5: briefing: Employee Benefits Live 2016 creates benefits buzz

Benefits, reward and human resources professionals gathered at Olympia National, London, on Tuesday 11 and Wednesday 12 October for Employee Benefits Live 2016.

Diarmuid Russell, vice president of international at Glassdoor, delivered this year's opening keynote address, highlighting how employers can build their brand by embracing the opportunities that social sharing and transparency can bring. Steve Varley, UK chairman and managing partner at EY, took to the keynote stage to outline the steps EY is taking to support inclusivity and diversity in the workplace, while Vicky Williams, director of people at the The Lawn Tennis Association, discussed the importance of embedding organisational values into performance and business strategies. Nicky Moffat CBE, former HR director at The British Army, closed the event with a keynote address on the ways in which employee-wide leadership can empower staff and drive business success.

Over the course of the two-day event, attendees had access to insights from industry experts on a range of hot topics, from the upcoming gender pay gap reporting regulations to pensions auto-re-enrolment. Delegates attended sessions across a total of 12 conference streams, covering everything from benefits technology to financial wellbeing. Adecco Group, Admiral, Cath Kidston, Countrywide, Samsung and Siemens were among the numerous organisations to share case studies and their experiences of designing and implementing benefit schemes.

In the busy exhibition hall, a wide range of providers showcased the latest developments and trends within the benefits sector, enabling delegates to source new products and services for their organisations, as well as learn new techniques to help attract and retain talent.

There was also an on-site retreat room with complimentary massages for those who needed a little rest and relaxation in between visiting the buzzing exhibition hall and the conference sessions.

Where speakers have granted permission, we have uploaded slides from the conference sessions. These can be found at www.employeebenefits.co.uk.