AI events in UK

⌖ London · ExCeL London

Hosted by UK BLACK BUSINESS WEEK & SHOW

The AI Advantage is a three-hour, in-person programme at ExCeL London exploring how to use AI confidently, responsibly and strategically in your career or business. Taking place on Friday 16 October 2026, from 1:30pm to 4:30pm, this UK Black Business Week session examines how artificial intelligence is reshaping industries, changing professional journeys and creating new questions around innovation and regulation. It is designed to help attendees move beyond the headlines and develop a practical understanding of AI’s evolving role in the workplace. What to expect The programme combines inspirational talks, seminars and workshops, providing several ways to explore the opportunities and responsibilities associated with AI. Rather than focusing on a single platform or technical discipline, the session takes a broader business and career perspective. Topics highlighted by the organiser include: - How artificial intelligence is transforming different industries - Ways to harness AI within your work and professional life - The evolving relationship between AI, business and innovation - How to navigate emerging AI regulation - Practical considerations for engaging with AI responsibly - How greater AI awareness can help future-proof your career The event’s central theme, “AI Advantage: Building Your Edge,” is about equipping participants with useful context and practical insights so they can make more informed decisions about AI. The mix of formats should suit attendees who want both strategic ideas and opportunities for deeper learning. Who should attend? This event is open to anyone seeking to understand the effect AI is having on industries and careers. It is particularly relevant to business owners, professionals and people who want to apply AI at work, prepare for changing expectations or better understand the regulatory landscape. The published information does not require a specific technical background, making the programme suitable for those building their confidence and knowledge as well as attendees already considering AI’s role in their organisation. View the event and registration details

⌖ Leicester · St Martins House Conference Centre

Hosted by Practical AI

The DRAFT Festival of AI 2026 is a dedicated AI conference occurring on October 16, 2026, at St Martins House Conference Centre in Leicester. Hosted by Practical AI, this event is an ideal opportunity for professionals, enthusiasts, and novices interested in artificial intelligence to deepen their understanding and network with like-minded individuals. Attendees can expect a focused program covering cutting-edge AI topics, industry insights, and practical applications of AI technologies. The conference is well-suited for developers, entrepreneurs, researchers, and anyone looking to stay ahead in the fast-evolving AI landscape. The setting at St Martins House Conference Centre provides a professional environment conducive to learning and collaboration. As Practical AI organizes the event, the agenda likely emphasizes hands-on knowledge and practical AI skills, enhancing attendees' ability to apply AI in their work or projects. This in-person conference offers a valuable platform for learning, idea exchange, and connecting with AI experts and peers in Leicester. Find more AI events in Leicester. Register for the event and learn more at the Eventbrite page.

◎ Online

Hosted by Global Institute for Science, Technology and Research

Explore new research in machine learning and applied AI at ICAMLAAI, taking place in Glasgow on 16–17 October 2026. The International Conference on Advances in Machine Learning and Applied Artificial Intelligence (ICAMLAAI) is a global forum for presenting original research, examining emerging trends and exchanging practical insights across disciplines. Organised by the Global Institute for Science, Technology and Research, the conference is designed to support research advancement, academic excellence and international collaboration. Who should attend? ICAMLAAI brings together researchers, engineers, academicians, scientists, healthcare professionals, industry experts and other professionals working across AI-related fields. It will be particularly relevant to people who want to: - Present or discover original machine learning and applied artificial intelligence research - Discuss innovative technologies and emerging developments - Connect academic research with practical, cross-sector perspectives - Meet experts and develop an international professional network - Find opportunities for interdisciplinary knowledge exchange and collaboration The published programme does not specify a required experience level. Its research-led format is best suited to academics, practitioners and professionals with an active interest in machine learning, AI applications or related disciplines. In-person and virtual formats Attendees can participate on location in Glasgow or access the conference virtually. The in-person agenda begins at 9:00am with registration and tea or coffee, followed by an inaugural speech and conference theme presentation. Poster and physical presentations run from 10:00am to 11:45am, with virtual presentations scheduled before lunch. An award function and closing ceremony complete the listed on-location programme. In-person participation includes direct networking, physical materials, live Q&A and complimentary refreshments. The virtual option offers global access through an interactive platform, alongside recorded sessions, digital resources and chat features. Its schedule includes virtual check-in and orientation, a break, and closing guidance covering digital certificates. Important date for contributors… Register for this event

