IEEE CAI 2026

⌖ Location TBC · National Space Centre, Leicester, UK

Hosted by Festival of AI

Festival of AI 2026 takes place on October 16th at the iconic National Space Centre in Leicester, offering a refreshingly practical approach to artificial intelligence that cuts through the hype and delivers real value. Unlike typical AI conferences that recycle basic ChatGPT introductions, this event is built for action. The day begins with a friendly Introduction to AI to ensure everyone starts from the same foundation, then rapidly transitions into real-world strategy, tactical walkthroughs, and plug-and-play tools you can implement in your business immediately. What Makes This Event Different Every session focuses on actionable insights you can use the next day. You'll explore hands-on workshops with popular AI platforms, discover real-world case studies from businesses successfully using AI, and learn implementation strategies that actually save time and money. Whether you're testing AI tools like Claude and Gemini for the first time or already integrating automation workflows with platforms like Make and n8n, you'll find practical value tailored to your experience level. Who Should Attend This event welcomes everyone from complete beginners to experienced practitioners. The inclusive community approach means solopreneurs, startup founders, enterprise teams, and AI enthusiasts all find relevant takeaways. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by AI jargon or frustrated by theoretical discussions that don't translate to real work, Festival of AI 2026 is designed specifically for you. What You'll Take Away - Implementation frameworks for AI tools that genuinely improve productivity - Real business case studies showing measurable ROI from AI adoption - Hands-on experience with cutting-edge AI platforms and automation tools - Networking connections with fellow AI practitioners and innovators - Strategic approaches for integrating AI into existing workflows - Forward-looking insights on AI trends that matter for your business The National Space Centre provides an inspiring backdrop for a day focused on innovation and practical learning. From strategy sessions to tactical workshops, every element is designed to ensure you leave thinking: "That was the most useful day I've ever spent on AI." Register for Festival of AI 2026

⌖ Amsterdam · RAI Amsterdam

Build AI applications and agents at this free hybrid hackathon, running online from 16–19 October 2026 and on-site in Amsterdam on 19–20 October. The TechEx Amsterdam Hackathon is the official hackathon of AI & Big Data Expo Europe, organised by TechEx Events and lablab.ai. It gives participants the opportunity to create real AI projects in the context of one of Europe’s largest enterprise technology events, and, if approved for the in-person experience, present their work live at the expo. Build across enterprise technology Rather than limiting participants to a single use case, the hackathon invites projects spanning a broad range of connected technologies. You can develop AI applications and agents focused on: - Artificial intelligence and big data - Cybersecurity - Cloud technology and data infrastructure - Internet of Things and edge computing - Automation - Digital transformation This makes the event particularly relevant to AI builders, agent developers, technologists and product creators interested in applying emerging technology to practical enterprise challenges. The page does not specify a required experience level, but the emphasis is firmly on building and showcasing a working project. A two-stage hybrid format The programme combines a remote build period with an optional on-site experience: - 16–19 October: build your project online - 19–20 October: approved participants attend the on-site portion at RAI Amsterdam The physical venue is RAI Amsterdam, Europaplein 24, 1078 GZ Amsterdam, placing selected teams directly inside the AI & Big Data Expo Europe environment. The live showcase is a distinctive opportunity to put your AI application or agent in front of people attending a major enterprise technology expo. On-site participation is subject to approval. Participants should also plan their logistics carefully: travel and accommodation are not covered by the organisers. Those taking part remotely can use the online build window, while the lablab.ai Discord community provides access to mentors and the event team. Register for the TechEx Amsterdam Hackathon

⌖ Southampton · Eagle Labs

Hosted by University of Southampton AI Society

SotonShip 26 is a free, three-day applied-AI hackathon bringing 200+ builders to Eagle Labs in Southampton from 16–18 October 2026. Presented by the University of Southampton AI Society, the event has a direct mission: “Stop learning AI. Start shipping it.” Rather than focusing on AI theory alone, SotonShip creates a dedicated environment for turning ideas into tangible projects over one intensive weekend. What to expect Running across Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the hackathon gives attendees three days to concentrate on building with AI. The event’s published “Manifest” sets out a three-day schedule, while its wider programme is organised around a mission and five pillars. Full details of those pillars and the timed agenda will be available through the event website. The format is aimed at people who want to move from exploring AI concepts to applying them. It should be particularly relevant to: - Students interested in practical AI development - Developers, makers and technical builders - Founders or aspiring founders testing AI product ideas - Creatives and experimenters looking for a focused shipping deadline - Anyone motivated by hands-on building rather than passive learning The organiser does not specify a required experience level on the published page. What unites attendees is the intention to make and ship: the event is explicitly framed as an applied-AI hackathon, not a conventional lecture series or classroom course. A builder-first hackathon in Southampton SotonShip 26 takes place at Eagle Labs in Southampton. With more than 200 builders expected, it offers a substantial in-person setting for focused project work alongside others who are actively experimenting with AI. The event also has a distinctive retro game and nautical identity. Its website presents the programme as a voyage, with a “Mission”, “Five Pillars”, “Manifest”, “Backers”, “Logbook” and “Boarding Pass”. The playful “insert coin” and “claim your seat” framing reinforces the core message: this is an event designed around participation and action. A logbook from the previous edition, plus dedicated sections for sponsors and partners, can also be explored through the event site. Entry is listed as free, but attendees still need to claim a place. Claim your boarding pass for SotonShip 26

