2026 Agenda

Your time is maximised onsite through a combination of keynote presentations, workshops, interactive discussion groups, pre-arranged one-to-one meetings & quality networking sessions

Monday 22nd June 2026
08:30 - 09:00

Arrival, Registration & Breakfast Networking

09:00 - 09:15

Introduction from The Network Group & Chairperson

A brief introduction to the event software, SNS — this software, unique to the industry, empowers our attendees to make the most effective use of their time at the event by maximising networking opportunities. The software designs a personalised agenda & enables attendees to arrange one-to-one meetings with each other. This will be followed by a welcome from the chairperson.

09:15 - 09:45

Embedding IT Governance Strategies to Support Business Objectives

  • Key tips on utilising KPIs to monitor IT performance against business objectives
  • Tailoring risk management policies to mitigate IT security threats
  • Creating accountability frameworks to ensure responsibility in IT decision-making processes

Eoin Grace, IT Operations Director, Markerstudy

09:45 - 10:15

Implementing Data-Informed Approaches to Creating IT Strategies

  • Integrating data silos to provide evidence for decision-making processes
  • Collaborating between IT and data teams to interpret data findings and their impact on IT strategies
  • Incorporating dashboards to widen access for IT teams to data sources

Richard Adams, Group Head of Architecture, DfT Operator

10:15 - 10:45

Driving Responsible Digital Growth

  • Responding to the convergence of digital accessibility, sustainable software engineering, responsible AI, inclusive research, and supply-chain responsibility.
  • Tools & resources for building digital products that minimize environmental impact and maximise inclusion
  • Ideas on how to make responsible design measurable, repeatable, and governed

Stephanie Wand, Head of Technology Strategy, Bupa

10:45 - 11:00
Coffee Break & Networking
11:00 - 11:25

Workshop 1

Redefining the CIO: From Tech Operator to Strategic Value Creator

11:25 - 11:50
Networking
11:50 - 12:15

Workshop 2

Hosted by Vanta

12:15 - 12:40
Networking
12:40 - 13:05

Workshop 3

Delivering Cloud ROI

11:00 - 13:05

One-to-One Meetings

Intelligently matched one-to-one meetings:

  • Talent Development & Skilling
  • BI/Data & Analytics
  • Cybersecurity
  • AI/Machine Learning
  • Customer Experience
  • IT Service Management
  • Digital Transformation Strategy
  • IT Workflow Automation
  • Low Code & Enterprise Application Development
  • Digital Experience Platforms
  • Hybrid Cloud
  • Legacy & IT Modernisation
  • IoT
  • Backup & Disaster Recovery
  • Generative AI
  • DevOps
13:05 - 14:00
Networking Lunch
Stream 1 - IT & Business
14:00 - 14:35

Developing Capacity for Change in Enterprise Processes & IT to Embrace the New World of AI

  • Mapping & monitoring company processes to identify areas for automation or to more fundamental re-design
  • Shift cultures and build capacity to challenge decades long norms on working processes
  • Examples of success and failure in redesigning business workflows to implement full potential of AI and other digital tools for step-change operational efficiency

Benjamin Hughes, Chief Product & Technology Officer, IQVIA

Stream 2 - Utilising Technology
14:00 - 14:35

Incorporating AI with Chinese Characteristics to Build Resilience in Company Cultures

  • Evaluating the differences between Chinese and western uses of AI to drive innovation
  • Guidance for engaging with staff to incorporate AI with Chinese characteristics into working processes
  • Key tips on securing buy-in from senior leaders to embed AI with Chinese characteristics into company cultures

Jialin Wu, Head of Digital Strategy, Virgin Media O2

Stream 1 - IT & Business
14:35 - 15:10

Managing IT Supply Chains to Contribute Towards Organisational Goals

  • Collaborating with software suppliers to select software tailored towards company needs
  • Evaluating the capabilities of vendor companies to maximise efficiency in supply chains
  • Maintaining consistency in supply chains in response to global trade instability

Phil Payne, Director of IT Customer Experience, Bidvest Noonan

Stream 2 - Utilising Technology
14:35 - 15:10

Developing Automated Processes to Increase Efficiency in IT Systems

  • Evaluating working processes to identify areas more liable to human error that can benefit from automation
  • Staff training plans to support transitions to automated systems as part of working processes
  • Key tips on creating processes for automation tools to follow and improve staff workloads

Keith Edwards, Head of IT, Change & Mortgage Servicing, Leek Building Society

15:10 - 15:25
Coffee Break & Networking
15:25 - 15:50

Workshop 4

Transitioning to AI Systems

15:50 - 16:15
Networking
16:15 - 16:40

Workshop 5

Utilising Available IT Resources

16:40 - 17:05
Networking
15:25 - 17:05

One-to-One Meetings

Intelligently matched one-to-one meetings:

  • Talent Development & Skilling
  • BI/Data & Analytics
  • Cybersecurity
  • AI/Machine Learning
  • Customer Experience
  • IT Service Management
  • Digital Transformation Strategy
  • IT Workflow Automation
  • Low Code & Enterprise Application Development
  • Digital Experience Platforms
  • Hybrid Cloud
  • Legacy & IT Modernisation
  • IoT
  • Backup & Disaster Recovery
  • Generative AI
  • DevOps
17:05 - 17:50

Panel Discussion: Implementing AI Systems to Reinforce IT Structures

  • Engaging with staff to highlight how digital tools can reduce workloads and increase uptake of AI systems
  • Best practice in utilising predictive analytics to monitor trends in changing customer behaviours
  • Incorporating AI tools to deliver bias-reduced data and inform decision-making processes

Alan Gillies, IT Director, Corndel
Krenar Muhidini, Director of Engineering, EML Payments
Clare Pryor, CISO, Quadient
Simon Bell, Technical Director, Platform Services, Mott MacDonald

19:00
Networking Drinks Reception & Dinner
Tuesday 23rd June 2026
08:30 - 09:00

Morning registration & breakfast

09:00 - 10:10

Roundtable discussions

Join group discussions with your peers on some of the most challenging & significant finance topics - please confirm attendance prior to the session. Each host will facilitate the discussion & give a short presentation of key findings in the wrap up session.

Roundtable 1: Growing IT Teams
Roundtable 2: Operational Efficiency
Roundtable 3: Zero Trust
Roundtable 4: Legacy Systems
Roundtable 5: Generative AI
Roundtable 6: Sustainability & IT

Joanne Thurlow, Head of IT & Data, Bristol Waste Company

10:10 - 10:45

Roundtable Wrap-up

Each host will provide a short overview of the key findings from their discussion to the room. This is an opportunity for everyone to gain an perspective from each roundtable discussion.

10:45 - 11:00
Coffee break & networking
11:00 - 11:25

Workshop 6

Generative AI

11:25 - 11:50
Networking
11:50 - 12:15

Workshop 7

BI/Data & Analytics

12:15 - 12:40
Networking
12:40-13:05

Workshop 8

Hybrid Cloud

11:00-13:05

One-to-One meetings

Intelligently matched one-to-one meetings:

  • Talent Development & Skilling
  • BI/Data & Analytics
  • Cybersecurity
  • AI/Machine Learning
  • Customer Experience
  • IT Service Management
  • Digital Transformation Strategy
  • IT Workflow Automation
  • Low Code & Enterprise Application Development
  • Digital Experience Platforms
  • Hybrid Cloud
  • Legacy & IT Modernisation
  • IoT
  • Backup & Disaster Recovery
  • Generative AI
  • DevOps
13:05-14:00
Networking Lunch
Stream 1 - IT & Business
14:00-14:35

Enabling Business Value through Architectural Led Approaches and Governance

  • Positioning architecture and governance as mechanisms to enable faster, value-driven decision-making, not just control and oversight
  • Aligning technology investment with business priorities through clear, outcome-led architectural approaches
  • Embedding governance into delivery so teams can move with pace and confidence while maintaining consistency and risk awareness

Helen Gassis, Head of Architecture, Benefact Group

Stream 2 - Utilising Technology
14:00-14:35

Incorporating Cloud Software to Expand IT Capabilities

  • Scaling up cloud operations to meet growing company demands for IT storage
  • Embedding security measures to further protect cloud storage systems
  • Creating cloud back-up procedures to recover lost or stolen digital assets

Ben Dale, Head of IT, Diversity Travel

Stream 1 - IT & Business
14:35 - 15:10

Pragmatism in the Age of Hype: Leading Your Organisation Through Technology Fads

  • Using frameworks to assign IT responsibilities to staff based on their strengths and abilities
  • Regular updates with teams during periods of significant change within IT departments
  • Creating opportunities for staff to input into IT strategy development to claim ownership of team results

Ian Price, IT Director, MHR

Stream 2 - IT Architecture
14:35 - 15:10

Designing IT Architecture that Enables the Business

  • Designing IT architecture polices to improve dataflow as part of company processes
  • Incorporating IT architecture into governance frameworks to manage IT environments
  • Key tips on integrating software applications to increase efficiency in IT strategies

Paul Hart, Head of IT & Procurement, Liberis

15:10 - 15:55

Panel Discussion: Widening Information Security Policies to Further Protect Company Assets

  • Guidance on allocating resources within IT budgets to build up cyber security measures
  • Utilising encryption software to tackle security vulnerabilities in digital assets
  • Training schemes to support staff to recognise and appropriately report information security threats

Fene Osakwe, Council Member, Forbes Technology Council
Maria Waite, Head of Cyber Security & Technical Services, NSPCC
Andy Birch, CISO, Loftware

15:55 - 16:00
Closing remarks from the Chairperson

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