Marketing: Birmingham AI Breakout — October 2026

⌖ 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 · Slug & Lettuce Brindley Place

Hosted by OkGather

Meet Birmingham’s software engineers, product managers, designers, AI professionals and founders over informal drinks on 13 October 2026. Hosted by OkGather and the Birmingham Tech Network, this relaxed networking evening offers a straightforward way to have useful conversations, exchange ideas and build relationships across the local tech community. It takes place from 7pm to 10pm BST at Slug & Lettuce Brindley Place, 66 Waters Edge, in central Birmingham. Who you’ll meet The gathering is designed for people working in and around technology, including: - Software engineers and developers - Product managers - Designers and UX professionals - Data and AI specialists - Startup founders and operators - VC investors and others involved in growing technology businesses Attendees may be building products and side projects, developing their careers or looking for people with relevant experience. Conversations could help you learn from peers, find collaborators, discover career opportunities, meet potential clients or simply get to know more people with similar interests. A conversation-first format There are no presentations, PowerPoints or speeches. Instead, you can grab a drink, settle in and let conversations develop naturally. There are no structured introductions or organised activities, making this closer to an informal evening with industry peers than a conventional conference or meetup programme. The gathering is generally self-hosted, with support from the venue rather than a designated host leading the night. On arrival, ask the bar staff for the “Birmingham Tech Network” table booking and they will point you in the right direction. The central pub setting is intended to make the event accessible, welcoming and well suited to conversation. This event is part of a recurring series held on the second Tuesday of each month. Places are limited to help maintain the quality of the group. View the event and registration details

⌖ 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