IAA UPLIFT 2026: Four-Part Soft Skills Workshop Series

Back for 2026

We launched UPLIFT in 2025 and it was a hit, with a waiting list and excellent delegate feedback. We’re pleased to bring the UPLIFT workshop series back for 2026 – with only 50 spots available. Read on for more details.

What is UPLIFT?

IAA UPLIFT is a four-part workshop series created to help early-career professionals strengthen their soft skills. Powered by the IAA community – from senior hiring managers to rising stars – the series focuses on the practical capabilities that technical training doesn’t cover.

From nailing presentations and negotiating with confidence to managing up and building your personal brand, UPLIFT gives you the know-how to grow in your role and beyond.

What you’ll learn (across all four sessions)

✅ Presentation skills: how you can “master the stage”

✅ The art of influence: we’ll share the practical skills you na use to build trust & credibility

✅ Personal branding: how to craft your professional brand based on your authentic self

✅ Unlocking your inner leader: the skills you’ll need to succeed as a manager

Who is IAA UPLIFT for? 💡

• Early career professionals in media, advertising, marketing, communications and adtech
• Those looking to sharpen their soft skills and grow in their role
• Future leaders who want to stand out and succeed

We keep the cohort small (50 people) to ensure meaningful interaction and hands-on learning.

Tell me more 🤔

📌 This is a four-part series designed to be taken as a whole. Each module builds on the last, so to get the full benefit, we ask for commitment to all four sessions.

What to expect:

• Interactive workshops
• Real-world insights from industry leaders
• Hands-on exercises to put your skills into action
• Post-workshop networking at every session, with food and drinks provided – a core part of the IAA UK community experience

Experts you’ll learn from:

Take a look at the images carousel for experts we’ve lined up for the first session 👆🏻.

We’re currently finalising line up of experts for the rest of the sessions.

📅 Dates:

18 February 2026 – Master the Stage: Presentation Skills

4 March 2026 – The Art of Influence: Practical Skills to Build Trust & Credibility

18 March 2026 – Crafting Your Professional Self: Personal Branding

1 April 2026 – Unlocking Your Inner Leader: Next Gen Skills to Succeed as a Manager

⏰ Times:

We’ve built each workshop after the working day, continuing our successful concept of night school:

5.30 arrival

6pm kick off

8pm finish

Location:

This year’s series is generously hosted by DoubleVerify at their central London office:
2nd Floor, 1 New Oxford Street, London, WC1A 1NU

Committment:

🔑 Delegate commitment: Please attend all four sessions to get the full value.

🤝 Manager commitment: Your manager should be bought in and able to facilitate your participation.

Is there a charge?

• IAA UK members receive a complimentary ticket as part of their membership benefits. You’ll need a promo code from your company rep. If you’re unsure, email iaamarketing@iaauk.london
• Non-members: £80 for the full four-part series.