MTF CORE CONFERENCE

24.9.25 - 25.9.25

About the conference

VICTORIA BATHS, ManchesteR
8:30am - 5pm & Evening Social

Over two fast-paced days, immerse yourself in the future of tech as you engage with expert speakers, discover the latest innovations at the Tech Expo, and connect with fellow professionals during our evening socials. Whether you’re a CEO or a tech newcomer it’s the perfect opportunity to level up your knowledge and expand your network.
 
New for 2025: Our Innovation and Tech4Good Showcase will be showcasing technology that’s making a real difference, plus dedicated hands-on workshops will offer you the opportunity to tackle the issues that matter most.
 
More than just a conference, this is the place where real techies come to connect, learn, and collaborate

Orlando
Machado

Former Chief Data Officer
LEGO Group & Empiriq board member

Ron
Thompson

Former Government Executive
& Chief Data Officer, NASA & Empiriq board member

INTRODUCING OUR HEADLINE SPEAKERS

We are over the moon to announce our headline speakers for MTF 2025! Ron Thompson Ex CDO NASA will be flying over from Washington D.C for a live Q&A! Plus Orlando Machado the former CDO of The LEGO Group will be joining us for his own live Q&A before joining Ron Thompson on a panel to discuss their experience of adapting to change and the future of AI. 

What to expect

Our Core conference is designed to cater for everyone in the community and includes:

Discover our Main stage, built around what is currently urgent, topical and developing in the tech space. This can range from more socially conscious discussions to the more granular, techie topics. This year we are delighted to bring to our main stage two Keynote Speakers (to be announced!). Across the two days our main stage will feature 2 keynote talks with live Q&A, 10 tech talks and 2 panel discussions.

Step into our Tech Expo, where over 15 forward-thinking tech companies are ready to connect, inspire, and collaborate. Whether you’re looking to kickstart your career in tech or scale up your business, the Expo is your go-to space to meet the people and products shaping the future. With breakout areas designed for deeper conversations and plenty of time built into the agenda to explore, the Expo Hall is more than just a showcase — it’s a hub of opportunity, innovation, and connection.he festival to browse the expo! 

Discover the future of technology at our Tech and Innovation Showcase, where 15 pioneering companies come together to demonstrate how their innovations are transforming lives. From revolutionising education with immersive learning platforms to advancing healthcare through AI-driven diagnostics and wearable tech, this showcase puts life-changing technology front and centre

Inclusivity is at the heart of Manchester Tech Festival and we work hard to ensure all of our spaces throughout the festival work for everyone. That’s why we have a number of calm zones and mental health spaces giving you the opportunity to retreat and reboot in a calm, quit space away from the hustle and bustle of the festival. 

Introducing our Charity Workshop Room – a unique space where purpose meets practicality. Here, you’ll have the chance to take part in ten-minute speed networking sessions with a range of inspiring charities, each ready to share how you can make a meaningful impact through your business. Whether it’s supporting local communities, championing sustainability, or driving social change, you’ll discover simple, effective ways to embed charitable partnerships into your work – with minimal effort and maximum impact.nd real insights take centre stage.

New for 2025! The MTF event app is a virtual environment which puts you in the centre of the festival! Log on, explore sessions and choose your own agenda. Plus! Interact with other guests, access pre-conference content, pose questions to our speakers and more! The best part? You get access to the app for upto 6 months after the festival where all of our talks will be posted so you don’t need to worry about missing a thing! 

SPEAKERS

Discover this years speaker bio’s by clicking the images below!

Orlando Machado

Former Chief Data Officer
LEGO Group &
Empiriq
board member

Ron Thompson

Former Government Executive
& Chief Data Officer,
NASA & Empiriq board member

Elena Korenko

Head of Language Development & Intercultural Communication
Godel Technologies Europe

Matt Squire

CTO
Fuzzy Labs

Clare Sudbery

Technical & Leadership Coach
Sudbery Software Engineering Ltd

Mark West

Assistant director - innovation
Roke

Adam Flemming

Chief Innovation Officer
Apadmi

Rob Scott

Producer &
Immersive Technologist

Mark West

Assistant director - innovation
Roke

Purchase your pass

Tickets for our Core Conference are £36 each and include admission to the day conference at Victoria Baths and the evening social. Ticket prices also include access to the MTF event app for 2 months prior to the festival and 6 months after.