⌖ Brighton

Hosted by HeyGen Brighton Community Free Coffee Meetups

Learn how to create your first AI avatar video with HeyGen at this free, informal coffee meetup for Brighton’s business and creative community. Hosted by HeyGen Ambassador Hasan Kai, the session takes place on Friday 16 October 2026, from 10:00–11:00 AM BST in Brighton. The venue has not yet been announced, so attendees should check the event page for location updates. Designed for local business owners, creators, marketers and anyone curious about AI video, the meetup will explore how HeyGen avatars work through practical examples. Attendees will receive help creating or planning an AI avatar video for social media or business use. No previous HeyGen experience is required. Existing users are also encouraged to bring their questions, ideas and examples to discuss. Alongside the hands-on guidance, there will be time for coffee and meeting other local people interested in AI, digital marketing and content creation. This is the first event from the HeyGen Brighton Community Free Coffee Meetups group. The meetup is listed as recurring every two weeks on Fridays until 6 April 2027. Register for this free meetup

⌖ Southampton · Eagle Labs

Hosted by University of Southampton AI Society

SotonShip 26 is a free, three-day applied-AI hackathon bringing 200+ builders to Eagle Labs in Southampton from 16–18 October 2026. Presented by the University of Southampton AI Society, the event has a direct mission: “Stop learning AI. Start shipping it.” Rather than focusing on AI theory alone, SotonShip creates a dedicated environment for turning ideas into tangible projects over one intensive weekend. What to expect Running across Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the hackathon gives attendees three days to concentrate on building with AI. The event’s published “Manifest” sets out a three-day schedule, while its wider programme is organised around a mission and five pillars. Full details of those pillars and the timed agenda will be available through the event website. The format is aimed at people who want to move from exploring AI concepts to applying them. It should be particularly relevant to: - Students interested in practical AI development - Developers, makers and technical builders - Founders or aspiring founders testing AI product ideas - Creatives and experimenters looking for a focused shipping deadline - Anyone motivated by hands-on building rather than passive learning The organiser does not specify a required experience level on the published page. What unites attendees is the intention to make and ship: the event is explicitly framed as an applied-AI hackathon, not a conventional lecture series or classroom course. A builder-first hackathon in Southampton SotonShip 26 takes place at Eagle Labs in Southampton. With more than 200 builders expected, it offers a substantial in-person setting for focused project work alongside others who are actively experimenting with AI. The event also has a distinctive retro game and nautical identity. Its website presents the programme as a voyage, with a “Mission”, “Five Pillars”, “Manifest”, “Backers”, “Logbook” and “Boarding Pass”. The playful “insert coin” and “claim your seat” framing reinforces the core message: this is an event designed around participation and action. A logbook from the previous edition, plus dedicated sections for sponsors and partners, can also be explored through the event site. Entry is listed as free, but attendees still need to claim a place. Claim your boarding pass for SotonShip 26

⌖ Manchester

Green Circles Manchester is an in-person AI hackathon on 16 October 2026, connecting AI builders with industry experts in Manchester. Build and connect around AI This one-day event offers AI builders an opportunity to step away from purely online discussion and meet people working with artificial intelligence in a practical, build-focused setting. The central proposition is simple: bring builders and industry expertise together in Manchester, creating space for technical exploration, new connections and conversations grounded in real-world experience. Green Circles Manchester is supported by Barclays Eagle Labs and Silicon Mingle. That combination of an AI builder community and industry backing makes the event particularly relevant to people who want to expand their network while spending time in an environment centred on creating with AI. Who it is for The hackathon is aimed at AI builders and people interested in connecting with industry experts. It may be especially relevant to: - Developers, makers and technical founders building AI products - Entrepreneurs exploring AI-enabled business ideas - Product professionals interested in applied artificial intelligence - Members of the Manchester technology community looking for builder-focused connections - People who value learning through practical events rather than conventional conference presentations The listing does not specify a required experience level, technical stack or set of participating tools. It also does not publish named speakers, challenge briefs, team requirements or judging criteria. Prospective attendees who need those details should check the registration information before booking. Event format and details Green Circles Manchester is listed as an in-person hackathon, taking place in Manchester, Great Britain, on Friday 16 October 2026. Unlike a standard talk-only meetup, its hackathon positioning signals a setting focused on builders and active participation, alongside access to industry perspectives. The published event description specifically highlights the connection between AI builders and experts as its defining feature.… Register for this event

Sponsors: Barclays Eagle Labs · Silicon Mingle