AI Without Compromise: Strategy, Security and Successful Adoption

⌖ Cardiff · NatWest Accelerator

Hosted by AI Wales

Build an AI prototype for better UK insurance research at this one-day hackathon in Cardiff on 20 October 2026. Consumers increasingly ask tools such as ChatGPT about insurance before approaching a broker, insurer or comparison site. Those answers can sound convincing while being outdated, based on the US market or shaped by a poorly framed prompt. Hosted by AI Wales, this practical hackathon invites participants to explore how AI could provide more accurate, useful and trustworthy insurance information. The challenge Based on findings from the Future Finance Research Sprint, teams can tackle one or more of three core problems: - Answer quality often depends on how a consumer prompts the LLM. - LLMs may lack current, accurate and UK-specific insurance information. - Consumers can arrive at insurers and comparison sites with assumptions already shaped by AI. Your concept might help people ask better questions, assess the answers they receive, identify gaps in their understanding or make a more effective handover to a broker, insurer or comparison service. Solutions should work with AI tools people already use, protect consumer privacy and avoid crossing into regulated financial advice. Participants can review the full challenge brief before the event. What you’ll build The goal is either a working prototype or a strong concept with the potential to make a real difference for consumers. Attendees can use Lovable to turn an idea into an app, with 100 free credits supplied to every participant, including solo entrants. Sign-up details for the credits will be shared on the day. No development or insurance expertise is required. The event is designed for mixed teams of developers, designers, product professionals, insurance and finance specialists, students and anyone curious about AI. Enter alone, bring a team of up to four or find collaborators at the venue. View the event and registration details

LovableChatGPT

Sponsors: Future Finance · FinTech Wales +2

⌖ Cardiff · Cardiff City Stadium

Hosted by B2B Growth Expo

Cardiff B2B Growth Expo 2026 brings AI, innovation, investment and business-growth insights to Cardiff City Stadium on Thursday 29 October, 10am–4:30pm. Designed to help businesses generate leads, meet prospective buyers and discover new opportunities, this one-day, in-person expo combines a large exhibition with expert talks, practical workshops and structured networking. Organised by B2B Growth Expo, the event expects more than 1,500 prospective buyers and over 100 exhibitors at Cardiff City Stadium in Cardiff. What to expect The programme covers timely themes shaping modern organisations, including AI, business innovation, sustainability, corporate wellbeing, finance, investment and business growth. Rather than relying on a single conference track, the expo offers several ways to learn, connect and participate: - An exhibition featuring products, services and potential business partners - Keynote talks and specialist seminars - Panel discussions exploring business challenges and opportunities - Hands-on workshops focused on practical learning - Speed networking and dedicated relationship-building sessions - An Investors Pitch Fest for businesses seeking visibility and investment - Business awards celebrating commercial achievement The wider schedule begins with exhibitor setup, followed by networking for guests of honour, exhibitors and VIP guests. The show is then formally opened by the Lord Mayor of Cardiff. Attendees can move between the exhibition floor, keynote programme, seminars, workshops, networking sessions and pitch activities throughout the day. Speakers The announced keynote line-up includes: - Santosh Kumar, Global CEO of B2B Growth Hub - Councillor Michael Michael, Lord Mayor of Cardiff - Nagendra Mishra, serial entrepreneur and owner of multiple businesses - Des O’Connor, Director at DesOConnor.ai - Michael Ramlakhan, Founder and Managing Director at Timeless IMS - John Attridge, CEO at BBX UK Who should attend?… Register for this event

⌖ Cardiff · Tramshed Tech

Hosted by Impact and Engagement, Cardiff University

Explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping creative work at this free, 90-minute Cardiff University workshop for creative professionals in Cardiff. Held at Tramshed Tech in Cardiff, Creativity Under Pressure: AI and the Future of Creative Work examines the influence of AI on people working across the creative industries. The workshop offers a focused setting in which to consider what emerging technology means for creative practice and the future of professional creative work. Event details - Date: Tuesday 3 November 2026 - Time: 13:15–14:45 - Venue: Tramshed Tech, Cardiff - Format: In-person workshop - Price: Free - Organiser: Impact and Engagement, Cardiff University The session is particularly relevant to creative professionals interested in understanding the effects of AI on their field. The published listing does not provide a detailed agenda, named speakers or required experience level, so prospective attendees should check the latest event information before booking. Register for this free workshop