What's On

Ron Thompson

Ex-CDO
NASA

SESSION OVERVIEW:

Join our main stage for a live Q&A with Ex-CDO of NASA, Ron Thompson. 

Mark West
Assistant director – innovation
Roke

SESSION OVERVIEW:

It might seem that any day now, quantum technology is going to change the world. Quantum computers are going to make all encryption pointless;they will allow us to calculate almost anything far faster than classical computers. Is this true? And, if so, when? Is quantum technology just about quantum computers? What about quantum cryptography and more? This talk will take us on a high-level tour of how quantum technology might change our world and maybe dip a toe into the weirdness of the quantum world. We’ll explore a range of quantum technologies, not just quantum computers, and do some myth-busting about our quantum future.

Elena Korenko
Head of Language Development and Intercultural Communication
Godel Technologies Europe

SESSION OVERVIEW:

Welcome & Introduction
A brief overview of why intercultural competence is essential for diverse, distributed tech teams, and how it supports innovation and inclusion.
2. The Culture Map: A Tool for Global Teams
An introduction to Erin Meyer’s Culture Map, a practical framework for understanding cultural differences in workplace behaviours and expectations.
3. Mapping Key Cultural Differences
Explore how cultures vary in their views on authority, decision-making, and communication, illustrated with real examples from international tech environments.
4. High-Context vs. Low-Context Communication
Examine how cultures differ in the way they communicate: understand how implicit vs. explicit communication styles affect team dynamics, remote collaboration, and daily interactions.
5. Giving & Receiving Feedback Across Cultures
Best practices for delivering constructive feedback within culturally diverse teams, with practical examples from the IT environments.
6. Building Trust Across Cultures
Compare task-based vs. relationship-based trust and discuss how these concepts influence collaboration, reliability, and conflict resolution in multicultural teams.
7. Practical Tips for Inclusive Teamwork
Offer some tips and strategies to promote inclusive communication, mutual respect, and effective teamwork in multicultural settings.
8. Q&A and Interactive Wrap-Up
 

ERob Scott
Producer and Immersive Technologist

SESSION OVERVIEW:
What happens when your AI sees through your eyes and whispers in your ear? This isn’t a line from science fiction; it’s the near-future we’re about to be designing.

We are at the confluence of two transformative technologies: Augmented Reality (AR), which overlays our world with digital information, and hyper-personal AI. When these two converge, our relationship with technology will fundamentally change, giving us a constant collaborator that guides our work, enhances our creativity, and reshapes our lives.

This workshop, led by a former BBC R&D Producer and leader of the VR Manchester Community, moves beyond the basics of XR to tackle the profound questions and creative opportunities of this new paradigm. It’s a 90-minute session for developers, students, and tech leaders who want to actively speculate on the next paradigm of computing.

First, we’ll set the scene with a rapid-fire overview of AR and the current trajectory of personal AI. We’ll explore the immense potential of a true human-machine partnership, but also touch upon the critical ethical and user experience challenges it presents.

Then, you’ll prototype this future. In your groups, you will tackle a provocative design challenge: Build a low-fi prototype of a service powered by an ever-present, all-seeing AI assistant. Using simple materials, you will physically mock up an AR interface for this service. Your task is not just to show how it would work, but to imagine one brilliant, world-changing use case and one “wacky” or genuinely worrying unintended consequence.

This is a hands-on exercise in speculative design, pushing you to think critically and creatively about the products and services you might one day build. We’ll wrap up with quick-fire demos from each group, showcasing your ingenious and cautionary visions of our AI-powered future.

You will leave with more understanding of the AR and AI horizon, practical experience in thinking through the UX of complex future tech, and hopefully a funny story about the time you designed something truly thought provoking in less than an hour.

Orlando Machado

Ex-CDO
The LEGO Group

SESSION OVERVIEW:

Join our main stage for a live Q&A with Ex-CDO of the LEGO Group, Orlando Machado.

Clare Sudbery
Technical and leadership coach
Sudbery Software Engineering Ltd

SESSION OVERVIEW:

How technical do technical leaders have to be? Are you worried that you’re too hands-on, or not hands-on enough? Are you exhausting yourself trying to keep up with every technical detail in your domain?

