ICT Cluster Conference 2008
20/11/2008National Motorcycle Museum, Bickenhill, Birmingham, B92 0EJ
Register for a complimentary place at the Conference »Synopsis
The ICT Conference, now in its fifth year, is one of the region’s most important ICT events and takes place at the National Motorcycle Museum, Solihull, on Thursday 20 November 2008. This is your opportunity to share in what has happened, be part of what is happening and influence the future direction in one of the fastest growing industry sectors.
Hosted again by Stuart Linnell MBE, delegates at this year’s conference will discover what SMEs need to be aware of, how they can innovate their business and the tools and techniques they can take away to implement within their own business.
Previous delegates’ comments include:
- “Excellent, Great opportunity to network and gain knowledge on ICT”
- “Inspired thoughts and connections”
- “Well organised, well attended, good line up of speakers”
Inspiration
This year’s keynote speaker, Wendy Mars, Systems Engineering Director of Cisco,
will share her vision on ‘Achieving success in the Global Marketplace’.
By popular demand, Wendy will be interviewed by Stuart Linnell, the Conference Host. Delegates are invited to
submit their questions to the organisers prior to the day of the conference.
Industry Expertise
Learn from the ICT industry’s leading experts on effective ways to make your
business grow. Peter Cochrane, Chairman of Cochrane Associates, formerly
BT’s futurologist, presents his views on the opportunities available and how
ICT businesses of all sizes can compete in the current economic climate.
Mark Bental, CTO of European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company
(EADS) speaks on ‘why he cannot he cannot give away £3 million’.
Learn from the workshops hosted by the experts on: how to access some
of the €9 Billion of funding available through EU programmes; how to use
innovative thinking, key tools and techniques employed by the world’s most
successful companies; how to engage and become a supplier to even the
largest of businesses; the latest issues relating to ICT security and what are
the emerging markets all ICT businesses should be addressing.
Innovation
Future Directions in ICT – The Business Opportunities. Your opportunity to
learn from and to question the panel of experts on the Future Direction of
ICT and predicted business opportunities.
Internet Café and Exhibition
To help the busy executive to keep in touch with their office we have
provided a free internet facility which will be available from 8am to
8pm. The exhibition include a range exhibitors who are engaged in
supporting the ICT sector from advice on funding and support to a
demonstration of some of the technologies.
The ICT Excellence Awards
The excitement of the 2007 Awards will be repeated this year at the
Fourth Annual ICT Excellence Awards 2008 which will once again be held as a separate even
commencing shortly after the Conference closes.
Beginning with a Drinks and Canapé reception the Awards
celebrate the achievements of the region’s most successful ICT
businesses. In addition to the ICT Excellence Awards, Accredit UK are
presenting certificates to businesses that have successfully achieved
the required standards of the UK’s pre-eminent ICT supplier standard.
How to Register
Do not miss the chance to be involved in shaping the future of the
ICT industry in the West Midlands. Register to attend this conference
NOW. Spaces are limited to ensure all delegates have an opportunity
to participate fully. Places are complimentary, however due to the
heavy demand for places a charge of £49 + VAT will be applied for
non attendance if not cancelled 48 hours prior to the conference.
Book your place at
www.ncc.co.uk/wmict
or email
events@ncc.co.uk
Programme
08.00 |
Networking, Complimentary Breakfast and Exhibition |
08.30 |
Conference Registration |
09.00 |
Welcome & introduction
Stuart Linnell, MBE, award-winning broadcaster and regular host of the conference. |
09.05 |
The challenges confronting ICT businesses and the West Midland’s response.
Speaker - Chair of the ICT Cluster Opportunity Group |
09.20 |
Keynote Presentation – Achieving success in the Global Marketplace through Innovation
Wendy Mars, Systems Engineering Director, Cisco Systems |
10.00 |
Innovation – The secret to growing your business
Speaker - Mark Bental, CTO of European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS) |
10.40 |
Engaging in EU funded programmes - vision, actions and challenges for businesses.
Speaker - Mr Santucci, Head of ICT Enterprise for Networking, European Commission. |
11.15 |
BREAK AND EXHIBITION |
11.30 |
Future Directions in IT - The Business Opportunities
A Panel Discussion of where technology is going and future business opportunities. The panel comprises:
Chairman - Peter Cochrane, Calum Brannon (youmeo), Oracle (TBC) and Mcafee (TBC) |
12.15 |
WORKSHOP ONE
Strategy Stream - How SMEs can work with large corporate organisations
Speaker - Martin Rice, CEO, Erudine
WORKSHOP TWO
Technology Stream - ICT Security - The risks, the opportunities and the unknown
Speaker - TBC Mcafee
WORKSHOP THREE
European Stream - Seizing the opportunity - the next FP7 ICT Call (November 2007)
Speaker - Peter Walters, UK National Contact
|
13.15 |
LUNCH, NETWORKING AND EXHIBITION |
14.30 |
WORKSHOP FOUR
Strategy Stream - Marketing Innovation - How to make your company stand out from the crowd
Speaker - Gary McQuade, Director, Winning Pitch
WORKSHOP FIVE
Technology Stream - Emerging Business - The opportunities for SMEs from a Corporate perspective
Speaker - TBC Oracle
WORKSHOP SIX
European Stream - Build your business through collaboration - exploiting European funding opportunities for Knowledge & Innovation for Growth
Speakers - Peter Walters, UK National Contact, Dr Richard Leary MBE, Richard Tufts |
15.30 |
Keynote Presentation
by Peter Cochrane – Chairman, Cochrane Associates, OBE
A seasoned IT professional with over 40 years of technology
and operational experience. An internationally sought after
author and consultant renowned for his out of the box thinking
as a futurist, business guru, and an agent of change who invests
in new business start ups. |
16.15 |
Close of Conference & Prize Draw
Stuart Linnell MBE, Conference Chair |
16.30 |
Networking
After the conference delegates are encouraged to remain behind to continue networking. |
THE 2008 ANNUAL ICT EXCELLENCE AWARDS
17.00 |
Awards Drinks & Canape Reception
Sponsored by Accredit UK |
17.45 |
Presentations of the ICT Excellence Awards:
ICT Excellence Award for Best Innovative Product
ICT Excellence Award for Best Innovative Service
ICT Excellence Award for Best Added Value Product/Service
ICT Excellence Award for Best Added Value Project
ICT Excellence Award for Best Knowledge Transfer
ICT Excellence Award for Overall Champion
ICT Excellence Award – Chair’s Award for Excellence |
19.30 |
Hospitality and Networking |
21.00 |
Close of ICT Excellence Awards |