Evening Drinks: Meet People in Tech (Developers, PMs, Designers, UX and More)

⌖ Birmingham · NEC Campus

Hosted by Venture Marketing Group Ltd

Explore AI technologies, blended learning and practical L&D solutions at World of Learning 2026, at the NEC in Birmingham on 6–7 October. Designed for learning and development professionals, this two-day event combines a large, free-to-attend exhibition with a paid conference programme for senior L&D practitioners. It offers a focused opportunity to compare suppliers, examine new approaches to workplace learning and discuss the issues shaping the profession. Explore the exhibition More than 150 learning and development suppliers will showcase solutions spanning AI technologies, blended learning services and other areas of the L&D market. Beyond the exhibition stands, visitors can access over 70 free seminars, making this a practical way to gather ideas and hear different perspectives without purchasing a conference pass. The exhibition programme also includes: - Roundtable sessions for collaborative discussion - Interactive zones and special features - A dedicated Mental Wellbeing Zone - The Life Skills Lounge - An Exhibition Keynote fireside chat on day two This mix of supplier discovery, seminar content and interactive activities should suit L&D professionals looking to research technologies, benchmark possible solutions or build their knowledge across multiple areas in one visit. Upgrade for the L&D Conference Alongside the free exhibition, the paid World of Learning Conference provides a comprehensive two-day programme addressing the vital issues facing senior L&D professionals. Conference delegates can expect engaging seminars, interactive panel sessions and collaborative roundtables, supported by enhanced networking opportunities and exclusive delegate perks. The conference format is particularly relevant to L&D leaders and senior practitioners who want deeper discussion and peer exchange, while the exhibition remains accessible to the wider learning and development community. Early Bird offers are available for conference places secured by 5 July 2026. Further programme and visitor information is available on the official event website. Venue and times The event takes place in Hall 19 at the NEC Campus in Birmingham: - Tuesday 6 October 2026: 9am–5pm - Wednesday 7 October 2026: 9am–4pm… Register for this event

⌖ 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 · 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

⌖ 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

⌖ Birmingham · Birmingham Repertory Theatre

Hosted by AND Capital Projects Limited

A practical, beginner-friendly AI workshop in Birmingham focused on working faster, strengthening skills and creating new income opportunities. Taking place on 2 November 2026 at Birmingham Repertory Theatre, this hands-on session looks beyond AI hype to explore where the technology can create real value in everyday work, freelancing, entrepreneurship and small business. It forms part of Building Financial Futures 2026, a full-day event covering financial resilience, careers, wealth, property, business ownership and long-term financial planning. What the workshop covers The session focuses on practical application rather than technical theory. Attendees will explore: - Ways to use AI to work more efficiently and improve productivity - How AI can strengthen skills and expertise you already have - Using AI to research, create, analyse information and solve problems - Opportunities to support freelancing and generate additional income - Practical applications for entrepreneurs and small businesses - Turning ideas into products, services or commercial opportunities more quickly - Why human judgement and subject-matter expertise remain essential - Responsible AI use, including the technology’s limitations The workshop is designed for non-technical attendees, and no previous AI experience is required. It should be particularly relevant to employees, freelancers, aspiring entrepreneurs, business owners and anyone curious about applying AI to their work or ideas without needing to understand the underlying technology. Part of a wider financial futures programme Registration for this workshop also provides access to the broader Building Financial Futures 2026 programme. The full-day event brings together individuals, families, business owners, financial professionals and community organisations for a mix of keynotes, workshops, marketplace activity and networking.… Register for this event