Sometimes individual contributors are promoted to leadership positions and worry that they won’t be as hands-on as they used to be. Sometimes they worry that they no longer have time to stay up to date with modern technology and / or the state of their team’s code base(s). Sometimes it’s the other way around: Somebody who has never been hands-on in the technical realm is given a leadership position, and worries they’re “not technical enough”.

Whatever your position, this workshop will help you to overcome your worries and figure out the best attitude and approach for you and your circumstances.

TAKEAWAYS:

• How to embrace the difference between individual contributor and technical leader
• How to take a step back from “knowing all the things”
• How to make the most of the knowledge and experience of your team
• How to identify when technical knowledge matters, and when it doesn’t
• How to identify the things you need to know

AFTER PARTY

Our evening socials offer the perfect setting to forge new connections, exchange insights, and build valuable relationships within the tech community. With a vibrant atmosphere, delicious refreshments, and opportunities to engage with industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and like-minded enthusiasts, this evening social is the ideal platform to relax, unwind, and expand your professional network.

Day 1 – Mother Marys 7-9 New Wakefield St, Manchester M1 5NP

Day 2 – Abel Heywood, 38 Turner St, Manchester M4 1DZ

 
I’ve never seen a conference with such a high level of visible diversity and inclusion, and I’ve never seem so many delegates that were positively BUZZING from all of the inspirational talks and stories. What a brilliant, brilliant day.

Thank you to all the organisers, I can’t wait for next year!
Paul O'Donnell
Attendee
So many ‘WIT’ events focus on how women need to lean in. They are all focused on how women need to change. My biggest takeaway from today is that we need to talk more about changing the system. Not about changing women in under-represented groups. Honestly the best conference I’ve been to for a long time.
Holly Donohue
Attendee
The unfiltered requirement did not miss. Each speaker brought their authentic selves to that stage and very moving stories. Thank you all for your honesty and openness. Thank you for the most inclusive agenda I’ve seen.

You understood that representation would matter, and rose to the challenge!
Natalie Navickas
Attendee

JOIN OR SPONSOR COMMUNITY

From an exhibition stand at our core conference to sponsorship of one of our mid-year events, MTF offers businesses of all sizes an opportunity to join together and engage with the Manchester Tech Ecosystem. 

From boosting brand awareness to securing your next big hire, our sponsorship packages offer a year of benefits designed to hit your business goals, regardless of your priorities!

Enquiry today or explore the different opportunities for MTF 2026

OUR EXHIBITORS

MTF Dish Track Sponsor Logo
OrlandoMachado_MTF

Orlando Machado

ABOUT

Former CDO, LEGO Group & Board Member Empiriq

Orlando Machado is a leading data scientist and AI expert, who has worked at the forefront of digital transformation for major global businesses. Starting his career in academia, he has spent 30 years helping organisations get value out of their data…long before ‘data scientist’ was crowned the ‘sexiest job of the 21st century’.

He was the first Chief Data Officer at the LEGO Group, enabling colleagues at the world’s most reputable brand to take advantage of cutting-edge technologies, whilst protecting the privacy of its most important consumers: children.

He previously led the UK data science and analytics teams for dunnhumby, best known as the data science arm of Tesco, and pioneers in the use of data to understand customers better. He has been Chief Data Scientist at online business MoneySuperMarket, and at insurance company Aviva.

Orlando is a Non-Executive Director at the University of Cambridge, and an advisor to Electrify Video Partners, a startup company that buys and grows YouTube channels. He was previously a Non-Executive Director of Neos, a security technology company acquired by Sky in 2021. Passionate about the advantages of a diverse workforce, Orlando has been a member of the Gender Equality Leadership Team at Business in the Community, and a Mentor for the 30% Club.

Orlando was named a ‘World AI Top 50 innovator’ in 2022, and in 2023 received the DataIQ Professor Derek Holder lifetime achievement award for long-standing contributions to the data industry. He holds a PhD in Statistics from the University of Warwick.
RonThompson

Ron
Thompson

ABOUT

Former Government Executive & Chief Data Officer, NASA

Ron Thompson is a distinguished technology leader with over 30 years of experience in the U.S. Federal Government. He has served in pivotal roles, including Chief Data Officer at NASA and Chief Information Officer at the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

His contributions have earned widespread recognition: in 2023, he received the Technology Lifetime Achievement Award from the Government Business Executive Forum. He was also named one of the Top 100 Worldwide Data Activators in 2022 and featured on the Leading Data Executives list in 2021.

