EPIC Futures NI: Evidence and Innovation for Fair and Inclusive Employment

⌖ Belfast

Big Data Belfast 2026 brings Northern Ireland’s data and AI community to Belfast on 15 October 2026 for practical insight, ideas and industry connections. Positioned as Northern Ireland’s leading data and AI conference, the event brings together thought leaders, industry experts and data-driven innovators from across the UK, Ireland and beyond. It offers a focused opportunity to understand how analytics, artificial intelligence and digital transformation are changing organisations,and to learn from people applying these technologies in real settings. What to expect The conference will feature a packed programme of keynotes, case studies and panel discussions. Rather than concentrating on a single industry, sessions will examine how data is reshaping a broad mix of sectors: - Healthcare - Finance - Public services - Manufacturing - Sport This combination of strategic talks and applied case studies should give attendees both a view of the wider direction of AI and data and examples of how organisations are responding. Panels will add multiple perspectives to the conversation, creating space to explore the opportunities and practical implications of digital transformation. Who it’s for Big Data Belfast is aimed at professionals who work with data, lead technology initiatives or need to understand the organisational impact of AI. It will be particularly relevant to data and analytics practitioners, technology leaders, digital transformation teams, decision-makers and innovators from the featured industries. The published event information does not specify a required experience level, and the mix of thought leadership, sector examples and discussion makes the programme relevant to both hands-on specialists and senior leaders. Beyond the formal sessions, the conference is presented as a hub for connection, inspiration and growth. Its cross-sector audience creates opportunities to compare approaches, meet peers and build relationships across Northern Ireland’s wider technology ecosystem.… Register for this event

Sponsors: DailyPay · Dell +9

⌖ Belfast · Queen's University Belfast

Hosted by UNICA

Higher education is at a crossroads. As AI reshapes every sector, universities face a critical choice: embrace these transformative technologies or risk being left behind. This two-day conference at Queen's University Belfast tackles the urgent question of how institutions can move beyond hesitation and harness AI's potential responsibly and creatively. What You'll Explore The conference spans four comprehensive sessions across 15-16 October 2026, each examining a crucial dimension of AI integration in higher education. Day one begins with "From Chalkboards to Chatbots: AI in Modern Higher Education," exploring how AI is fundamentally transforming teaching and learning environments. This is followed by "Beyond the Buzz: What AI Tools Really Offer Universities in 2026," cutting through hype to deliver practical insights into which technologies deliver real value for academic institutions. Day two shifts focus to research and scholarly productivity. The morning session on "AI-Powered Research" examines how AI tools are accelerating discovery and enabling new methodologies across disciplines. The final session addresses "AI for Scholarly Productivity: Publication and Grant-Writing," providing concrete strategies for leveraging AI to enhance academic output without compromising quality or integrity. Who Should Attend This event is designed for university leaders, academic staff, researchers, and administrators who recognise that AI adoption isn't optional—it's essential. Whether you're exploring how to implement AI tools in your department, looking to establish institutional AI strategies, or seeking to understand the broader implications for higher education, this conference offers the frameworks and practical knowledge you need. Conference Format The programme blends substantive sessions with structured networking opportunities. Day one concludes with a guided tour of Queen's University Belfast followed by a networking dinner, creating space for informal discussions and relationship-building with peers facing similar challenges. Lunches and coffee breaks are designed to facilitate connections across institutions and disciplines. Hosted by UNICA—the network of universities from European capitals and major cities—this gathering brings together forward-thinking institutions committed to navigating the AI transformation collaboratively. The conference takes a balanced approach: critical yet constructi

⌖ Belfast · Queen's University Belfast

Hosted by Queen's University Belfast

Explore how universities can adopt AI responsibly and at scale at Queen’s University Belfast on 19–20 October 2026, with sessions on tools, research and strategy. Building an AI-ready institution Hosted by Queen’s University Belfast in Belfast, this two-day conference examines what universities need to become genuinely AI ready,not simply experimenting with new technology, but understanding where it creates value, how it can be implemented across an institution, and where its risks and limitations demand caution. Universities occupy a distinctive position in the AI landscape. They develop and research AI systems, train people to build and use them, assess students and researchers on the quality of their own thinking, and operate complex organisations whose workflows may themselves be transformed by automation. The conference brings these overlapping responsibilities into one conversation, combining practical questions about tools and systems with wider strategic and ethical reflection. The programme is organised around four sessions: - AI in Modern Higher Education , exploring AI’s evolving place across university life - What AI Tools Really Offer , looking beyond the hype to capabilities, limitations and practical value - AI-Powered Research , considering how AI is changing research activity - AI for Scholarly Productivity , examining its role in academic and knowledge work Why attend? The event responds to a clear implementation gap. While organisational use of AI and experimentation with AI agents are widespread, the conference notes that many institutions have not yet scaled their adoption. Attendees will consider the education, training, policies and institutional strategies required to move from isolated trials towards informed, responsible implementation. This will be particularly relevant to university leaders, academics, researchers and professional-services staff involved in digital transformation, research practice, teaching, governance or organisational workflows. It should also interest anyone responsible for shaping institutional approaches to AI use, including questions of academic evaluation and ethical policy.… Register for this event

