Education: Birmingham AI Breakout — September 2026

⌖ Birmingham · fizzPOP Makerspace C.I.C.

Hosted by Stuart P. / fizzPOP - Birmingham's Makerspace

Explore software, microelectronics and maker projects at fizzPOP Makerspace in Birmingham on 14 October 2026, with practical peer support for every skill level. A monthly night for makers and coders Our Friends Electric brings together fizzPOP’s software and microelectronics social with its regular public open night. Held on the second Wednesday of each month, it offers a relaxed setting where you can discuss a current build, untangle a coding challenge, exchange ideas with fellow hackers or simply discover how to get started. This edition runs from 6:30pm to 8:30pm BST on Wednesday 14 October 2026 at fizzPOP Makerspace C.I.C., 35 Coventry Street, Birmingham. It is hosted by Stuart P. and fizzPOP – Birmingham’s Makerspace. What to bring and explore Bring a laptop, an empty breadboard, a work in progress or stories from an earlier project. The evening is shaped by the people in the room, with possible conversations and experiments spanning: - Home automation, robotics and electronic lighting projects - Raspberry Pi, Arduino and ESP32 hardware - Python, JavaScript, Go, Rust, C/C++ and 6502 Assembly - Programming questions, project troubleshooting and new build ideas - Informal knowledge-sharing between makers with different areas of expertise fizzPOP has a well-stocked electronics room alongside spaces where attendees can open their laptops and work. Existing members can use the session to get moving with the makerspace’s tools and equipment, while non-members can look around the space during the public open night and meet the community behind it. Who is it for? Everyone from complete beginners to advanced builders is welcome. You might arrive looking for help with a programming language and discover someone who can point you in the right direction, or find that your own experience makes you the relative expert able to help another attendee. This is a themed social rather than a structured class or workshop. Members are helpful, but the organisers cannot promise formal teaching or build a project on your behalf. Expect an informal, collaborative evening centred on conversation, experimentation and peer support rather than a fixed agenda. Register for Our Friends Electric on Meetup.

⌖ 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 · Millennium Point

Hosted by Microsoft Data Platform Group - Birmingham

FabFest 2026 is a free one-day Microsoft Fabric and AI conference at Millennium Point in Birmingham on 15 October 2026. Returning for its third year, FabFest brings together Microsoft data professionals, industry experts and technology exhibitors for a full day of practical learning and conversation. The in-person programme runs from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM BST, combining expert-led sessions with opportunities to ask questions, seek advice and meet others working across data, analytics and artificial intelligence. What to expect The day will feature: - Six sessions presented by experts in the field - Dedicated Microsoft Fabric and AI clinics, offering access to industry specialists - An Ask Me Anything session with the speakers - Exhibitors covering data, Power BI and career-related needs - Networking with fellow attendees and the Microsoft Data Platform Group community - Free lunch and refreshments The full session schedule is available on the official FabFest agenda page. This mix of structured talks, expert clinics and open discussion makes the conference relevant to people interested in Microsoft Fabric, AI, Power BI, business intelligence, reporting and data analytics. The organisers do not specify a required experience level, so attendees should review the agenda to identify the sessions most relevant to their work and interests. Venue and community FabFest takes place at Millennium Point, Curzon Street, Birmingham B4 7XG. It is organised by the Microsoft Data Platform Group – Birmingham and hosted on Meetup by Joe B. and three additional hosts. Attendees can also use the Meetup event chat to connect with one another before the conference begins. The event is supported by Purple Frog Systems, which specialises in data analytics and AI; Power BI Sentinel, focused on governance, auditing and disaster recovery for Power BI and Fabric; and RP Analytics, a recruitment specialist for BI and reporting analytics professionals. More information is available on the FabFest website.… Register for this event

