DevOps Society Workshop - Birmingham

⌖ Birmingham · National Conference Center

Hosted by Distribution Strategy Group

AI Forum for Distributors brings distribution leaders to Birmingham on 15 October 2026 for a practical, one-day guide to implementing AI at scale. Hosted by Distribution Strategy Group at the National Conference Center, this UK and European forum is designed to help distributors move beyond experimentation and create an actionable AI roadmap. Drawing on four years of AI programming and research in the North American distribution market, the event focuses on lessons from organisations that have already deployed the technology,including the cost, time and ROI signals behind implementation. What to expect The programme brings attendees together in one room for sessions, a Distribution Leader Panel and structured peer networking. Rather than concentrating on speculative trends, the forum will examine practical applications that are already delivering value in distribution, including: - AI-powered search and merchandising - Demand forecasting - Customer service agents - ERP-native AI - Sales enablement - Strategies for deploying AI successfully at scale Attendees will also meet a shortlist of vetted technology partners with experience in North American distribution environments, alongside UK and EU companies worth watching. Presenting sponsors include Continuum and Faction, while exhibitors include Blocks, Whitespace and MyDataMatcher. Who should attend? This forum is aimed at distribution industry leaders from the UK, Ireland and continental Europe who need to make informed decisions about AI. It is relevant whether your organisation is still identifying its first useful application or is preparing to expand existing pilots across the business. The emphasis is on avoiding common implementation pitfalls, comparing approaches with peers and leaving with clearer priorities,not simply hearing AI hype.… Register for this event

Sponsors: Continuum · Faction

⌖ Birmingham · x+why Foundry

Hosted by ProductTank Birmingham

Explore AI strategy and product execution at scale with Martin Eriksson and Max Borodin in Birmingham on 21 October 2026. This ProductTank Birmingham fringe event for Birmingham Tech Week brings together two complementary perspectives: how AI changes the foundations of product strategy, and what happens when a team puts that strategy into practice for a health app serving more than 20 million users. Expect candid lessons, practical product insights and debate with Birmingham’s product community. Two talks, from strategy to execution Martin Eriksson, “Welcome to the Software Renaissance. Your Strategy Isn’t Ready.” As development becomes faster and cheaper, Martin argues that the bottleneck moves from execution to clarity: away from “can we build it?” and towards “should we build it?” His talk will examine why simply using AI to perform existing work more efficiently can limit ambition, and how stronger strategic alignment can turn AI from a threat into an opportunity. Martin is a board member, strategic adviser and leadership coach who has advised more than 150 companies. His career includes The Financial Times, Monster, Huddle, Covestor, Cazoo and EQT. He also founded ProductTank, co-founded Mind the Product and wrote The Decision Stack. Read more on Martin’s website or view his LinkedIn profile. Attendees will also have the chance to win a copy of The Decision Stack. Max Borodin, “What AI Innovation Actually Did for a 20M-User Health App” Max will unpack how Simple, a US weight-loss app within Palta, used AI innovation to increase engagement by more than 50%. He will cover Coach Avo, an award-winning AI health coach used by millions; Blinky, an animated mascot created with generative AI; and the ways AI changed both the product and the team’s everyday craft. Max led the teams behind Coach Avo and Simple’s gamification system, which delivered the strongest retention growth in the company’s history. Connect with Max on LinkedIn. Format and agenda The evening combines talks, Q&A, food and informal networking:… Register for this event

Sponsors: AND Digital · Intel Stream +2

⌖ Cardiff · Hays Recruitment Agency - Cardiff

Hosted by Zena's Coaching

Women in tech can explore authentic leadership, career development and new connections in Cardiff on 14 October 2026 at this in-person event. Lead as yourself and strengthen your network Women in Tech: Leading as Yourself brings together women from across South Wales for a focused morning of inspiring speakers, honest discussion and meaningful networking. Celebrating Women in Tech Week 2026, the event creates space to consider how you can lead as yourself, develop your career and build the support network that women do not always find within the technology sector. The programme connects industry, academia and personal development in one room. Rather than limiting “tech” to a single profession, it welcomes women working or interested in software, hardware, AI, cyber security, design, web, data, analytics, IT and the many other disciplines under the technology umbrella. What to expect This is a 2.5-hour, in-person speaker and networking event featuring: - Speaker sessions designed to inspire reflection and career growth - Open, honest discussion about experiences in technology - Dedicated networking time with women from across the South Wales tech community - Opportunities to connect across different disciplines, organisations and career stages The emphasis is on real conversation and useful relationships,not simply exchanging contact details. Attendees can meet peers who understand the challenges of building a career in an industry that does not always recognise or celebrate women’s success. Who should attend? The event is exclusively for women already working in technology or interested in entering the industry. It is designed to be relevant whether you are: - An experienced leader or team lead - Building momentum in a mid-career role - A graduate or student - Working in academic research - Feeling stuck and considering your next step - Exploring a move into tech from another field No single level of experience or technical specialism is required. The breadth of the audience is a central part of the format, helping women at different stages learn from one another and form connections beyond their usual professional circles. Organised by Zena’s Coaching, the event is proudly partnered with WeAreTechWomen and Women in TECH-Connect Wales.… Register for this event

