THEMES
Our Programme is taking shape but what can you expect and what will you learn from our expert panels at this year's event?
FINTECH
Can I pay with Bitcoin for that NFT?
If you didn’t understand that question, this might be the panel for you as we explore the world of FinTech. In 2020 the government commissioned The Kalifa Review of UK FinTech which highlights the opportunity to create highly skilled jobs across the UK, boost trade and extend the UK’s competitive edge over other leading FinTech Hubs - but how is it proposing we do this and what strides are we already making in this space? Join us as our panel discuss how organisations like the FCA are helping the #FinTech revolution, decentralised finance, electronic institutions and why your collectables might soon be digital.
RETAIL
Goodbye High Street, Hello AR Street?
In a year that saw retail giants like Debenhams, Topshop and Thorntons disappear from the high street for good, we’re asking what next for retail? Easing of lockdown means we’re free to go back to the high street - but will we? The global pandemic has forced advances in shipping and logistics and savvy retailers have stepped up their online experience to meet demand. You no longer need to “be in the shop” to ‘see in the shop’ - VR has taken care of that and no more guessing if that sofa will look great in your living room thanks to AR. In fact there’s no reason to go to a physical shop again or is there?
GREEN TECH
Building green growth, getting to Zero by 2050
The world we live in is changing and never more than in the past year, the UK demographic is evolving. The population is growing and expected to increase to 73m by 2041 and the number of people aged 65+ is also projected to rise to 26% of the population by the same year. It’s crucial then that we change how we plan our environment, how people live and work differently in a way that is more environmentally sound than ever. The UK is committed to reaching net-zero emissions by 2050 and Manchester by 2038 but how are we going to get there? Our panel will be discussing this plus how we can empower real change through our property and transport sectors to enable a greener future for all.
CYBER CRIME
From Royal Mail to National Insurance, Cyber Crime: Part and Parcel of the new world?
2020 was the year the world truly went digital and with the increase in usage came an increase in those looking to exploit the online world. We’ve all been targeted by cybercriminals by now and most of us know how to spot it but as much as tech is constantly improving, so too are cyber criminals now posing as trusted and reputable organisations such as Royal Mail or National Insurance. More people than before are getting caught out and that’s a huge problem. We now have more data than ever on our computers and smartphones. We work, educate and operate our lives through our devices so how can we protect ourselves? Our panel will be discussing this plus taking a look at data ownership and how regulations simply can’t keep up with the evolution of tech and those who seek to exploit it.
HEALTH TECH
Post-Pandemic Healthcare: What’s next?
If there was ever a year when the UK health service was under scrutiny it was this one, pushed to it’s very limits followed by a truly remarkable and life-changing vaccination programme. But outside of the pandemic, what has been happening in healthcare to make the lives of the provider and the patient simpler? From the advent of organisations like Push Doctor, removing the need for a physical appointment, to smart ambulances that allow patients to be treated by consultants via video link before they reach a hospital. Our panel will discuss these innovations plus what the future of health provision looks like from health records being fully accessible to all patients and prescriptions being delivered by drone.
SKILLS & EDUCATION
Closing the gap, the changing face of talent and education
From endless Zoom calls to Google Classroom, we’ve been working and learning online for the majority of the pandemic, and a change that at first was forced upon us has become the norm for many businesses and educational providers. For employers, the move to remote working has meant an opening up of the talent pool where once only a Manchester-based candidate will do now the whole of the UK and further afield are potential talent hotspots for tech. Our panel will be discussing how remote delivery has impacted both education and the workplace for the better plus we’ll be taking a look at the future of training and skills and how employers can approach both recruitment and onboarding differently in a new virtual world of talent.
FINANCIAL & PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Traditional goes digital, but does it really want to?
The Financial and Professional sector is an industry built on traditional operations - from face to face meetings, to suits and ties, to swanky, city centre offices. But has the global pandemic turned it all on its head? With reports of Professional giants such as Deloitte downsizing office space whilst ex Goldman Sachs boss expresses horror at remote working as the norm, is the F&P sector now doing things differently or is it ‘business as usual’. During the conference our speakers will discuss the changes for good enforced by the past 12 months and address how even the most traditional industry can’t stop the tide of technological change.
