DTX Manchester, the North’s leading enterprise IT and technology event, is only weeks away and with a lineup featuring Dame Laura Kenny, cyber legend Rik Ferguson, gaming champion, John Romero, plus the UK’s most renowned entrepreneur, Piers Linney, this year’s event is not to be missed.
Co-located with UC Expo Manchester, DTX + UCX Manchester is the region’s ultimate gathering for technology leaders and digital disruptors. This year’s event runs in partnership with Manchester Mind, an independent local mental health charity, and is dedicated to "Innovation with Integrity”. The theme will feature at the heart of the conference, exploring how businesses can leverage emerging technologies, while maintaining mindful, ethical, secure, humane and transparent practices.
So, what can visitors to the North’s number one tech event expect?
From keynotes to panels to fireside chats, workshops and meetups, visitors can expect a packed schedule where they will hear from pioneers who are spearheading AI adoption, working on the frontlines of cyber and transforming their organisations through technology innovations.
Below is a roundup of 14 not-to-be-missed sessions taking place in Manchester this April.
To check out the full agenda, click here: https://www.dtxevents.io/
Guarantee a front-row seat and join the game-changers and tech pioneers at this year’s event - get your free pass here: DTX: https://bit.ly/407CrJR
- Headline speaker – Dame Laura Kenny (Main stage - Wednesday 2nd April 10.00AM - 10.45AM): From track to trailblazer: How Britain's most successful British female Olympian is inspiring future generations
The power of mental resilience: What does it take to bounce back after setbacks? Balancing sport and family: How to have it all without the burnout? How can sport empower, create opportunities and transform lives?
- Headline speaker – Piers Linney, Former Dragon & Co-Founder, Implement AI (Main stage - Wednesday 2nd April 2:05PM - 2:35PM): From rising tide to exponential flood: How to take AI from pilot to profit:
Human-First AI: Distinguishing between AI-assisted and AI-first models, emphasising human augmentation, agentic teams and autonomy. Strategic Stepping Stones: Moving beyond the AI noise, outlining a practical, phased implementation approach—from AI agent pilots to prove value and drive measurable growth, to building an "AI OS”. Finding the "Unknown Unknowns": Are we really addressing the exponential change and impact from AI? Uncover AI's ability to reveal hidden insights and create a "once in a species" competitive advantage.
- Headline speaker – John Romero, award-winning programmer, game designer and level designer at Romero Games (Main stage - Thursday 3rd April 10.15AM – 11.00AM): Level up: How one of the world’s most prolific game creators mastered relentless innovation and creative evolution:
From Idea to Icon: How to turn bold ideas into groundbreaking, culturally impactful creations that stand the test of time? Why continuous innovation of the creative process is critical to staying relevant in a rapidly changing industry. A look at how Romero has reinvented himself and his projects over the decades.
- Panel: The next wave: How to create and execute an AI action plan for innovation, creativity and growth? (Main stage - Wednesday 2nd April 11:35AM - 12:20PM)
From ideation to identification, where will AI bring real impact to your business? Do current operating models need an overhaul to take AI projects from POC to scale? Why human-centered design and delivery is more critical than ever? What are the necessary guardrails for safe and secure AI?
Oliver Pickup, writer, speaker, podcaster, Pickup Media, Andrew Allen, Chief Digital and Technology Officer CDTO for Government at Microsoft, Suzanne Ellison, Head of Product, Lloyds Banking Group, Adam Platt, CTO, Sykes Cottages
- Panel : Strengthening the human firewall: Prioritising mental health in cybersecurity teams (Cyber Hack Stage - Wednesday 2nd April 12:10PM - 12:45PM)
How can managers and colleagues identify signs of mental health struggles, including subtle cues and behaviours, in team members? What are effective ways to approach, talk to, and support colleagues who may be masking or exhibiting concerning behaviour? Taking into account organisation size and budget, what strategies and resources are there to foster resilience in high-pressure environments and support employee mental health?
Sarah Williamson, Operational Manager, Community Mental Health Services, Sally Davies, Head of Incident Management, Office for Nuclear Regulation, Jonathan Marnoch, Principle Cyber Architect, Jaguar Land Rover
- Panel: Leading with purpose, trust and integrity: What type of leader will thrive in today’s fast-paced, AI-driven era? (Main Stage - Wednesday 2nd April 12:30PM - 1:15PM)
What steps can leaders take to better align technology and business roadmaps for accelerated digital transformation? How to shift mindsets and bring people with you on your digital journey? How to lead through times of change whilst navigating the evolving nature of the workplace?
Farhin Khan, Head of Data & GenAI/ML GTM, AWS, Malcolm Lowe, CIO, Transport for Greater Manchester, Paul Oliver, Architecture Director, BT
- Hack: Facing reality: Hacking facial recognition (Cyber Hack Stage – Wednesday 2nd April 2:05PM - 2:30PM)
Explore the controversial potential of facial recognition technology, including real-time identification through cutting-edge glasses. Witness how AI can outsmart facial recognition systems, including bypassing a bank's secure system using freely available software. See how high-security watchlists can be exploited, as Jake demonstrates walking undetected past a system designed to catch known suspects.
