Digital Skills Festival 2026: AI Futures Day

⌖ 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. Attendance details Attendance is restricted to IAB UK members. Check eligibility with IAB UK before booking. View the event and registration details

⌖ Manchester · Greater Manchester Digital Security Hub (DiSH)

Hosted by Datacove

Manchester’s Data Intelligence Network returns on 12 November 2026 for an evening of practical insight, peer learning and networking for data and development professionals. Hosted by Datacove, this community meetup brings people together to exchange experiences, explore better ways of working and build meaningful relationships around data intelligence. It takes place from 6:00pm to 8:30pm GMT at the Greater Manchester Digital Security Hub (DiSH), Heron House, 1 Lincoln Square, Manchester. Data meets development The featured talk, “Data Meets Dev: How cross-functional collaboration has changed my work forever,” will be delivered by Fiona Pye, Senior Data Analyst at AutoTrader UK. Fiona will reflect on two years spent working as a data scientist and analyst embedded within a backend development team. She will share how the experience changed her approach to analytics through new ways of thinking about: - Cross-functional collaboration and communication - Software and analytical design - Coding practices and working methods - The relationship between backend systems and business data - Building mutual understanding between data and development teams The learning has worked both ways: while Fiona gained new perspectives from developers, her colleagues developed a richer understanding of the data they handle and produce, including its implications for the wider business. The session offers a grounded case study for anyone interested in breaking down organisational silos and improving how technical teams work together. Who should attend? The meetup welcomes everyone from people beginning a career in data to experienced analysts, data scientists, developers and statistical computing practitioners. It will be particularly relevant to those working with data analytics, visualisation, predictive analytics, programming, R, Python or Shiny, as well as team leaders seeking stronger collaboration across technical disciplines. Datacove runs four Manchester events each year, combining talks, hands-on sessions, open knowledge sharing and informal networking in a friendly, inclusive setting. The wider community is anchored by the annual EARL Data Intelligence Conference in Brighton. View the event and registration details

Sponsors: Datacove · DiSH, Eagle Labs

⌖ 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. View the event and registration details

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

⌖ Manchester · Matillion

Hosted by Jack B. and joe.f

AI Data Hive Manchester 5 brings data and AI professionals together at Matillion in Salford on 19 November 2026 for expert talks and networking. Returning after a short break for its fifth edition, AI Data Hive offers an accessible way to explore current developments in artificial intelligence and data while meeting people from across the local technology community. Running from 5:00pm to 8:30pm GMT, the meetup combines insightful presentations with informal conversation, complimentary refreshments and plenty of time to make new connections. What to expect The evening will focus on the latest trends, challenges and breakthroughs in AI and data. The full speaker line-up is still to be announced, but attendees can expect fresh perspectives and practical discussion around a broad set of interests reflected by the community, including: - AI algorithms and emerging approaches - Data and data governance - AI ethics - Conversational AI - The wider direction of the AI and data industry Alongside the talks, the organisers are creating a welcoming, low-pressure environment for networking. It is an opportunity to compare ideas, discuss challenges and connect with peers working across the Manchester tech scene, without the formality of a large conference. Who should attend? AI Data Hive Manchester 5 is designed for data scientists, data engineers, analysts and other AI or data professionals, as well as anyone who is simply curious about where AI data is heading. The broad remit makes it suitable both for experienced practitioners who want to exchange perspectives and for interested newcomers looking to understand the conversations shaping the field. Venue and format The meetup takes place at Matillion, Two New Bailey Street, Stanley Street, Salford M3 5GS. The programme runs across three and a half hours, giving attendees space for both structured talks and relaxed networking. Complimentary pizza and drinks will be available throughout the evening. View the event and registration details