⌖ Belfast · Entrepreneurs Unleashed

Hosted by Entrepreneurs Unleashed

A one-day, in-person AI bootcamp in Belfast for business owners who want to build a practical AI toolkit and improve business and marketing workflows. Build a smarter way of working Hosted by Entrepreneurs Unleashed, this focused seven-hour bootcamp explores how AI can help make business and marketing faster, smarter and less stressful. The aim is to give attendees a clearer understanding of practical AI tools and how they can support day-to-day work, providing a concentrated alternative to trying to navigate the technology alone. The event takes place on Thursday 29 October 2026, from 9:30am to 4:30pm. It is an entirely in-person experience, giving participants a full day dedicated to developing their AI toolkit and considering where automation could make a meaningful difference in their business. What to expect The bootcamp focuses on using AI as a shortcut to more efficient business and marketing. Although the event page does not name individual platforms or publish a detailed session-by-session agenda, its core themes include: - Building a useful toolkit of AI-powered resources - Finding smarter and faster approaches to business tasks - Applying AI within marketing workflows - Reducing stress and friction in everyday operations - Exploring how automation can support business growth This is particularly relevant to entrepreneurs, business owners and marketers who want to move beyond general discussion of AI and spend a dedicated day examining its practical business value. No specific experience level or technical prerequisites are listed, making the event worth considering whether you are beginning to investigate AI or looking to organise your existing approach more effectively. Venue and practical details The bootcamp will be held at Entrepreneurs Unleashed, North Derby Street, Belfast BT15 3HN, in Belfast. The listing includes directions for driving, public transport, cycling and walking. View the event and registration details

⌖ Belfast · International Convention Centre (ICC Belfast)

Hosted by Practitioners

NIDC 2026 brings Northern Ireland’s developer community to ICC Belfast on 21 November for a full day of technical talks, workshops and hands-on villages. Celebrating its 10-year anniversary, the Northern Ireland Developer Conference is designed to broaden your technical knowledge while connecting you with people working across the technology industry. Organised by Practitioners and run by volunteers, NIDC combines serious learning with the welcoming community atmosphere summed up by its theme: “Technical talks, great craic, tech community.” What to expect The conference takes over the International Convention Centre in Belfast, with sessions spread across two halls, two rooms and a dedicated workshop space. The programme covers seven broad tracks: - Engineering - Product - Design and UX - Security - AI - Data - Wildcard topics That wide remit also extends to software, cloud, games, infrastructure and open source. It makes NIDC relevant to enthusiasts, students and experienced professionals alike, whether you want practical insight for your current role, exposure to adjacent disciplines or ideas to take back to your team. The day begins with registration at 08:30, followed by coffee and an opening session. Talks run in 30-minute slots across several parallel stages, while longer, one-hour workshops offer space for deeper exploration. Lunch and an afternoon break are built into the schedule, before closing remarks and prizes at 16:15. A four-hour after-party begins at 18:00, extending the opportunity to meet speakers, volunteers and fellow attendees. The full session agenda is due to be published in September. Community-led, hands-on and open to new voices NIDC’s community villages set it apart from a conventional multi-track conference. These themed, hands-on spaces are run by local community members and may focus on making, children’s coding, cyber, games and more. Anyone with an idea can propose a village. The event is also inviting practitioners to share work that broadens the community’s collective knowledge. Proposals can cover any technology-industry subject, with options for both talks and workshops. Prospective contributors can submit a session.… Register for this event

⌖ Paris · Station F, Paris

Hosted by Scaleway

ai-PULSE 2026 is a focused, one-day in-person AI conference taking place at Station F in Paris on October 13, 2026. This event brings together leaders, engineers and researchers to explore AI breakthroughs, cutting-edge research outcomes, and live product demonstrations. Organized by Scaleway, ai-PULSE serves as a hub for practitioners who design, deploy and scale AI–from cloud infrastructure users to AI-powered product teams. Attendees can expect a blend of keynote-style insights, technical talks and hands-on demonstrations that illuminate how AI research translates into real-world software and services. What to expect: - In-depth sessions on the latest AI breakthroughs and research directions, presented by leaders in academia and industry. - Live demonstrations of AI-powered products and solutions, highlighting practical use cases and implementation considerations. - Opportunities to network with peers—from engineers and data scientists to founders and product managers—across the European AI ecosystem. - A venue setting that emphasizes collaboration and discovery, leveraging Station F’s startup-centric environment in Paris. Why attend: - If you’re building AI-enabled software or exploring cloud-based AI infrastructure, ai-PULSE offers actionable takeaways on deployment, scalability and responsible AI practices. - The event showcases how AI innovations translate into tangible product value, making it relevant for developers, technical leads, and startup teams. - You’ll hear from and mingle with a diverse group of speakers and practitioners who are applying AI in real products and research projects. Past context and signals: The page indicates ai-PULSE returned to Station F on October 13, 2026, with Scaleway as organizer and a focus on AI breakthroughs, research and product demonstrations. The page also features a robust lineup of 2025 speakers, including prominent figures in AI and tech, illustrating the event’s scale and pedigree. While specifics of the 2026 speaker roster aren’t fully enumerated here, the pattern suggests a high-profile mix of researchers, executives and AI practitioners. Audience profile: - AI engineers, researchers and data scientists seeking to stay ahead of research trends. - Product and solutions architects looking for demonstrations of AI in production setups. - Startup founders and tech leads exploring AI-enabled business models and cloud infrastructure. - Investors and ecosystem players interested in Scaleway’s AI initiative