 
MTF_Elena

Elena
Korenko

ABOUT

Head of Language Development and Intercultural Communication | Godel Technologies Europe
With over 20 years of experience in the IT industry and a PhD in Philology, I bring a unique blend of technical understanding and deep cultural insight to my work. I’m currently Head of Language Development&Intercultural Communication at Godel Technologies, where I lead a growing team of language instructors and collaborate closely with technical teams to improve intercultural communication and team dynamics.
My work focuses on empowering employees with the tools and awareness needed to thrive in multicultural, virtual environments. I design and deliver cultural and intercultural sessions across all Godel locations, helping teams integrate more effectively and communicate with confidence across cultural boundaries.
As an experienced speaker, I participate in international conferences and lead workshops on intercultural communication, language, and professional development—sharing strategies for building more inclusive, collaborative, and globally-minded teams.
MTF25_MattSquire

Matt
Squire

ABOUT

CTO | Fuzzy Labs

Matt is a programmer, CTO and co-founder at Fuzzy Labs, where he helps people put AI into production. He enjoys AI, machine learning operations (MLOps), bio-inspired computing and functional programming. He thrives on pushing the boundaries of technology and inspiring others to do the same.
MTF25_ClareSudbery

Clare
Sudbery

ABOUT

Technical and leadership coach | Sudbery Software Engineering Ltd
Clare Sudbery is an independent coach who has worked in software engineering since the mid 90s. She specialises in helping those in technical leadership, and teaching eXtreme Programming (XP) practices such as TDD, refactoring, pairing, continuous integration.

 

In 2009, Clare sharpened her teaching skills via a brief stint as a high school maths teacher… but quickly returned to software, gaining new energy via leadership and XP. Clare taught the Coding Black Females’ Return to Tech programme, runs various online trainings for O’Reilly, and co-ran Made Tech’s academy. She has a passion for helping under-represented groups to flourish in tech.

 

Clare hosted Season One of the acclaimed Making Tech Better podcast, and is in high demand to present workshops and talks at a wide variety of international conferences and events. She blogs at Queen of Questions (https://queen-of-questions.kit.com/
).
MTF25_MArkWEst

Mark
West

ABOUT

Assistant Director – Innovation | Roke
Mark is a career technologist who currently enjoys working in Roke’s CTO team, something that lets him explore a huge range of innovative technologies. In over 25 years at Roke, Mark has delivered projects in networking, cyber, AI and data science. Now he spends his time thinking about technology strategy and where and how Roke should invest in future products, services and capabilities. Mark also represents Roke as a CyberFirst partner and enjoys opportunities to promote careers in science and engineering.
MTF25_AdamFlemming

Adam
Flemming

ABOUT

Chief Innovation Officer | Apadmi

For over 30 years, Adam has been entrenched in the ever-shifting world of technology. Since 2009, he served as the CTO at Apadmi, helping to navigate us through a myriad of tech upheavals and market shifts. Now, as Apadmi’s Chief Innovation Officer, Adam is constantly on the lookout for the next big thing, with a genuine passion for finding emerging technologies which can improve user experience whilst giving Apadmi’s clients a competitive advantage. Adam is experienced in all levels of the software stack, from device drivers to mobile apps to large systems integrations, but he has a keen interest in big data, machine learning, large language models, rapid development and prototyping.

MTF25_RobScott

Rob
Scott

ABOUT

Producer and Immersive Technologist
Rob Scott is a Producer and Immersive Technologist. Formerly a Producer with BBC R&D, Rob has a background in User Experience Design & Information Architecture. He has worked across multiple online products and platforms. Notable immersive projects include AR Education Modules for BBC Bitesize and leading User Research on BBC Civilisations for Magic Leap. Outside of the office, Rob leads the VR Manchester Immersive Community group, and sits as a judge for the 360/VR category of the BAFTA Bolton Film Festival.