⌖ Cardiff · sbarc|spark

Hosted by Posterity Global

Explore practical ways to procure, contract and manage AI systems at this free, participant-led unconference in Cardiff on 5 November 2026. Hosted by Posterity Global, this in-person event brings together commercial, technical, legal and operational decision-makers to tackle the fast-changing challenges surrounding AI products and services. Rather than following a fixed programme, attendees will create the agenda on the day, ensuring conversations focus on the real issues participants face in their organisations. What will be discussed? The unconference is designed as a cross-sector “big tent” gathering, with anticipated themes including: - Shifting from spending to investing: moving beyond rigid, transactional procurement and developing more dynamic commercial frameworks for rapidly evolving AI systems. - Evaluating hype versus reality: assessing vendor claims against genuine user needs while considering legacy infrastructure, data quality and risk constraints. - Contracting, risk and exit: creating agile contracts that support experimentation while addressing continuous model updates, data security, supplier lock-in and exit strategies from the outset. - Building capability and confidence: helping commercial and technical teams define problems, assess AI bids, govern supplier performance and evaluate whether AI delivers measurable improvements and public value. Because the agenda is participant-led, these themes provide a starting point rather than a prescribed schedule. Attendees can propose questions, share experiences and help develop practical approaches to emerging procurement and contract-management challenges. Those new to the format can read this guide to attending an unconference or watch the organiser’s recommended introductory video. The 2025 event insights also offer useful background. Who should attend?… Register for this event

⌖ Location TBC · Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel

Hosted by AMT - The Association For Manufacturing Technology

MTForecast 2026 delivers the economic intelligence and manufacturing technology insights business leaders need to navigate an evolving industrial landscape. Taking place October 14-16, 2026 at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel in Schaumburg, Illinois, this flagship conference from AMT - The Association For Manufacturing Technology brings together industry experts, economists, and manufacturing professionals for three days of strategic forecasting and data-driven decision making. Why Attend MTForecast 2026 In an era where manufacturing is being transformed by automation, AI, and digital workflows, having access to accurate economic forecasts and market intelligence is critical. MTForecast cuts through the noise to deliver actionable insights from recognized experts who understand the manufacturing technology sector. Whether you're planning capital investments, evaluating new technologies, or developing your business strategy for the next 2-3 years, this conference provides the data and context you need to make informed decisions. What to Expect Attendees will gain access to comprehensive economic forecasts specifically tailored to the manufacturing technology industry, along with critical market insights covering emerging opportunities and potential challenges. The conference features presentations from leading economists and industry analysts who specialize in manufacturing trends, global supply chain dynamics, and technology adoption patterns. Sessions are designed to be immediately practical — you'll leave with specific intelligence you can apply to your business planning. The event covers pitfalls to avoid and opportunities to capitalize on as manufacturing continues its digital transformation. Topics typically span economic indicators, technology investment trends, workforce development, automation adoption, and global market shifts. While specific speakers and session details for 2026 haven't been announced yet, past conferences have explored how tools like Airtable, Notion, and automation platforms are streamlining manufacturing operations alongside traditional industrial technologies. Who Should Attend MTForecast is designed for manufacturing executives, business strategists, operations leaders, and anyone responsible for making capital investment decisions in the manufacturing technology space. The conferen

⌖ Dublin · Royal Dublin Society (RDS)

Hosted by Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE)

Ireland's International AI Summit 2026 marks the official launch of European AI Innovation Month, positioning Dublin at the heart of Europe's AI conversation. Hosted by Ireland's Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment during the country's EU Presidency, this flagship event brings together EU and global leaders, heads of government, CEOs, investors, innovators and academics at the Royal Dublin Society (RDS) on 14th October 2026. What Makes This Summit Essential Under the theme Harnessing AI to Revolutionise Europe's Competitiveness, the summit serves as a high-level platform for strategic dialogue on AI's future application across Europe and globally. Ireland's unique position as the EU headquarters for sixteen of the world's top twenty global technology companies and eight leading foundational AI model providers makes it an ideal setting for this critical conversation about Europe's technological sovereignty and competitive future. Programme Structure The full-day summit combines multiple engagement formats designed to explore AI from policy, economic and technological perspectives. Ministerial addresses and keynote speeches from global leaders will establish the strategic context, with confirmed keynote speaker EU Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen addressing technological sovereignty, security and democracy. These high-level addresses are complemented by panel discussions and fireside chats examining: - Competitiveness and innovation in the European AI landscape - Trustworthy AI development and deployment - Digital infrastructure requirements for AI advancement - Investment strategies and funding mechanisms - Skills and talent development for the AI economy Sector Deep Dives and Practical Applications Beyond strategic policy discussion, the summit includes European-focused sector deep dives examining AI opportunities across key areas of economy and society. These sessions highlight practical examples of AI adoption and collaboration, showcasing how businesses, public services and research institutions deploy AI solutions to improve productivity, deliver innovative services and address complex societal challenges. An Innovation Spotlight Exhibition will provide enterprises the opportunity to demonstrate cutting-edge AI applications and solutions, with expressions of