster adoption, and greater ownership of outcomes. Through interactive workshops and peer dialogues, delegates will explore facilitation, dialogue, and sensemaking as essential tools for enabling shared accountability and collective intelligence.

The Next Chapter for OD

The expectations placed on OD, HR, and change professionals are changing. Beyond delivering initiatives, practitioners are now expected to demonstrate measurable impact: linking culture and performance, integrating business and people strategies, and helping organisations remain resilient in a world of continuous transformation.

OD Conference 2026 provides a practical, research-informed forum to examine what truly works in leading change. Over three days, participants will learn from local and international experts, engage with real organisational case studies, and take part in facilitated experiences that connect research with practice.

The intent is clear: to strengthen the professional community that designs the systems, conversations, and cultures shaping how people and organisations succeed together.

Who Should Attend?

The Organisational Development Conference 2026 is designed for forward-thinking professionals and leaders who are passionate about building stronger, more agile, and inclusive organisations:

Culture, Leadership & Transformation for a Disrupted World

Summary of topics across the two day agenda

Day 1: 25 February 2026
  • The Future is Human: Reimagining organisation development for a World in Flux

  • Evaluating OD Interventions and Maximising ROI: From Data to Impact

  • From Crisis to Renewal: Eskom’s Journey of Organisational Rebuilding and Resilience

  • Technology-Enhanced OD: Reimagining organisation development in the Digital Era

  • Practical Insights from Building a Culture of Continuous Learning and Adaptability
  • Diagnose. Design. Do. A Pragmatic Approach to Culture and Organisational Change
  • Embracing Neurodiversity in OD: Unlocking Unique Strengths for Inclusive Growth

  • Storytelling for Culture Shift: Harnessing the Power of Narrative to Build Meaning, Trust and Belonging

Day 2: 26 February 2026
  • Panel Discussion: Practising Ethical organisation development for Sustainable Impact

  • Driving Organisational Effectiveness in Mining: The Kumba Iron Ore Journey

  • Case Study: Creating Adaptive, Future-Ready Organisations

  • Mini Workshop: The Dance of Facilitation – Mastering the Art and Science of Guiding Groups

  • The Power of Hope: Fuelling Organisational Change from Within – A Hulamin Story

  • International Address: New Models for Organisational Adaptability – Redefining Structures and Mindsets for Future-Readiness

  • Roundtable: Navigating the Human Side of Transformation

Don’t miss the pre-conference workshops!

Workshop One: 24 February 2026
  • Regenerative Leadership Lab: Practical Gateways to Adaptive Leadership Intelligence

  • This full-day leadership development lab invites OD practitioners, HR professionals, coaches, and senior leaders to explore how personal growth connects to organisational transformation. It provides a reflective and practical space for strengthening the kind of leadership needed to guide complex systems with clarity and purpose.
Workshop Two: 24 February 2026
  • Human-centred OD: Design Thinking in Action
  • Where strategy meets heart – and people thrive. Design Thinking (DT) gives OD, HR and L&D teams a repeatable, human-centred method to turn ambiguity into tested solutions fast—reducing risk, aligning stakeholders, and delivering outcomes people actually use.

VENUE

NH Johannesburg Sandton

Our location is in the heart of Johannesburg’s business district, ideal for meetings and conventions of all sizes. We are a short walk from Johannesburg Stock Exchange and two kilometers from Sandton Gautrain Station, which runs high-speed connections to O.R Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg and Pretoria.
There’s something for everyone to enjoy when dining at NH Johannesburg Sandton. From brilliant buffet options at Tradewinds to light bites when you need refueling at Faces. Snack and sip at the Pool Gazebo Bar.
Commerce and entertainment meet in Sandton, Johannesburg’s leading commercial district. Wander the high-end shops in Sandton City or pause for coffee on the pretty Nelson Mandela Square. Take some time out by the pool with cocktails and a view and by night hit a nearby casino for gaming fun.

Download the Conference Brochure

Contains full programme and more information on our featured speakers!

Partner with us

Sponsorship & Exhibition Opportunities

For over a decade, KR has curated this premier event, attracting OD leaders who are influential decision-makers. Elevate your brand and establish robust business relationships, lead generation and a thriving pipeline through our sponsorship opportunities.

Benefits:

  • Engage directly with current and potential business partners.
  • Forge significant connections, generate leads, and close sales.
  • Showcase your most recent product and service innovations.
  • Feature your executives through speaking opportunities that solidify your market position.
  • Access an elite networking platform with top HR decision-makers.
  • Demonstrate your products’ and solutions’ practical applications within our inventive conference agenda.
  • Select from a variety of sponsorship packages to fit any budget.

Don’t miss out on presenting your brand at this event, by partnering with us for the Organisational Development Annual Conference 2026.

NOTE: There are limited sponsorship and exhibition opportunities available.

Contact Charmaine Shangase – charmaine@knowres.co.za to find out more.