AI Data Hive: Manchester #5

⌖ Manchester · Manchester Central

Hosted by Data Decoded

Data Decoded MCR returns to Manchester on 13-14 October 2026 as the definitive two-day data and AI festival for professionals ready to transform how they work with data. Whether you're a data leader shaping organisational strategy or a hands-on engineer building the infrastructure, this event delivers the technical depth, strategic insight, and practical solutions you need to thrive in 2026's rapidly evolving data landscape. Why Attend Data Decoded MCR? This isn't just another conference — it's where cutting-edge technology meets real-world business applications. The event addresses the full spectrum of modern data challenges across five dedicated content theatres covering everything from Agentic AI and Generative AI & LLM to Data Governance, DataOps, and the Modern Data Stack. You'll gain actionable strategies for implementing low-code/no-code solutions, mastering Data Engineering workflows, and developing robust AI Data & ML pipelines that drive measurable business outcomes. What You'll Experience Five Conference Theatres deliver targeted content streams: Keynote sessions on Leadership & Strategy, deep dives into AI Analytics & Intelligence, essential guidance on Data Governance Risk & Compliance, architectural insights on Data Platforms & Infrastructure, and hands-on expertise in Data Engineering Integration & Automation. With 150+ seminar sessions, you'll hear from practitioners who've navigated the same challenges you face — from building scalable data architectures to establishing effective Data Culture & Leadership practices. The exhibition floor connects you with global solution providers and innovative start-ups showcasing the latest in data platforms, governance tools, and AI technologies. Whether you're evaluating Supabase for your data backend, exploring n8n or Make for automation workflows, or implementing Airtable or Notion for low-code data management, you'll discover tools and services designed to solve your specific technical challenges. Small-group workshops offer intensive skill-building opportunities — perfect for data technicians (architects, engineers, analysts, scientists) wanting to deepen their technical capabilities or for operational influencers from IT, finance, marketing, and customer experience teams looking to leverage da

⌖ 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

⌖ Manchester · The Lowry, Salford Quays

Hosted by Xpertise Recruitment

Manchester Technology Leaders Conference brings technology, data and transformation leaders together at The Lowry on 12 November 2026 to tackle AI accountability. Show Me the Money: The AI Accountability Reckoning Taking place from 12pm on Thursday 12 November 2026 at The Lowry, Salford Quays, this leadership conference explores how organisations can use AI, data and technology to strengthen innovation, accelerate business growth and build resilience in a fast-changing digital landscape. The 2026 theme, “Show Me the Money: The AI Accountability Reckoning,” puts the focus on moving beyond AI ambition to measurable impact and responsible leadership. Attendees will hear how senior technology figures are approaching transformation, with an emphasis on real-world applications, proven practices and strategies that can be put to work after the event. What to expect The programme combines expert-led content with opportunities for discussion and peer learning. It will feature: - Two keynote speakers, including announced keynote Kirsty Mason - A panel of business and technology leaders - Interactive Q&A sessions with CIOs, CTOs and AI leaders - Transformation success stories and practical, hands-on strategies - Actionable examples of applying AI, data and technology in business - Exclusive insight into the UK technology market from both hiring and job-seeking perspectives - Dedicated networking with fellow leaders from across the technology community Food and refreshments will be available throughout the day, supporting a conference format designed to make it easy to continue conversations between sessions. Who should attend? This event is designed for the Technology, Data and Transformation leadership community, particularly business and technology decision-makers responsible for AI adoption, digital strategy, innovation, organisational resilience or growth. It will be especially relevant to CIOs, CTOs, data leaders, AI leaders, transformation executives and senior professionals who want to compare approaches with peers and learn from practical experience.… Register for this event

