As AI adoption gathers pace, organisations are under growing pressure to invest and demonstrate where the technology can deliver meaningful business value.
This lunchtime session brings together senior technology leaders with first-hand experience of putting AI into practice. Drawing on real-world examples and lessons from delivery, the panel will explore what it takes to move from ambition and experimentation to measurable results.
The discussion will offer a candid view of the decisions, foundations and trade-offs involved. Speakers will share what they have learned from implementing AI, including the technical, operational and organisational challenges encountered along the way.
During the session, the panel will explore:
- Real-world examples of organisations putting AI into practice
- How leaders are building a compelling business case and giving boards confidence to invest
- The data, engineering and technical foundations needed to deliver AI effectively
- Lessons from moving proofs of concept into production
- How organisations are measuring improvements in productivity, efficiency, quality and delivery speed
- The engineering, operational and organisational costs that can be overlooked
- What experienced leaders would approach differently when starting their AI journey
- How to develop scalable AI capabilities that deliver sustained value
There will also be an opportunity to put your questions to the panel and connect with fellow technology leaders over lunch.
Details
📅 Date: Thursday 1st October 2026
🕒 Time: 12pm-2pm
📍 Location: No.1 Circle Square
💷 Price: Manchester Digital members - Free (4 x tickets per company)
Non members - £30
Manchester Digital members, please check your emails/newsletters or speak to your Community Manager for your discount code to access free tickets.
Spaces are limited - secure your place to gain insight from these senior leaders and connect with peers.
Who should attend?
This session is designed for CTOs, technology and engineering leaders, and senior digital decision-makers responsible for AI strategy, investment or delivery.
It will be particularly relevant to leaders looking to make informed investment decisions, strengthen their organisation’s technical foundations and demonstrate measurable business returns from AI.
This event is aimed at senior leaders and decision makers only, please email kate.wilson@manchesterdigital.com if this does not apply to you but you would like to attend. We reserve the right to cancel any orders.
Speakers
Simon Shaw
Delivery Director
Codurance
Simon is Delivery Director at Codurance, with over 25 years’ experience leading complex programmes across a wide range of sectors, working with organisations of varying scale and maturity.He works with clients and Codurance teams to turn strategy into measurable outcomes, delivering high-quality, sustainable software grounded in software craftsmanship, strong delivery discipline, and a focus on long-term value.
Alan Jackson
Director of Client Solutions
Codurance
Alan is a Director of Client Solutions at Codurance, with more than 20 years’ of experience in technology. Alan works with organisations to shape technology strategies and software delivery approaches that enable meaningful business change. Alan also works with clients to explore how AI-enabled engineering practices and AI-powered systems can unlock new opportunities while maintaining the quality, reliability and discipline required for production systems.
Tripti Anil
Senior Leader, Data & Analytics
Kellanova
Tripti is a commercially focused technology leader with more than 20 years' international experience building and leading eCommerce, digital marketing, IT, and data and analytics teams within large global organisations.
A trusted senior partner to executive stakeholders, she is recognised for leading large-scale transformation, embedding inclusive leadership, and delivering measurable improvements in cost, speed to market and business performance across Europe and AMEA.
Alastair Brown
Group Director of AI and Technology
Peninsula
About Codurance
Codurance is a global software consultancy with a strong presence in Manchester. It helps organisations modernise legacy software and data platforms, strengthen their engineering capabilities and create the foundations needed to adopt AI effectively.
For more than a decade, Codurance has worked with businesses to address complex software challenges, improve delivery and reduce operational costs.
Codurance is also an active contributor to Manchester’s technology community. It sponsors Software Crafters Manchester, a community of more than 2,500 members, runs free monthly sessions and works with organisations across the city to support engineering excellence, knowledge sharing and technology leadership.
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Bring a Tin
We're encouraging all event attendees to bring a tin of food to donate to Mustard Tree, a Manchester charity supporting people facing poverty and homelessness. It’s a small act that could make a big difference. Donations can also be made on the day.
Let’s make doing good part of what we do—together, and let’s make kindness part of the culture.
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At Manchester Digital, we believe in creating an inclusive and diverse community where everyone feels welcome and valued. We are committed to ensuring that all our event attendees have a safe, enjoyable experience that meets their needs.
We invite all attendees to contact us if they have any dietary requirements, accessibility needs, or neurodiversity requirements, or if they require accommodations to respect their cultural or religious needs during their visit. We believe that by working together, we can create an environment that is welcoming to all and allows everyone to fully participate in our events.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are always happy to hear from you and to work with you to ensure that our events are accessible and inclusive for everyone.
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