⌖ Manchester

Green Circles Manchester is an in-person AI hackathon on 16 October 2026, connecting AI builders with industry experts in Manchester. Build and connect around AI This one-day event offers AI builders an opportunity to step away from purely online discussion and meet people working with artificial intelligence in a practical, build-focused setting. The central proposition is simple: bring builders and industry expertise together in Manchester, creating space for technical exploration, new connections and conversations grounded in real-world experience. Green Circles Manchester is supported by Barclays Eagle Labs and Silicon Mingle. That combination of an AI builder community and industry backing makes the event particularly relevant to people who want to expand their network while spending time in an environment centred on creating with AI. Who it is for The hackathon is aimed at AI builders and people interested in connecting with industry experts. It may be especially relevant to: - Developers, makers and technical founders building AI products - Entrepreneurs exploring AI-enabled business ideas - Product professionals interested in applied artificial intelligence - Members of the Manchester technology community looking for builder-focused connections - People who value learning through practical events rather than conventional conference presentations The listing does not specify a required experience level, technical stack or set of participating tools. It also does not publish named speakers, challenge briefs, team requirements or judging criteria. Prospective attendees who need those details should check the registration information before booking. Event format and details Green Circles Manchester is listed as an in-person hackathon, taking place in Manchester, Great Britain, on Friday 16 October 2026. Unlike a standard talk-only meetup, its hackathon positioning signals a setting focused on builders and active participation, alongside access to industry perspectives. The published event description specifically highlights the connection between AI builders and experts as its defining feature.… Register for this event

Sponsors: Barclays Eagle Labs · Silicon Mingle

⌖ Bangkok · ibis Styles Bangkok Ratchada

Hosted by Charle charoenphan

Explore how to build a secure, controllable open-source AI and LLM ecosystem in Bangkok on 16 October 2026, from model selection to deployment. This practical session examines how organisations can connect the essential components of an AI environment while embedding security throughout the development lifecycle. It is designed for people evaluating open-source AI for a new project as well as teams looking to improve an existing setup. What you’ll explore - Selecting open-source AI models and supporting tools - Connecting components into a complete, useful ecosystem - AI and LLM application development - Agentic orchestration - Secure Linux infrastructure - Software supply-chain protection - Integrating security from inception through deployment The event features TOPPAN KAIZEN and TuxCare, with a focus on helping organisations integrate AI technologies, accelerate application development and retain greater understanding and control of their systems. No individual speaker line-up or detailed agenda has been published. Hosted by Charle charoenphan and Nicole Woo, the session runs from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM (GMT+7) on Friday, 16 October 2026 at ibis Styles Bangkok Ratchada, 212 Ratchadaphisek Road, Huai Khwang, Bangkok. Registration requires host approval. Request to join the event.

⌖ Berlin · WECC - Westhafen Event & Convention Center

Hosted by Neulandpro

Neulandpro Connect 2026 brings 20+ speakers and 30+ AI workshops to Berlin for two days of practical learning, expert insight and in-person connections. Taking place on 16–17 October 2026 at the WECC – Westhafen Event & Convention Center, this large-scale AI conference is built around a clear promise: after two concentrated days, attendees should approach their work differently. The programme begins at 09:00 on Friday 16 October and combines a substantial workshop schedule with perspectives from prominent figures and AI leaders at Meta, Databricks and Deutsche Bahn. Speakers and programme The announced line-up is headed by Sascha Lobo, alongside: - Sarah Rojewski - Dr. Michael Drass - Felix Mutzl - Tomas Havlik - Inken Paland With more than 20 speakers and over 30 workshops across the conference, Neulandpro Connect offers more than a conventional sequence of presentations. Its workshop-heavy format gives participants multiple opportunities to explore AI in a focused setting, while the wider speaker programme brings together viewpoints from major technology and transport organisations. The full workshop topics, timetable and individual company affiliations have not yet been detailed on the listing. Who should attend? The event is relevant to professionals, business leaders, builders and teams who want to understand how AI is changing day-to-day work. It should be particularly useful for people seeking a broad view of current AI practice alongside structured workshop experiences. No specific technical prerequisites or experience level are listed, so prospective attendees should review the released agenda when choosing sessions. Venue and practical details This is a two-day, in-person event in Berlin, hosted in Halle 1 at the WECC – Westhafen Event & Convention Center, Sektor B, 13353 Berlin. The venue can be reached by public transport, bicycle, car or on foot. Neulandpro is the organiser; its Eventbrite organiser page provides the available organiser information. Please note that the listing states tickets are non-refundable. Get tickets for Neulandpro Connect 2026