Can I pay with Bitcoin for that NFT?
If you didn’t understand that question, this might be the panel for you as we explore the world of FinTech. In 2020 the government commissioned The Kalifa Review of UK FinTech which highlights the opportunity to create highly skilled jobs across the UK, boost trade and extend the UK’s competitive edge over other leading FinTech Hubs - but how is it proposing we do this and what strides are we already making in this space? Join us as our panel discuss how organisations like the FCA are helping the #FinTech revolution, decentralised finance, electronic institutions and why your collectables might soon be digital.
RETAIL
Goodbye High Street, Hello AR Street?
In a year that saw retail giants like Debenhams, Topshop and Thorntons disappear from the high street for good, we’re asking what next for retail? Easing of lockdown means we’re free to go back to the high street - but will we? The global pandemic has forced advances in shipping and logistics and savvy retailers have stepped up their online experience to meet demand. You no longer need to “be in the shop” to ‘see in the shop’ - VR has taken care of that and no more guessing if that sofa will look great in your living room thanks to AR. In fact there’s no reason to go to a physical shop again or is there?
GREEN TECH
Building green growth, getting to Zero by 2050
The world we live in is changing and never more than in the past year, the UK demographic is evolving. The population is growing and expected to increase to 73m by 2041 and the number of people aged 65+ is also projected to rise to 26% of the population by the same year. It’s crucial then that we change how we plan our environment, how people live and work differently in a way that is more environmentally sound than ever. The UK is committed to reaching net-zero emissions by 2050 and Manchester by 2038 but how are we going to get there? Our panel will be discussing this plus how we can empower real change through our property and transport sectors to enable a greener future for all.
CYBER CRIME
From Royal Mail to National Insurance, Cyber Crime: Part and Parcel of the new world?
2020 was the year the world truly went digital and with the increase in usage came an increase in those looking to exploit the online world. We’ve all been targeted by cybercriminals by now and most of us know how to spot it but as much as tech is constantly improving, so too are cyber criminals now posing as trusted and reputable organisations such as Royal Mail or National Insurance. More people than before are getting caught out and that’s a huge problem. We now have more data than ever on our computers and smartphones. We work, educate and operate our lives through our devices so how can we protect ourselves? Our panel will be discussing this plus taking a look at data ownership and how regulations simply can’t keep up with the evolution of tech and those who seek to exploit it.
HEALTH TECH
Post-Pandemic Healthcare: What’s next?
If there was ever a year when the UK health service was under scrutiny it was this one, pushed to it’s very limits followed by a truly remarkable and life-changing vaccination programme. But outside of the pandemic, what has been happening in healthcare to make the lives of the provider and the patient simpler? From the advent of organisations like Push Doctor, removing the need for a physical appointment, to smart ambulances that allow patients to be treated by consultants via video link before they reach a hospital. Our panel will discuss these innovations plus what the future of health provision looks like from health records being fully accessible to all patients and prescriptions being delivered by drone.
SKILLS & EDUCATION
Closing the gap, the changing face of talent and education
From endless Zoom calls to Google Classroom, we’ve been working and learning online for the majority of the pandemic, and a change that at first was forced upon us has become the norm for many businesses and educational providers. For employers, the move to remote working has meant an opening up of the talent pool where once only a Manchester-based candidate will do now the whole of the UK and further afield are potential talent hotspots for tech. Our panel will be discussing how remote delivery has impacted both education and the workplace for the better plus we’ll be taking a look at the future of training and skills and how employers can approach both recruitment and onboarding differently in a new virtual world of talent.
FINANCIAL & PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Traditional goes digital, but does it really want to?
The Financial and Professional sector is an industry built on traditional operations - from face to face meetings, to suits and ties, to swanky, city centre offices. But has the global pandemic turned it all on its head? With reports of Professional giants such as Deloitte downsizing office space whilst ex Goldman Sachs boss expresses horror at remote working as the norm, is the F&P sector now doing things differently or is it ‘business as usual’. During the conference our speakers will discuss the changes for good enforced by the past 12 months and address how even the most traditional industry can’t stop the tide of technological change.