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
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