The AssistKD BA Managers Forum 2026, held in London on 8 May 2026, attracted a record-breaking 175 Business Analysis professionals for a full day of expert insight, collaboration and debate on the future of the Business Analyst profession.

Bringing together Business Analysis leaders, BA managers, consultants and practitioners from across multiple industries, the event delivered an interactive programme focused on:

• Business Analysis capability assessment
• Operating model and Target Operating Model (TOM) design
• Leadership and organisational change
• Storytelling and stakeholder engagement
• The future of Business Analysis careers and communities

The Forum reinforced AssistKD’s position as a leading voice in Business Analysis training, professional development and thought leadership in the UK and internationally.

Strategic Thinking Around Business Analysis Team Capability

Karen Newnham opened the Forum with The Team Capability Assessment Workshop, exploring practical approaches to evaluating Business Analysis team capability using the Business Analysis Service Framework.

Using real-world case studies, the session encouraged BA leaders to think strategically about:

• Positioning and preparing for Business Analysis capability development discussions
• Alternative capability development frameworks
• Talent development and succession planning
• Building high-performing BA teams

Delegates discussed the practical realities and common challenges involved in conducting capability assessments within complex organisations and transformation programmes.

The session sparked extensive discussion as attendees compared approaches used across different sectors and operating environments.

The Role of Business Analysts in Operating Model Design

Caroline Beasley and Phil Slinn led The BA Role in Operating Model Design Workshop, examining how Business Analysts contribute to the design and delivery of Operating Models and Target Operating Models (TOMs).

Through collaborative discussion and practical examples, the workshop explored how Business Analysis professionals help bridge organisational strategy and operational delivery during business transformation initiatives.

Key discussion points included:

• The Business Analyst role in TOM design
• Aligning strategy with business change delivery
• Identifying operational gaps and opportunities
• Creating value during transformation programmes

The session highlighted the growing importance of Business Analysts in enterprise-wide transformation and organisational redesign.

Storytelling Skills for Business Analysts and Change Professionals

One of the most talked-about sessions of the day was The Art of Storytelling for Business Analysts Workshop, delivered by Rob Gurton and Dawn Parsons.

The workshop explored how storytelling techniques can improve communication, stakeholder engagement and change delivery outcomes across transformation initiatives.

Attendees participated in practical exercises covering:

• Narrative structure
• Story pacing and audience engagement
• Hooks and memorable messaging
• Communicating complex information clearly

Delegates shared ideas on how storytelling can strengthen:

• Stakeholder management
• Workshop facilitation
• Executive communication
• Change leadership

The session generated energetic debate, reflecting growing recognition that communication and influencing skills are now core capabilities for modern Business Analysts.

The State of the Business Analysis Profession in 2026

In The State of the (Business Analysis) Nation Workshop, Stu Mullinger and Pip Hall facilitated a wide-ranging discussion on the current landscape and future direction of the Business Analysis profession.

Topics included:

• How organisations are evolving their Business Analysis services
• Emerging Business Analysis tools and techniques
• The changing expectations of BA professionals
• The future of Business Analysis communities and career paths

Delegates reflected on how Business Analysis must continue to evolve in response to increasingly complex business change environments, digital transformation and organisational demands.

The session also explored how BA teams can better demonstrate measurable business value and strategic impact.

Positive Leadership and High-Performing Teams

The afternoon special interest session featured Rob Baker presenting Positive Leadership – Turning Small Actions into Meaningful Impact.

Drawing on positive psychology, behavioural science and leadership research, the workshop examined how positive leadership behaviours help create:

• Resilient teams
• High-performing workplaces
• Stronger collaboration
• Improved wellbeing and trust

Attendees discussed practical leadership habits and explored how leaders at every level can foster greater engagement and a stronger sense of purpose within teams and organisations.

A Record-Breaking Business Analysis Event

With record attendance and exceptionally high engagement across every session, the AssistKD BA Managers Forum 2026 demonstrated the continued growth and influence of the global Business Analysis community.

From strategic capability development and operating model design to leadership, communication and professional identity, the Forum provided attendees with:

• Practical Business Analysis insights
• Professional networking opportunities
• Expert-led workshops
• Industry discussion and debate
• Forward-thinking perspectives on the future of Business Analysis

The event further cemented AssistKD’s reputation as a thought leader in Business Analysis.