Sponsors: WeAreTechWomen · Women in TECH-Connect Wales

⌖ Edinburgh · The Slug and Lettuce George Street

Hosted by ⭐ Edinburgh Tech Network (ETN) ⭐

Meet Edinburgh’s tech community over informal drinks on Wednesday 14 October 2026, from 7–10pm BST, at The Slug and Lettuce George Street. Hosted by Edinburgh Tech Network and OkGather, this relaxed networking evening is built around useful conversations rather than presentations. There are no PowerPoints, speeches, structured introductions or organised activities: simply grab a drink, find the Edinburgh Tech Network table and meet people working across Edinburgh’s technology scene. The gathering is aimed at: - Software engineers and developers - Product managers - Data and AI professionals - Designers and UX practitioners - Startup founders and operators - People building products, projects or careers in tech Attendees can exchange ideas, learn from peers and make connections that may lead to collaborations or career opportunities. The event is generally self-hosted, with no designated host leading the evening; venue staff will direct you to the group’s reserved table. Venue: The Slug and Lettuce George Street, 113–115 George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 4JN. Places are limited. Attendance requires an OkGather membership, priced at £2.99 per month. Members can show their OkGather profile at the bar to receive 20% off food and drinks. RSVP for the event on Meetup

⌖ Nottingham · Canalhouse

Hosted by Nottingham Programmers Meetup Group

Meet programmers and tech enthusiasts in Nottingham for an informal evening of conversation and community at Canalhouse on 14 October 2026. Hosted by Rob W. and the Nottingham Programmers Meetup Group, this relaxed social meetup offers a low-pressure way to connect with people who share an interest in software and technology. There are no scheduled talks, presentations or workshops: the focus is simply on meeting people, exchanging ideas and enjoying good conversation. Who should attend? The meetup is intentionally open to everyone, regardless of experience. It is suitable for: - Seasoned software developers looking to meet others in the local technology community - Weekend tinkerers working on personal projects - Absolute beginners taking their first steps into programming - People who are curious about technology but do not yet consider themselves programmers - Tech enthusiasts from Nottingham and beyond who want to expand their local network You do not need to bring a laptop or prepare anything in advance. The group describes itself as very informal, so attendees can simply arrive, say hello and take conversations in whichever direction interests them. That makes this a particularly approachable event for anyone who prefers social connection over a rigid programme. Event format and venue The meetup runs from 7:00pm to 9:00pm BST on Wednesday, 14 October 2026 at Canalhouse, 48–52 Canal Street, Nottingham. Expect an unstructured evening built around networking and conversation rather than an agenda. You might discuss programming, current projects, learning experiences or the wider technology landscape, but there are no fixed topics attendees must follow. This October gathering takes place on a Wednesday as an exception. Notts Progs is normally held on the third Thursday of each month, but the date has been moved because of the half-term holidays; the usual schedule is expected to resume in November. Whether you already work in software, code in your spare time or simply want to meet friendly people involved in technology, this meetup provides an accessible way to become part of Nottingham’s programming community. Register for the Nottingham Programmers Meetup

◎ Online

Hosted by Human Future Hub

An honest online conversation about organisational AI adoption for employees, leaders and practitioners, taking place on Wednesday 14 October 2026 at 18:30. A candid space to discuss AI at work When “just use AI” becomes the default answer before anyone has defined the problem, organisations risk building strategies, workflows and KPIs around tools that people do not fully understand. We Need to Talk About AI, for Real! creates space to pause, question that momentum and examine whether workplace AI initiatives genuinely make sense. Hosted online by Kata and Dario for the Human Future Hub, this bi-weekly gathering invites participants to share what is actually happening inside their organisations. Rather than presenting AI adoption as an unquestionable success story, the session centres an open discussion about what is working, what is not and what choices people still have. The conversation may be particularly valuable if you are: - An employee being asked to adopt AI without a clearly defined problem or purpose - A leader trying to make responsible decisions about implementation and measurement - A practitioner working directly with AI, machine learning, robotics or organisational change - Concerned with AI ethics, self-empowerment or the human impact of technology - Looking for thoughtful discussion beyond what feels possible in a workplace chat or manager one-to-one What to expect This is an online, conversation-led meetup, not a recorded webinar or a polished showcase of AI tools. Attendees can raise difficult questions, challenge assumptions and compare experiences of adoption from inside real organisations. The participant link becomes visible to registered attendees. Privacy is a defining part of the format: sessions are not recorded, and no transcripts are produced. That makes the gathering better suited to candid reflection on sensitive workplace experiences, internal pressures and uncertainties. Participants should come ready to listen, contribute where comfortable and engage respectfully with perspectives from across organisational roles.… Register for this event