Jake Moore, Crime Enthusiast and Global Cybersecurity Advisor, ESET
- Panel : Closing the gap: Can Manchester lead the way in achieving inclusive and sustainable growth? (Main Stage - Wednesday 2nd April 2:45PM - 3:30PM)
How can Manchester sustain its current success whilst building a more equitable tech community? Is this the key to Manchester maintaining its competitive edge? What is being done to align tech innovation with regional, inclusive growth? How to create opportunities for individuals from all backgrounds? How are education, businesses, and government collaborating? What is the impact and opportunity?
Joseph Beaden, Head of Inward Investment for Creative, Digital & Technology, MIDAS, Nicki Clegg, Non-Executive Director, Great Places Housing Group, Katie Gallagher, Managing Director, Manchester Digital, Richard Whittle, University Fellow, University of Salford
- Panel: Rethinking approaches to talent: How to futureproof today's workforce for tomorrow's realities? (Main stage - Thursday 3rd April 11:15AM - 12:00PM)
What impact will AI, and specifically Agentic AI, have on the future workforce?How can organisations leverage AI for worker productivity and experiences while addressing concerns about job security and well-being? How to effectively reskill and upskill workers to adapt to AI whilst ensuring equitable access to training and support?
Dr. Iretioluwa Akerele, Co-Founder, CyBlack, Sara Prowse, CEO, UA92, Sarah Underhill, People Director, Lloyds Banking Group, Christopher Williamson, CTO, N Brown Group
- Case Study: How to drive innovation with a context over content approach to AI (Dev Excellence & Engineering Stage - Thursday 3rd April 11:15AM - 11:40AM)
Why are so many organisations failing to set themselves apart from their competition? How to modernise legacy code and embrace AI-generated code? How to create a mindset of momentum.
Alan Reed, Head of Innovation, bet365
- Panel: People-powered AI: Designing inclusive, human-centered technology for innovation (Data & AI Stage - Thursday 3rd April 11:50AM - 12:35PM)
How can businesses create people-powered AI by involving diverse groups in the development and testing of products and services? What are the positive and negative implications of people-powered AI for businesses, including ethical considerations and workforce adaptation? How can companies design tailored training programs to meet employees' needs and prepare the workforce for AI integration in an ethical and effective way?
Keeley Crockett, Professor in Computational Intelligence, Manchester Metropolitan University, Richard Whittle, University Fellow, University of Salford
- Keynote Interview: The connected leader: How to drive impact through team engagement (Main Stage - Thursday 3rd April 12:10PM - 12:40PM)
How does authentic connection drive impactful leadership and a positive work environment? What practical steps can be taken to instill a deeper sense of ownership, accountability and a shared purpose and vision. How to truly understand team dynamics and identify the skills and preference gaps impacting experience and output
Richard Corbridge, CIO, Segro
- Presentation: Addressing the growing complexity of cybersecurity (Threat Detection and Response Stage - Thursday 3rd April 1:20PM - 1:45PM)
How is geopolitical uncertainty influencing cybersecurity strategies, and what role does it play in shaping business decisions? How do conflicts, such as wars, and the targeting of critical infrastructure impact risk profiles and vendor choices in cyberspace? What challenges do increasingly complex supply chains pose to cyber resilience, and how can organizations address the cascading effects of disruptions?
Rik Ferguson, VP Security Intelligence, Forescout
- Workshop: Interactive Cyber Crisis Workshop | Can you handle our real-world cyber thriller?! (Advanced Cyber Strategies Stage – Thursday 3rd April 2:15PM - 3:15PM)
Step into the high-stakes world of cyber crisis management, with our unique and engaging crisis scenario with an April Fool’s twist. Tackle realistic cybersecurity threats and crisis dilemmas inspired by current events and industry concerns. Face tough choices that test your crisis management principles and challenge your decision-making skills. Gain valuable insights into crisis management and cybersecurity whilst sharing your own thoughts amongst like-minded professionals.
Rob Mukherjee, Founder, Northern InfoSec Leaders
In addition to the unrivalled lineup of sessions, DTX Manchester will also host a series of dynamic fringe events as part of Manchester Tech Week designed to engage, educate and inspire delegates, including:
- Manchester Digital’s Startup Activator Meetup – Supporting early-stage tech businesses.
- Cyber-lympics with Cyber House Party – A fun cyber security challenge.
- techUK’s UK’s Meet the Investors event – Helping UK tech SMEs navigate funding and growth.
- DevOps Manchester Meetup – A space for developers and engineers to exchange ideas.
- Manchester Tech Week Careers Fair – Connecting tech talent with top employers.
- Manchester’s First Wellness Hub – A space to recharge with binaural beats and relaxation zones.
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