⌖ Manchester · WPP office

Hosted by IAB UK

AI in the North is a practical IAB UK conference on AI in advertising, taking place at WPP’s Manchester office on 12 November 2026. Designed for professionals across the North’s advertising and media industry, this focused afternoon will help attendees understand how AI is changing the sector now, not simply speculate about what may happen next. Expect research-led insight, practical industry examples and clear discussion of the regulatory and operational questions businesses need to address as AI moves from automation towards greater autonomy. The event runs from 15:00 to 16:45, followed by networking drinks, at the WPP office, 1 New Quay Street, Manchester, M3 4BN. Get directions. What the afternoon covers After delegate arrival, Eliza Lyons, Member Services Manager at IAB UK, will open the programme and explain how attendees can make the most of their membership. The main sessions then explore: - The State of AI in Advertising, Si Hunt, Insight & Planning Manager at IAB UK, will examine the shift from automation to autonomy and share key findings from IAB UK’s State of AI in Advertising report. - Agentic AI in advertising, Joe Jackson, Ad Tech Executive at IAB UK, will discuss the emergence of more autonomous AI systems within the advertising landscape. - AI regulation, Beth Rogers, Public Policy Manager at IAB UK, will outline what is known so far and help attendees understand the developing policy environment. - AI in Action, a closing session focused on what organisations are actually doing with AI, using examples rather than predictions. Additional speakers for this segment are still to be confirmed. Who should attend? This event is aimed at IAB UK members working across advertising, agencies, brands, media and ad tech who want a grounded view of AI’s current business impact. It will be particularly relevant to people responsible for strategy, innovation, policy, technology, insight or campaign delivery. No specific technical experience level is stated; the emphasis is on industry knowledge, practical learning and informed discussion rather than hands-on coding.… Register for this event

⌖ Manchester · Copthorne Hotel Manchester

Hosted by Manchester Data Hive (volunteer-led team)

Manchester Data Hive is a free Data & AI Community Day taking place in Manchester on Saturday 14 November 2026. Running from 9am to 5pm at the Copthorne Hotel Manchester, this volunteer-led event brings together data engineers, BI analysts, data scientists, AI practitioners and technology leaders to learn from practical experience, exchange ideas and strengthen the regional data community. Explore Microsoft’s data and AI ecosystem The programme will focus on technologies across Microsoft’s Data & AI ecosystem, including Microsoft Fabric, Azure SQL, Power BI and Microsoft AI/Copilot. Attendees can expect real-world sessions delivered by engineers, analysts, scientists and AI practitioners from across the region. Rather than concentrating only on theory, the day is designed to provide useful ideas that can transfer into everyday work. Topics and takeaways will range from tooling tips to architectural patterns, helping attendees discover approaches they can begin applying on Monday morning. What to expect The event combines several opportunities to learn and connect: - Practical talks grounded in real projects and professional experience - Two parallel tracks running across two rooms, each seating 50 people - Networking with fellow data professionals and community leaders - Actionable takeaways for data, analytics, business intelligence and AI work - A welcoming community environment, with first-time attendees especially encouraged to participate The programme is suitable for a broad range of experience levels. Seasoned data engineers can compare approaches and explore architectural ideas, BI analysts can develop their skills, and people who are simply curious about how AI may affect their careers can build their understanding in an approachable setting. Venue and community Manchester Data Hive takes place at Copthorne Hotel Manchester, Clippers Quay, Salford Quays, Manchester, M50 3SN. The venue offers on-site accommodation, catering and access via the Metrolink to MediaCityUK.… Register for this event

Sponsors: WomenTech Network · Manchester Tech Week

⌖ Manchester · The Midland Hotel

Hosted by Careers and Skills for Data-driven Research (CaSDaR)

The CaSDaR Data Stewardship Conference returns on 17–18 November 2026, connecting the UK’s research data community in Manchester and online. Hosted by Careers and Skills for Data-driven Research (CaSDaR), this two-day hybrid conference offers a forum to examine data stewardship in practice, share the network’s progress and help shape its next phase. It comes one year after the CaSDaR Network launched to strengthen recognition of Data Stewards, support professional development and build a connected UK-wide community. What to expect Day one explores how data stewardship is changing across organisations and disciplines. Mijke Jetten of Health-RI will deliver the keynote, followed by contributions from Ramiro Bravo of the University of Manchester, Rob Cubey of RBG Edinburgh, Ilkay Holt and Revekka Kefalea of the Risk Management Toolkit for Open GLAMs, Ben Thomas of HDR-UK, and a UKRN representative. The programme combines: - Talks on evolving data stewardship practice - Poster presentations and participant-led lightning talks - A session on the role of associations in the higher education landscape - Coffee breaks, lunch and dedicated networking time - An evening drinks reception and dinner for in-person delegates Day two turns the focus to CaSDaR’s work and future direction. Delegates will hear an analysis of the first funding call, presentations from the 70K projects and a panel featuring the 5K projects. Parallel breakout sessions will then give attendees a direct opportunity to inform CaSDaR’s future activities and deliverables. This conference is particularly relevant to Data Stewards, research data professionals, higher education staff, project teams and others involved in data-driven research. It should also appeal to anyone interested in the recognition, development and future of data stewardship as research data grows in volume and complexity. Present your work CaSDaR is inviting community members to contribute a lightning talk or poster on 17 November. Apply for a lightning talk or submit a poster proposal by 19 October 2026; final decisions are due on 23 October.… Register for this event