The CPA Annual Shaping Tomorrow Event 2026

The Digital Future of CPO: People, Practice, Progress?

Join us for the first event in the CPA’s brand new Shaping Tomorrow series – a forward looking annual forum that focuses on legal reform, best practice and the future of the industry. This flagship event for 2026 brings together leading voices from across the compulsory purchase landscape to explore how AI, digital transformation, evolving digital and digitisation policies, and modern professional practice are reshaping the future of CPO.

Start Date	Venue	Price
21 April 2026	TLT LLP, London	£110	BOOK

Note: All prices are to be paid in GBP and are subject to VAT at the prevailing rate

Event duration: Afternoon Event (2 hours CPD).
Registration from: 16:15. Event starts at: 16:45. Event finishes at: 18:45 Followed by a drink’s reception.

Booking Note for CPA Members: The CPA discount code needs to be added during the booking process.

Why This Programme?

People, Practice and Progress?

In this session, we will look at what AI and the digital future really means for people, practice and, crucially, whether it represents progress or creates new problems to overcome. Through a panel discussion, the event will explore:

How AI impacts people, whether it be acquiring authorities promoting schemes, affected landowners, or the advisors navigating the process
The future of professional disciplines working in CPO, and whether AI changes their roles
The mental health implications of AI and whether technology can ever replicate the human element
The opportunities that AI presents for more effective and streamlined practice
Whether the digital future promises genuine progress - or introduces new challenges to overcome

Implications and Opportunities

The session will explore the possibilities, limitations, and implications of an evolving AI and digital landscape - and how the profession can work together to optimise, manage, and future proof the world of compulsory purchase, whilst preserving best practice and retaining a much needed human touch.

Speakers

Debbie Reynolds, Partner – Head of Compulsory Purchase; Vice Chair of The CPA, TLT LLP
James Pereira KC, Barrister, Francis Taylor Building
Tom Aslin, Partner, Moore Kingston Smith LLP
Simon Ricketts, Partner, Town Legal LLP
Alex Crow, Director, Land Referencing, Ardent
Alex Higgin, Associate, QUOD
Liz Neate, Director, Deloitte

Programme

Welcome & Introduction by Conference Chair Debbie Reynolds, TLT, Vice Chair of The CPA

Panel Debate

How AI impacts people, whether it be acquiring authorities promoting schemes, affected landowners, or the advisors navigating the process
The future of professional disciplines working in CPO, and whether AI changes their roles
The mental health implications of AI and whether technology can ever replicate the human element
The opportunities that AI presents for more effective and streamlined practice
Whether the digital future promises genuine progress — or introduces new challenges to overcome
Implications and Opportunities