Sponsors: Purple Frog Systems · Power BI Sentinel +1

⌖ Birmingham · Innovation Depot Inc

Hosted by Birmingham AI

Explore practical AI tools and use cases for HR and People Ops at this free Birmingham, Alabama meetup, with lunch, a live demo and networking. Hosted by Birmingham AI, this 90-minute breakout is designed for people responsible for building teams and improving workplace operations. It takes place on Thursday, 15 October 2026, from 11:30am to 1:00pm (GMT-05:00) at Innovation Depot Inc, 1500 1st Avenue North, Birmingham, Alabama. What to expect - Welcome and networking - Lunch, which is included with attendance - A speaker talk and practical AI demonstration The session will focus on how AI is affecting People Ops, giving attendees an opportunity to learn about relevant tools and real-world use cases. No speaker or detailed talk topic has yet been published. The meetup is aimed specifically at CHROs, HR directors, People Ops leaders, talent acquisition managers and HR business partners. It offers a concise format for learning from a practical demonstration while meeting other members of Birmingham’s AI and HR communities. General admission is free, but capacity is limited. The event is sponsored by KEYSYS, Sparkhound and C Spire. Reserve your free ticket

Sponsors: KEYSYS · Sparkhound +1

⌖ Birmingham · Innovation Depot Inc

Hosted by Birmingham AI

Explore practical AI use cases and tools for managing and using company data at this free Birmingham, Alabama meetup on 20 October 2026. Hosted by Birmingham AI, this 90-minute Data Breakout brings together local professionals interested in applying artificial intelligence to data workflows. The programme combines informal networking, lunch and a speaker-led talk or demo. What to expect - Welcome and networking with Birmingham’s AI community - Lunch, included with admission - A speaker talk or live demo focused on AI, data management and better use of organisational data The meetup is aimed at data analysts, trend trackers and operations leaders, as well as anyone looking to optimise how their company handles and uses data. No named speaker or more detailed session topic has been announced yet. The event runs from 11:30am to 1pm (GMT-5) on Tuesday 20 October 2026 in Innovation Depot’s Training Room, located in the large open atrium on the left. The venue address is Innovation Depot Inc, 1500 1st Avenue North, Birmingham, Alabama. Tickets are free, but capacity is limited. The event is sponsored by KEYSYS, Sparkhound and C Spire. Reserve your free ticket

Sponsors: KEYSYS · Sparkhound +1

⌖ Birmingham · The ICC, Birmingham

Hosted by Birmingham Tech Week

The AI Symposium offers a comprehensive exploration of artificial intelligence technologies and their transformative impact across industries. Taking place at The ICC in Birmingham during Birmingham Tech Week, this full-day event brings together industry leaders, innovators, and AI experts to discuss the current state and future trajectory of AI implementation. What to Expect This multi-level symposium features dynamic sessions from key players across the tech ecosystem, providing attendees with practical insights into how AI is reshaping business operations, innovation strategies, and digital transformation initiatives. The event runs from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, offering extensive opportunities for learning and networking throughout the day. The speaker lineup includes over 20 industry professionals representing diverse sectors and specializations. Featured speakers include Andrew Knight (NED), Phill Chell (Co-founder & CEO), Clare Streets (Innovation Lead), Laura Bond (Founder), Mike Lewis (Strategic Lead – West Midlands Digital Roadmap), David Plumb (Chief Innovation Officer), and many other distinguished professionals working at the forefront of AI adoption and implementation. Who Should Attend This symposium is designed for technology leaders, business executives, innovation managers, AI practitioners, and anyone interested in understanding how artificial intelligence is transforming industries. Whether you're exploring AI adoption for your organization, seeking to expand your technical knowledge, or looking to connect with fellow professionals in the AI space, this event provides valuable insights and networking opportunities. The diverse speaker roster ensures coverage of multiple perspectives—from technical implementation and product management to strategic planning and business transformation. Attendees will gain practical knowledge they can apply within their own organizations while understanding broader industry trends shaping the AI landscape. Birmingham Tech Week Context As part of Birmingham Tech Week, the AI Symposium benefits from being embedded within a larger celebration of technology and innovation in the West Midlands. This positioning allows attendees to connect with the broader regional tech community and explore additional events throughout the week. The event takes place at The ICC, Birmingham, providing a professional venue with excellent facilities for this scale of t