• The inaugural Midlands Data & AI Leaders conference took place at Conference Aston on 17 October
• It featured a data and AI markets overview and case studies on digital transformation from British Airways, DS Smith and Bigspark
• Over 130 data and AI leaders from across the UK were in attendance.

Aston University hosted a conference for data and artificial intelligence (AI) leaders from across the UK on Thursday 17 October 2024.

The half-day event, Midland Data and AI Leaders, which was attended by over 130 delegates, began with introductions by Professor Osama Khan, Aston University’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic and Helen Blaikie, the University’s Chief Data and Analytics Officer highlighting on how change is being driven at Aston University through data.

The conference also included a data and AI market overview, market insights and a Q&A session led by Richard Harrison, CEO and founder of Xpertise Recruitment.

This was followed by case studies, including how a FTSE 100 multinational packaging business unlocked an entirely new revenue stream through digital analytics by Adrian Pinder, chief digital and data officer at DS Smith. Bigspark, one of the Sunday Times’ 100 fastest-growing companies and leading British data, AI and technology consultancy shared emerging trends in AI governance and how it is preparing its clients to embrace AI projects.

A panel of industry leaders led a session on developing enterprise-wide data culture transformation moderated by Richard Bovey (AND Digital), Benny Bedford (Datent), Katie Gooblar (Data Literacy Academy) and Lynne Pope (Wesleyan) alongside Helen Blaikie.

The discussion led into round-table discussions facilitated by industry experts on a variety of topics including data security, AI ethics, data and AI literacy, data streaming and data automation.

A key differentiator of this industry conference to many others was the ability to include Aston University’s undergraduate and masters students from its business analytics courses.

Helen Blaikie, chief data and analytics officer, said:

“Our 2030 strategy lays out clear plans for the University to prepare our students to succeed in work and life within a changing world, focusing on the skills sought by employers, engaging students with diverse educational opportunities and exposing them to contemporary industrial experiences and the latest research and practice. What better opportunity for our students to do this than by taking part in an industry event with such a group of senior UK data leaders?”

Professor Victor Chang, professor of business analytics in Aston Business School, said:

“This event has helped students to learn the latest updates, trends and technological solutions presented by the companies present. It’s an example of how Aston University offers additional learning opportunities, whereby students can improve their hands-on knowledge and have possibilities to know their potential future employers better.”

Asmita Pathak, an MSc Business Analytics student at Aston University added:

“One of the highlights of the day was the engaging round-table sessions. It was invigorating to discuss vital topics such as data security and governance with such esteemed leaders in the industry.”

Fellow MSc Business Analytics student Karthik Nagaraja said:

“The biggest takeaway was the importance of connecting with people in the industry. It really made me see how valuable these kinds of events are for learning and building a network. Plus, I got a much better understanding of how data security could turn into one of the most important sectors in the future, and helped me understand how to better position myself for it.”