North AI Hub Launch Event

We’re so excited to officially launch our February North AI Hub event and look forward to welcoming everyone in the new year.

This session will bring together regional experts and practitioners to discuss the latest innovations in AI, explore practical applications, and share how we can better support businesses and individuals on their AI adoption and innovation journey. From real-world tools and use cases to people-first and regional perspectives, the agenda has been designed to be practical, relevant, and grounded in what organisations need right now.

We can’t wait to see you in February and kick off the next chapter of North AI Hub together.

Agenda
10:00 – 10:05 | Welcome & Opening Remarks
North AI Hub
A short introduction to the North AI Hub, the purpose of the session, and what attendees can expect from the morning.

Morning Sessions – Part 1
10:05 – 10:20 | AI in Context: The NEBRC Perspective
Martin Wilson – North East Business & Resilience Centre (NEBRC)
An overview the NEBRC, AI in policing and a discussion of the pros and cons of AI adoption in SMEs.
10:20 – 10:35 | The Latest Advancements in Microsoft Copilot
Steve Newton – Microsoft
A practical look at where Copilot is today, what’s coming next, and how organisations are using it to drive productivity and better decision-making.
10:35 – 10:50 | The North East AI Growth Strategy
Jamie Hardesty – Sunderland Software City
A regional perspective on AI, including insights from work with the Combined Authority and what the North East AI Growth Strategy means for local businesses.

10:50 – 11:05 | Refreshment Break
☕ Tea, coffee, and informal networking.

Morning Sessions – Part 2
11:05 – 11:20 | Marketing Meets AI: Using Copilot in the Real World
Megan Holland – Howell Technology Group (HTG)
Practical examples of how Copilot is being used in marketing teams today, from content creation to insight generation, grounded in real business experience.
11:35 – 11:50 | People-First AI: The Questions Leaders Must Ask
Laura Mitchell – People First AI
A focused, practical session on governance, ethics, culture, and risk, helping leaders adopt AI in a way that builds trust, clarity, and confidence.
11:20 – 11:35 | The BIC, Innovation, and AI in the North East
Paul McEldom – Business & Innovation Centre (BIC)
An overview of the BIC’s AI agenda and how businesses can access innovation support, programmes, and regional opportunities.

11:50 – 12:45 | Refreshments & Networking
☕ Tea, coffee, and networking
An opportunity to connect with speakers, peers, and the wider North AI Hub community.