Bristol Data Intelligence Network | Meetup | Apr 2026

Welcome, Bristol Data Intelligence Network!

Bristol Data Intelligence Network is a community-based networking event bringing people together to meet peers, share stories, and build meaningful relationships around data intelligence.

Hosted by Datacove, award-winning Brighton-based R, Python and Shiny experts, these events also offer inspiring talks, hands-on sessions, and open knowledge sharing, all in a friendly, inclusive environment. Whether you’re just starting out in data or a seasoned expert, there’s always something new to discover, spark your curiosity, and take back to the office.

We run four events each year in Bristol, offering fresh insights, lively discussions, and opportunities to connect with the wider Data Intelligence Network, anchored by the EARL Data Intelligence Conference, our flagship event held in Brighton each October.

The events are supported by the generous team at DeskLodge Bristol.

For more information, sponsorship opportunities, or to get involved as a speaker, contact us at [admin@datacove.co.uk](https://datacove.co.uk/contact/) or visit https://datacove.co.uk

--- Talk Information ---

We’re delighted to be joined by Sriram Nambudri, Senior Solutions Architect, and Masoumeh Parhizkar, Finance Data Expert at Lloyds Banking Group.

Powering Agentic AI Through Data and Knowledge: From Comprehension to Control

In this talk, we explore how data and knowledge truly power modern Al systems, with a particular focus on agentic Al. Rather than treating large language models as black boxes, we break down how Al systems are trained, how they consume data at runtime, and why comprehension. not raw information, is the missing link between data and safe, effective action.

We will examine:

• The difference between data and knowledge, and why databases alone do not create intelligence
• How Al learns during training, fine-tuning, and what actually happens during inference
• The different ways agents consume data — including instructions, guardrails, examples, and domain data
• Why signal-to-noise ratio matters more than data volume, especially in regulated environments
• How agent responsibilities, constraints, and data sources must be carefully separated to avoid confusion, risk, and unintended behaviour
• The evolution from traditional software to fully autonomous agents, and how responsibility and risk shift along the way

--- Schedule & Refreshments ---

Now, refreshments! Drinks and nibbles will be served from 6pm. Talks will commence at 6:30pm/6:45pm and the event will conclude at 8pm. The conversation will continue after the event at a local pub.

--- Sponsorship Information ---

Our event relies heavily on sponsorship from companies that attend. Please contact the organisers or [admin@datacove.co.uk](https://datacove.co.uk/) to get involved.

--- Arrival Instructions ---

Please arrive at DeskLodge House on Redcliffe way. Once reporting to reception, they will escort you upstairs to the event room.

If requiring assistance, the reception at DeskLodge and our organisers will aid you.

What3Words: boss.apron.jams

--- Registration Etiquette ---

At our meetups, the event is sometimes capped by the space. We’re committed to keeping these events accessible for everyone, but to make that possible, we need your help. Please ensure your registration is kept up to date. If your plans change, simply update your RSVP to reflect your availability. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Please feel free to spread the word. We look forward to seeing you all again!